The rooms are choicely designed with a great aesthetic. Excellence El Carmen is very similar in terms of amenities to its sister property Excellence Punta Cana, which is just a five-minute drive away. But have you ever checked into an all-inclusive resort and noticed that some guests have access to otherwise restricted restaurants, premium alcohol, luxe pools, more comfortable beach chairs, and, Aerial View of Excellence Punta Cana/Oyster If youve been researching the best adults-only luxury hotels in Punta Cana, youve likely come across the sister properties Excellence Punta Cana and Excellence El Carmen. It does not store any personal data. I worry about hidden fees- is EVERYTHING Included in all inclusive? Excellence Club at Excellence El Carmen Built as an exclusive haven within a world-class resort, the Excellence Club unlocks a host of upgraded amenities, added perks, intuitive service, and exclusive areas. We went on the day they had tacos and it was SO good. My husband doesn't drink and I may have one drink a day at most so the liquor is not of value to us, however, we are interested in the spa treatments included in the excellence club as well as the room location being closer to the beach/better view. You will also use the Excellence app for ordering at the restaurants they have shifted away from the hard-copy menus to digital (although Im sure you could request one if you preferred it). Thats part of the reason why we love all-inclusive resorts so much! I would still go. For a more classic Caribbean beachfront all-inclusive with similar amenities, rates are comparable at the nearby sister resort,Excellence Punta Cana. Excellence El Carmen: 5 star? There are tons of bars throughout the resort. ), and then charge you a ridiculous amount for it. If youre celebrating your anniversary or honeymoon, be sure to take advantage of that at Excellence El Carmen! The whirlpools are ideal for enjoying the views and a soak in rainy weather. From the Gym, tennis courts, beach volleyball, and water sports they have it all on offer. My husband doesn't drink and I may have one drink a day at most so the liquor is not of value to us, however, we are interested in the spa. To some it definitely seems like the EC is worth it, but by the sounds of it to me and the wife, I think we'll be just fine with our first room choice even though the EC is not an option. The poolside service was always quick, the entertainment staff were a blast, the waiters were so courteous and attentivethe list goes on. We got to give a shout-out to Adriano who served us every day at the beach. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". At all of the Excellence resorts, the check-in process is really an experience. Resort recs for relaxing, great beach, hot tub?
Excellence Club | Excellence El Carmen Ecological park with flamingos and macaws on-site. Just as an FYI if youre walking around indecently with the blinds open. Im glad there were other couples there laughing, because some of you cant help but laugh! They have a large menu with all of the smoothies combinations under the sun. If you are looking for the quality of an Excellence resort and are looking for a cheaper option compared to their Cancun and Jamaica offerings then the El Carmen is the resort for you. This is an adults-only resort, if youre looking for a quality resort that is on the same level as the Excellence El Carmen, but you can bring the kids then we suggest checking out the Finest Playa Mujeres which is a sister hotel to the Excellence. If you like sushi, maki, and noodle dishes, head to Spice! Access to twelve private pools and seven jacuzzis (hot water) in the pool area. They typically start serving these from around 11 am onwards and are so refreshing. Our top recommendations for dishes here are the patatas bravos and the Spanish meatballs. 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. There is no need to be rude to the vendors, but learn to say no, and then to avoid eye contact if they keep not taking no for an answer. The location of the resort is also pretty secluded, so its not the best if you want to get out and about to explore local towns and things to do. I understand its how they make money, but they can be quite pushy, so be prepared. . THE ROOMS. Dont have time to read this review of Excellence El Carmen right now? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The building that we were in had faced the sun in the late afternoon, so the swim-up suite wasnt too much use. 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!). Yes, parking is available for guests and it is complimentary. When we stayed there was a bottle of Smirnoff Vodka, Anejo Rum, Jose Cuervo Tequila, and a bottle of red wine. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". They serve food here too, but we never ate there. The room service here at the Excellence El Carmen is really good. Another Mexican offering this spot serves up some really top-quality eats. If you want a little pick-me-up, there are fruit cups, snacks, and gelato here, too! Our Vacation was Exellent! You always have the option for room service if you want to just veg out at night, too! My mom had the pork ribs with sweet potato mash and the meat was so tender. Even so, there's nightly entertainment ranging from live music and circus shows to Michael Jackson impersonators. Horseback riding, biking, tennis, and quality excursions (some fees) Free Wi-Fi throughout. With 16 different bars in the resort, you are never too far away from a drink. From small surprises that delight the senses to complimentary suite upgrades and premiere bottles of bubbly, a stay at one of our resorts comes complete with an experience cultivated especially for our loyal guests. This is the only restaurant at Excellence El Carmen where you need a reservation. I also visited DR this year and I can only say it is a wonderful country. Bar-wise, Excellence El Carmens 16 options include swim-up pool bars, a sports bar, a martini lounge, a beach bar, and a made-to-order juice bar with fresh fruits and veggies. You will find options everywhere you go and the nice thing is, if you choose to eat a certain way, you are in total control! Its always a favourite spot to gather before and after dinner to enjoy a cocktail. Theres a small shopping strip within a five-minute drive, while Bavaro -- the most famous spot in the area -- takes 25 to 30 minutes to reach by car. or just the tennis net. If you are willing to change it you might get a bargain. depends on how you view 5 star - See 9,463 traveler reviews, 11,732 candid photos, and great deals for Excellence El Carmen at Tripadvisor. For Excellence Club guests, you have the option to dine at Magna.
Excellence El Carmen- Excellence Club, worth it? - Tripadvisor There are blinds to draw down for privacy if you wish. At every Excellence Resort, the Excellence Club represents the ultimate in luxury, privacy and service. You can purchase drinks at the airport to make the ride a little more fun, and perhaps a bit quicker? 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.
Honeymoon Review: Excellence El Carmen - Authentically Emmie Excellence Club WORTH IT - Review of Excellence El Carmen The property's secluded beach is one of Punta Canas best. You will likely not even realize what you are "missing" being non club. We highly recommend the scallops and the Tuna steak. Access to a private beach area.
Excellence Club at Excellence El Carmen Punta Cana: Is It Worth It? in A.
Need some improvement - Review of Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa There is a drinks service on the beach which makes spending a day sunning yourself so much more enjoyable. Its normally located on the X-Lounge terrace outside, but ours was held at the Kitchen Table. Its open at 7:00 am and you have the choice to eat inside or out. Do not miss the Grill for lunch!
EXCELLENCE EL CARMEN - UPDATED 2022 Resort Reviews & Price Comparison We ordered all the seafood here crab cakes, lobster bisque, lobster risotto (we shared this, and its AMAZING get it! Rounds here range from $100 $150 depending on the time of day you play and the season. The gym is modern and loaded with Technogym treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bicycles, recumbent bikes, weight machines, dumbbells, free weights, a punching bag, and a squat bench. Each restaurant has numerous options for lighter fare. It almost feels like you have been whisked to the streets of Barcelona with the standard of food here. Few vendors prowl the floury-soft sand in this part of Punta Cana. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. This was very close to being our favorite as the food here was very authentic and delicious. There are plenty of plugs throughout the room, including two USB ports for charging on either side of your bed. Re: Club vs non-Club at Excellence El Carmen, Get answers to your questions about Punta Cana, Check-list - Canadian travel to the DR-PC - UPDATED, Explanation Of The Bahia Resorts in Punta Cana -Revised, Luxury & Grand Bahia Principe Room & A La Carte Email Requests Updated, Resort (Brands) COVID Policies -Quarantine, Testing, Etc - As of March 1, 2022, How do I fill out the new DR E-Forms for Immigration and Customs? There are lots of antipasto dishes at Oregano, along with risottos, custom pasta dishes, and pizzas to satisfy your carb craving. any chance you know if they have pickle ball courts? Mexico Resorts Excellence Playa Mujeres Excellence Riviera Cancun Beloved Hotel Playa Mujeres Caribbean Resorts Excellence Punta Cana Im the type of person that pretty much tips every time. There is also a beachfront massage option if you wish to listen to the crashing waves against the shore. Like other Excellence properties, guests can splurge on upgraded Excellence Club packages. Check out their website to see what is actually included. Your minifridge will be stocked with four bottles of water, club soda, tonic water, fanta, orange juice, coke, and Presidente beer (regular and light). My advice is, if it's not a financial hardship, the club area is the "cherry on top" of a great vacation. For those who wish to explore down the beach, Tropical Treasures also has great beach side massages and souvenirs. Other options include an extensive buffet with live-cooking stations and small selection of Dominican specialties; the open-air eatery Oregano that specializes in pizza and pasta; and the Lobster House for seafood specialties overlooking the beach. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Overall the food here was a pretty good standard for an all-inclusive. There is also a plug inside your safe should you choose to charge your devices while theyre kept away (which I thought was neat!). Keep in mind that you are in the Dominican Republic but the food here is far better than other resorts Ive been to while travelling here. It is the perfect spot for a refreshing dip in a really cool location. The food here was good, but nothing to write home about. This obviously doesnt matter, but its just an observation. We were not excellence club. To cooking lessons where the chefs will teach you how to make local Dominican food and sushi. They also have a range of pastries and sandwiches on offer. We did not try Oregano, Spice, Flavour Market, or Basmati during this trip because we ran out of time. For all your caffeine needs, Aroma is a coffee shop where you can pick up your morning pick me up. Yes literally everything here is included! It can be difficult at times to get a booking for treatments, so if you have your heart set on getting a massage we advise you to book before you travel. Excellence El Carmen, Uvero Alto: "How much is the excellence club upgrade" | Check out 5 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. There were tons of loungers and palapas available, with great poolside service. 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. The food, the staff, and the feel you get as you walk through the resort are 5-star. There is also the Silent Disco. Excellence El Carmen is very competitively priced for the standard of the resort, food, and service that you get. The EC toiletries are Bvlgari & lovely but not really important to us. Thanks in advance. After one or two many drinks the night before we liked nothing more than getting up and getting some fresh fruit into our bodies. They're big and breezy, with marble floors, walls paneled in hardwood and neutral fabrics, and glass-enclosed whirlpools for two that overlook private balconies (most with some sort of ocean view). This all sounds very negative, but I suppose what I'm trying to say is no it's not worth it, hopefully you will have a brilliant time wherever you stay.
Our experience with Excellence El Carmen in Punta Cana - reddit Rooms are elegant in both resorts, but Excellence El Carmens are slightly bigger and more swish. We spent our mornings by the pool, where you have access to their swim up bar, Blue. The Excellence El Carmen is another top-class offering from the Excellence chain of resorts. Excellence El Carmen, which reopened successfully on November 28, has that vibe, too, but this property is more like a night in the city.
Excellence Club WORTH IT - Review of Excellence El Carmen, Uvero Alto We sat outside on the terrace and the resort was so pretty lit up at night. It was awkward drinking Coco Locos without them! The perfect spot to sink a few beers and watch some sports. Bike tours, Spanish lessons, beach volleyball, archery, pool games, water aerobics, poker tournaments, and bingo are scheduled regularly. There are 23 pools and 9 jacuzzis at Excellence El Carmen seriously! We have been to ERC twice, once non club, then went club for our honeymoon. They do advise that you ring before your trip to check availability. Regardless! If you want to be in a secluded spot and close to the beach then building 9 is your best bet. Of course there is the Excellence Club lounge bar; an intimate and quiet setting to relax at. We were not excellence club. Flavour Market is ideal for those who want to try a bit of everything without filling up too much on one thing! If you are not in Excellence Club, you can swap out one bottle of alcohol per day. We also liked the Excellence Club lounge to have a pre-dinner drink. 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 We did ours at 9:00 am and we had to nap after because it made us tired haha! A few of our friends went on a bike tour (free!) 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! 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. What let the side down here was the quality of the meat. They have a lovely Gazebo overlooking the water which looks like the perfect spot to exchange vows. Alternatively, you may use, Sanctuary Cap Cana, a Luxury Collection All-Inclusive Resort. For starters, its absolutely stunning. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Its available 24/7 and the menu is very extensive. Magna has the best coffee at the resort French press and we loved that our server wheeled out a bread card and cut it for us. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. By this point we were both needing a break from the steak, so we ordered the salmon and the scallops, which were tasty and surprisingly filling. Your best option is a 35-minute drive from the resort. Members of the WorthEPenny community love shopping at Excellence Resorts. You have three bottles of alcohol in your room as a standard: Stolichnaya Vodka, rum, and whiskey.
