We also saw one of the wedding parties using the X-lounge for after the reception. Like other Excellence properties, guests can splurge on upgraded Excellence Club packages. This was very close to being our favorite as the food here was very authentic and delicious. They will want to take a photo of you with them (or you phone, too! If you have stayed in an Excellence resort before you know that the amenities on offer are always top class. The wait isnt long, so stick around (or maybe have a drink first or head to the Flavour Market next door for some tapas!). My mom and I had big ambitions to participate in some of the physical activities, like aerial yoga on the beach (how fun right?!) The question of club vs. non-club is asked all the time on the forums. When it comes to food, the resorts 11 restaurants offer numerous options from casual spots to fine-dining. I am big on details from big to small so this review will cover a lot. The service is amazing as it always is at Excellence Resorts. You can break large bills at the front desk for ones if youre running low. The biggest question when youre considering an all-inclusive resort is the quality of the food. Theres always some type of entertainment going on. We passed so many doors with celebratory banners on them, and its not hard to understand why: Excellence El Carmen offers a great price point and value for money, and is known to provide a top-tier stay in a tropical paradise. The food here was the best we had in the resort and the minimalist Japanese decor really added to the experience. . If you find there are any other questions you have that I dont cover, feel free to get in touch with me! Serving up all of the traditional dishes there are the classics and some dishes that you probably have never heard of before. Getting married here seems to be a very popular choice. There are only a few tables though, so you have to book the morning you want to eat to get a reservation. Access to twelve private pools and seven jacuzzis (hot water) in the pool area. Your best option is a 35-minute drive from the resort. As well as the staple options such as an omelet station for breakfast and a burger station for lunch and dinner. Lobster doesn't cost extra either. Adults-Only Luxury at Excellence Riviera Cancun, What to Pack for an All-Inclusive Resort Vacation, The Best Adults-Only Resorts in Mexico for a Romantic Getaway, What to Include in a DIY Travel Medical Kit, Why You Need to Stay at El Dorado Casitas Royale, Mexico, 20 Cheap Travel Items Under $20 (that are actually useful!). Perks include upgraded rooms; upgraded room-service menus, minibars, and toiletries; and access to a private lounge with concierge services. At the Excellence Club, every detail of your stay has been upgraded with seamless perks and over-the-top offerings. The park has a number of sinkholes and caves that can be explored. This resort was beautiful!!!! Its important to remember the Excellence dress code! The options are endless. If youre sharing with a friend or a family member (like my mom and I did), we just called out to each other that we were indecent and to avert your eyes. If you are travelling from North America, you do not need to bring an adapter with you. We went on the day they had tacos and it was SO good. When my lovely friends invited me to their destination wedding at Excellence El Carmen, how could I say no? Answer 1 of 6: My husband and I are looking into going to EEC and we are wondering if the Excellence Club is worth it. Excellence El Carmen is a luxury adults-only all-inclusive resort that sits along an idyllic beach in Punta Canas laid-back Uvero Alto. I was confused because were in an EC building, and its the room we booked, but apparently not all of building 9 is EC. This category reimagines Dominican Republic resorts in an adults only oasis that delights the senses. Open-plan bathrooms are spacious and include tan granite or black marble vanities plus double sinks. The honeymoon package also was meant to include a rose petal filled bath in the room after dinner on the beach, which never happened, despite telling concierge 3 times, on each night we went back to the room in the hope for the bath to be filled, but nope, never happened. We loved the modern vibe to the resort; the clean architectual look, the immaculate gardening and landscaping, and the freshness of it all. I was under the impression that EC guests had an upgraded minibar, but there was a bit of confusion with our room, since they said only Excellence Club can swap out bottles (this is not true, by the way), and we said we were Excellence Club. We often started our days with a couple glasses of mimosas and you will never be far from your next drink. You will likely not even realize what you are "missing" being non club. Do not miss the huge savings! For Excellence Club guests, dont miss Magna! An Italian offering that serves up all of the staple dishes you would expect from your local Italian. The patio is HOT, so I think not having the pool wouldve made it nearly unbearable to sit out there (at least during the first week of August!). Youll find all kinds of entertainment throughout the day, from water activities and games (you may even be roped into it, but dont feel like you have to attend! Excellence is known for their corporate responsibility and they look after their staff, and it shows through the service you receive. Excellence El Carmen suites are some of the most attractive that we've seen in the Punta Cana region. If you want a little pick-me-up, there are fruit cups, snacks, and gelato here, too! For a more serene atmosphere, dont miss the pools by buildings 11-16. You can grab a coconut at the swim up bar most days where you can have any drink you want inside of it. Is the bathroom private? The room is spacious and modern with a HUGE hidden walk-in closet with plenty of hangers, shelving, robes, a steamer, and a safe. The people (and pets) are so fun. Rounds here range from $100 $150 depending on the time of day you play and the season. Best Adult Only All Inclusive in Punta Cana? The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". We frequented this little shop to get specialty coffee drinks, browse the different pastries and macaroons that were constantly available, and grab an ice cream cone. We love the whole adults only thing and the dining options that the Excellence offer hence why we feel that nothing else compares and why we have booked to stay at EEC. Valet parking is free at the resort and theres free Wi-Fi throughout the property. We have booked to stay at EEC for 2 weeks from opening day! Flavour Market is a great spot for tapas, sharing, and light bites. Just something that you might not have considered that might help you decide. I like a mix of $1s, $5s and $10s when we travel to all-inclusive resorts. For a more classic Caribbean beachfront all-inclusive with similar amenities, rates are comparable at the nearby sister resort,Excellence Punta Cana. Plan your next vacation using these tools! Book flights: SkyScanner Book hotels: Booking.com Book car rentals: RentalCars.comBook tours: GetYourGuide Local food experiences: EatWithFavourite travel item: Packing cubesFavourite travel bag: Osprey 40L Fairview ESims: Airalo DIY Travel Medical Kit 20 Cheap Travel Items Under $20. Booking through Westjet Vacations, we took a shared bus to the hotel, which wasn't as good as the SUV car service that the hotel provided. The food here was top-notch. The buffet, Kitchen Table, has options for everyone Id be shocked to learn if someone couldnt find something they liked. Even an extra dollar or two goes a long way in improving their quality of life. It never took longer than 5-10 minutes to walk to anywhere we wanted to go. Chez Isabelle is a quiet restaurant to visit for a romantic meal and the decor is beautiful. However, there are some subtle differences worth considering before booking. When we stayed in mid-2019 we paid $2,800 USD for 7 days. It was pure heaven. Oddly enough, it was never too busy when we went there and we put it down to people not loving Tapas as the food here was top-notch. We had some insightful conversations with some of the employees there and they really love their jobs and are grateful for them. White linen table cloths and a wonderful aesthetic give Chez Isabelle a sense of class as you dine. All-inclusive rates cover meals at 11 restaurants (including several a la carte eateries) and top-shelf drinks, plus 24-hour room service and activities like snorkeling, Spanish lessons, and beach volleyball. The park also boasts a range of other activities including ziplines, animal parks, and the impressive surrounding forest. There are entirely separate menus for that. Who has had experience with the Excellence Club at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Im not kidding people were shocked when they saw the photos. There is a beautiful swan-neck fountain in the corner of the pool which adds to the ambience. Ive talked to quite a few people during our time here about that experience. The food was top quality and the atmosphere was great. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Book Excellence El Carmen, Uvero Alto on Tripadvisor: See 9,464 traveler reviews, 12,158 candid photos, and great deals for Excellence El Carmen, ranked #3 of 9 hotels in Uvero Alto and rated 4.5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. The evening cleaning was more of a turndown service. As Excellence Club guests, we were given a free hydrotherapy session to use during our stay, which is always a must for me to experience! Feeling hungry late at night? Excellence Club Amenities A Tailored Experience at the Best Adults Only Resorts in Punta Cana Private check-in & check-out / Late check-out & early check-in (subject to availability) Access to private Excellence Club lounge (7:00 am to 11:00 pm) with concierge service, smart buffets, and bar service Available only to guests that are staying in Excellence club rooms, this bar and restaurant snack area is another place to relax and grab a drink or some food. Flavour Market is ideal for those who want to try a bit of everything without filling up too much on one thing! I gravitate towards dishes with flank steak (we ordered the Puebla and Tamaulipas) its easily one of the best beef options and the most flavourful! We found this place the most difficult to get a booking for at peak times. You can bring this right back to your palapa by the pool or beach to enjoy or eat on the terrace. The resort has tennis courts and free lessons. Stop by the Food Shark food truck, right at the theatre for tacos, burgers, hot dogs, fries and more! The room we stayed in when we visited was a junior swim-up suite. All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Just another site is excellence club worth it el carmen They do advise that you ring before your trip to check availability. Note: Bring your swimsuit with you for hydrotherapy! Or jump to your topic. Excellence El Carmen: 5 star? Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. I love the beach, but Im not much of a beach swimmer since I was young. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. I would recommend the hydrotherapy, plus you may even be given an additional spa discount for another service after. I recommend a one-piece for this, ladies! However, the dress code is one of the reasons why we love Excellence. Room service is another great option for lunch, just keep in mind it takes about 45 minutes to arrive. The only area that we felt a little let down on was the. Our food was delivered hot, and was set up right in our room. (Feb 2022), Are inclusive resorts vs day pass and independent excursions, Ocean El Faro VS Grand Bavaro Princess VS Royalton Bavaro, Thanks for the advice on Punta Cana Princess All Suites. The sand is powdery soft and the oceanfront is lined with palm trees, lounge chairs, and thatched umbrellas. You are greeted with a glass of bubbly and a cold towel. As for swimming pools, Excellence Punta Canas main pool is bigger, but Excellence El Carmen has more rooms with swim-up access or private pools. We always stay in the club area to take advantage of the club anniversary package. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. This one of the Excellence chains has three offerings in the Dominican Republic. The lounge is comfortable with the L-shaped couch, perfect for morning room-service breakfast, or cocktails before heading out for the evening. We knew we'd go back so I thought I would do . Excellence El Carmen, Uvero Alto: "Between the excellence punta Cana and the." | Check out answers, plus 8,668 reviews and 12,158 candid photos Ranked #3 of 9 hotels in Uvero Alto and rated 4.5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. Sorry such a technical question and really appreciate your in depth review of the place. From the Gym, tennis courts, beach volleyball, and water sports they have it all on offer. We did ours at 9:00 am and we had to nap after because it made us tired haha! We actually skipped lunch this day just so we could fill up. They typically start serving these from around 11 am onwards and are so refreshing. For those who wish to explore down the beach, Tropical Treasures also has great beach side massages and souvenirs. The spa is always one place I love to check out at Excellence Resorts. . It was one of my favourite spots to go to and they open at 8:00 am. Plus, the addition of the Excellence Club lounge and bar makes it a great hangout spot before or after dinner. Lets start off by saying all of the rooms at this resort are massive, so space will never be an issue. Each night in your turn down service the housekeeping staff leave an information sheet with the activities for the next day as well as the special offer for the spa for the next day. You can purchase drinks at the airport to make the ride a little more fun, and perhaps a bit quicker? Dont have time to read this review of Excellence El Carmen right now? Since Aroma opens at 7:00 am, its a great spot to enjoy a morning coffee. They also have a range of pastries and sandwiches on offer. The vibrant colors of the Caribbean are the inspiration behind the dcor at both resorts. Excellence El Carmen Punta Cana is located along a gorgeous sandy beach in Uvero Alto, a quiet beach area that's a far cry from the more touristy beach zones. We sat outside on the terrace and the resort was so pretty lit up at night. Just a note on classes: if you have your heart set on doing one, get there early! Wood-Fired pizzas, rich and creamy pasta dishes, and some really nice seafood options too. Required fields are marked *. The beach does accumulate seaweed on the shoreline, but the staff works tirelessly to keep it off. I understand that spa services and tipping are not, but are all the restaurants, drinks and room service included? There is also a beach area reserved for them, as well as several pools and whirlpools. The Excellence El Carmen is dotted with four-floored buildings (designed to maximize ocean views) that are surrounded by perfectly manicured lawns, towering palm trees, and blossoming flowers such as ixora, hibiscus, and bougainvillea. Excellence El Carmen is a luxury adults-only all-inclusive resort that sits along an idyllic beach in Punta Cana's laid-back Uvero Alto. Our favorite thing was definitely the casino night. Thats what I love about the food here. Unfortunately, there are some guests who havent been to all-inclusives before that dont know that isnt the norm, and pay it. Services cost extra, but guests can book a free session in the gorgeous hydrotherapy circuit, which features a sauna, steam room, plunge pool, and jetted beds. Excellence El Carmen, Uvero Alto: "What's is the difference between the regular." | Check out 8 answers, plus 8,660 reviews and 12,158 candid photos Ranked #3 of 7 hotels in Uvero Alto and rated 4.5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. ), and lobster tails. The bar service is also better on the EC part of the beach. We also only book an Excellence Club Honeymoon Beachfront Swim-Out Suite. We ordered room service twice, once for dinner in the evening and once for breakfast. We have been to ERC twice, once non club, then went club for our honeymoon. Junior Swim-Up Suites, located on the ground floor, offer access to long pools with private nooks outfitted with a swan-neck jet. Smooth as can be. Our all-adult, all-suite world is situated on a beautiful Caribbean beach in a palm grove on the east coast of the Dominican Republic. The Masala beef was the best we have ever had. It was our first DR vacation but we have stayed at 20 . We even had a decent signal on the beach. If you stay in an Excellence Club room those bottles are upgraded. If you don't have it that's not going to ruin your vacation, but if you can swing it it will enhance the experience. Excellence El Carmen, Uvero Alto: "Can anyone who upgraded to Excellence club upon." | Check out answers, plus 8,667 reviews and 12,158 candid photos Ranked #3 of 9 hotels in Uvero Alto and rated 4.5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. It is so relaxing. We ended up trying the cheese sticks, croque monsieur, and Asian chicken salad to share and it was all tasty. In reality, there are really three main pool areas. The resort does a wonderful job of keeping the EC things hidden. As a previous Excellence Resorts guest, I couldn't imagine how the service could get any better! Lunch at the Lobster House and Oregano have the most amazing views. The food at Spice is the real star here, so if you have done Teppanyaki before we advise you to give it a miss. No amount of milk or sugar was going to save that, so we just waddled over to Aroma later on for a caffeine drink. Part of our club honeymoon package was to get a free couples pamper session at the spa, but this was only available at certain times in the evening, which didn't suit us, so we ended up paying for spa treatments during the day. The two beachfront beauties are almost neighbors you can get from one gated entrance to the next in a five-minute drive. The Martini bar is a great place to grab a cocktail and watch the world go by. Ive been looking forward to staying here, and now that Ive fully absorbed all that this stunning resort has to offer after a relaxing getaway, Im excited to share this review with you! This spot does Tapas really well. Feel free to custom make your own! Excellence El Carmen: Excellence Club WORTH IT - See 7,882 traveller reviews, 10,176 candid photos, and great deals for Uvero Alto, Dominican Republic, at Tripadvisor. We brought these ones which were the perfect size, and were easy to inflate, and easy to pack up to bring home! What is the entertainment/music like during the day at the pool?! It seats up to 8 and there is a set menu. Once the info sheet is delivered try and book the treatment for the next day to grab a bargain. , Just an FYI the room service coffee was a bit strong and potent. ), or you can be served over by your palapa. . I also visited DR this year and I can only say it is a wonderful country. You can, of course, enhance your stay by option to upgrade to their paid honeymoon and anniversary package which includes everything in the complimentary package, plus dinner on the beach, and a 40 minute spa package. Its expansive with loads of loungers and areas to relax. If those are things that you would have done anyway and spent money on, I would consider doing the club level for those freebies plus all the other added daily perks of being club. 20 people arrived and the rest had to be turned away. From what we have read from the reviews the Excellence has really stepped up its game in creating a clean and safe environment in these uncertain times. We only experienced the massage included in the hydrotherapy this time, so I cant speak to the couples massage or any other treatments, but I have heard amazing things about the services offered and if the full body massage is anything like the 10 minute one we got, I would be in heaven! If you love seafood, be sure to hit up the Lobster House! You can also grab these at Las Olas when they have their Coco Loco drink station going! This resort is a wonderful place for adults to relax and de-stress, and the Excellence Club in my opinion is absolutely worth it. You definitely get better value for money in the Dominican Republic compared to the likes of Mexico. There are blinds to draw down for privacy if you wish. They do not serve their drinks with straws, so bring your own if you wish! The main pool is close to Las Olas for a bite to eat or you could head over to Oregano or Lobster House for lunch! A Lot of these are connected to the swim-up suites. While interiors are sharp, it's the hotel's lush grounds that give this property its away-from-it-all atmosphere. Excellence El Carmen, Uvero Alto: "How much is the excellence club upgrade" | Check out 5 answers, plus 8 660 reviews and 12 158 candid photos Ranked #3 of 7 hotels in Uvero Alto and rated 4.5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. The EC beach is similar to the non EC but you get the loungers made up for you & concierges to look after you. The balcony was covered in cigarette butts when we checked in. Its definitely on the premium side when you compare it against other resorts in the Punta Cana area, but for what you get it is definitely worth the additional cost. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The staff work so hard, and provide excellent service with a smile. What to Pack for an All-Inclusive Vacation (Plus Free Printable! For honeymoons, you can get this package for free for up to 3 months following your wedding. Once a week, Excellence El Carmen holds a Dominican Night, where you can enjoy dishes unique to the Dominican Republic and enjoy live music and dancing. An Excellence resort AND a wedding? Its a lovely experience. Tip: bring your own floaties with you! It almost feels like you have been whisked to the streets of Barcelona with the standard of food here. The wide and varied selection continues in your room with a packed mini-bar and a number of premium liquor bottles available. Discover a world of rewards with The Excellence Collection Rewards benefits program. There is also an extensive wine on offer if you dont fancy the house wine. If you have been to the Excellence chain of resorts you will be aware of the restaurants as they are the same across the resorts. If youre on a tight schedule or just want to get on with your day, the buffet is your friend. Subscribe and get my Travel Safety Checklist! Reviews/Suggestions. All restaurants, with the exception of Oregano and the Lobster House were located off the main lobby, making everything centrally located in one spot. THE ROOMS. . Re: Excellence El Carmen- Excellence Club, worth it? These cookies do not store any personal information. Although there is no golf course in the resort there are a few options within driving distance of the resort. That, of course, is no fault of the hotel. You always have the option for room service if you want to just veg out at night, too! Mexico Resorts Excellence Playa Mujeres Excellence Riviera Cancun Beloved Hotel Playa Mujeres Caribbean Resorts Excellence Punta Cana The waters were pretty calm, so if youre into ocean swimming this is the spot for you. It was one of my favourite dinner places and had multiple dishes I wanted to try and had excellent service. Horseback riding, biking, tennis, and quality excursions (some fees) Free Wi-Fi throughout. Relaxing mid winter break Dave-Jerseyboy (Wells, United Kingdom) on Feb 04, 2023 This was our 5th visit to DR and the Excellence was a very modern and stylish hotel to spend 9nights all inclusive. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. There is a huge pastry/bread section, a selection of cold cuts and cheeses, gorgeous fruit and colourful juices, an omelette station, and some traditional Dominican foods, too! Anytime we had finished a drink or a meal the staff were on hand to refill or clean away our empty glasses or plates. Your minifridge will be stocked with four bottles of water, club soda, tonic water, fanta, orange juice, coke, and Presidente beer (regular and light). The whirlpools are ideal for enjoying the views and a soak in rainy weather. Although theres no money involved it was a great way to mingle with the other guests. Their guacamole was delicious! Maybe Im just getting older, but I dont like the rough feeling of wet, sandy feet against flip flops or sand in my bits after a day on the beach. I piggybacked on another guests recommendation of the Power Smoothie + strawberries and it tasted like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich! Its open from 6:00 pm 11:30 pm, giving you the fuel you need to keep on going! I LOVE Excellence properties, and Excellence El Carmen is nothing short of an amazing resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. If you buy something through our links, Oyster may earn an affiliate commission. A private lounge, pool, beach, and restaurant are available exclusively for Excellence Club guests, while luxe, in-suite offerings such as private check-in, daily in-suite fresh fruits and petit fours, in-suite sparkling wine and fresh flowers, and complimentary shoe shine . Is Excellence Club Worth it at Excellence El Carmen? Excellence El Carmen, Uvero Alto: 9,457 Hotel Reviews, 12,158 traveller photos, and great deals for Excellence El Carmen, ranked #3 of 7 hotels in Uvero Alto and rated 4.5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. Some rooms add semi-private swim-up pools or completely private rooftop pools. Since you mentioned your anniversary, look at the anniversary packages that you would get for free if you travel over your anniversary and stay for 7 nights. In my opinion, Excellence Club is not worth it at Excellence El Carmen. This is one of the more popular restaurants on the resort. Excellence Club is described as the best adults-only all-inclusive resort experience in the Dominican Republic, with upscale service and elevated offerings. Good to know: In our previous trips to Excellence Playa Mujeres and Excellence Riviera Cancun, we looked forward to the copy of Excellence Times on our bed at turndown. We had just as much fun watching everyone as those who participated in it. Our top recommendations for dishes here are the patatas bravos and the Spanish meatballs. To tribute acts and musical entertainment. (Feb 1, 2022). My mom had a good point if you need to rinse your straws out, it can become inconvenient with having to run to a sink to rinse out, or could possibly make you sick if youre not using bottled water. What let the side down here was the quality of the meat. Men are to wear long pants and closed-toed shoes for dinner and collared shirts, and women in dresses/capris/skirts with elegant shoes (no flip flops permitted). We really cant fault the Excellence EL Carmen for its cleanliness. The main pool is located quite close to the beach and then two additional pools are located near buildings 12-16. Massages and salon services are available at the full-service spa, as is a free hydrotherapy circuit, and the excellent gym offers daily yoga and aerobics classes free of charge. The club pool at ERC had very few beds with umbrellas and being fair skinned i need shade, so found myself having to join in the early morning fight for a bed, it sounds like there will be plenty of club pools at EEC so I suppose that wouldn't be a problem. Yes, a shuttle service from the airport can be requested. A steakhouse in an all-inclusive is not normally a good pairing and sadly the Grill at the Excellence El Carmen was no different. It felt like a newer resort. Spice also has a fun option for groups and for a live cooking show: the Hibachi! The setup outside is really beautiful and should be experienced if youre there even if you dont have a full meal just so you can see some of the entertainment! Excellence Club guests get private access to a top-notch restaurant that opens for breakfast and dinner.
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