EXCELLENCE EL CARMEN: See 8,660 Resort Reviews, Price Comparison and This is always a favourite for me but I had to sacrifice my desire for sushi to try some other restaurants! We went in ours so we just had to take our coverups off. Seaweed blooms are seasonal and also change daily. Like all of these offerings, it can be hit and miss and there definitely was some inconsistency in terms of the dishes we were served. You also have an ice bucket, and the ice machines are located on every floor of every room block for easy filling.
Perfection!! - Review of Excellence El Carmen, Uvero Alto, Dominican Huge walk-in closets are fully shelved and big enough to unpack a steamer trunk with room to spare. If youre on a tight schedule or just want to get on with your day, the buffet is your friend. Dont get us wrong, the steaks were well prepared and the burger we tried too was pretty good. You can do that here no problem. There are a few tasty options here, like the Dominican patty (filled with beef, raisins and egg, and sooo good! If you want to swim, I would recommend bringing water shoes to protect your feet! We stayed at the Excellence El Carmen in mid-2019 and our review is based on that experience. You can view your cuts of meat if youre unsure of what you want to order. Fun vacation spot Lisa M on Feb 04, 2023 Its a really nice option if you dont feel like getting into your evening clothes and instead just chilling out in the room. They even put your flip flops in a warmer for your feet afterwards! You can grab a coconut at the swim up bar most days where you can have any drink you want inside of it. The course is well designed and challenging and the upkeep of the course was very good. Open-plan bathrooms are spacious and include tan granite or black marble vanities plus double sinks. For an authentic Dominican town, the hamlet of Higuey is home to a famous cathedral, local market, and shops, and takes around 50 minutes to reach by car. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Find it on the Apple Store or Google Play! It's definitely not a party resort with guests pounding shots -- the vibe is more towards sipping martinis. Flavour Market is a great spot for tapas, sharing, and light bites. Its a lovely experience. Pricier Excellence Club upgrades add pillow menus, Bulgari toiletries, loaner beach bags, and minibars with top-shelf liquor. Its 492 modern suites have elegant interiors plus high-end features like free bottles of liquor and double jetted tubs overlooking private balconies. From themed nights such as Casino night and Dominican night. You will never have an issue getting a spot at the beach. Excellence El Carmen is a quick 25 minute car ride or 40 minute bus ride from Punta Cana International Airport or 70 minutes from La Romana International Airport. I understand that spa services and tipping are not, but are all the restaurants, drinks and room service included? They will come up to you and place them on you without even asking. Yes, a shuttle service from the airport can be requested. You have a set of headphones with a few choices of music to dance to, and then youre off in your own little world. .
Member Benefits | The Excellence Collection Rewards - Loyalty While Excellence isn't the largest resort in Punta Cana, it certainly packs in a mega-resort's worth of features -- and its most exceptional are outdoors. The beach at Excellence El Carmen is long its a beautiful, soft, and golden stretch of beach when there is no seaweed. The only restaurant that requires a reservation is Spice, which has limited seating at its teppanyaki counters. Excellence Club upgrades come with private lounge and restaurant access, an exclusive area on the beach, and daily in-room treats. Best things to do in Punta Cana.your top 3. The Cocotal Golf and Country Club. The Mile spa is located just off the main reception area. 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! The club rooms do have a better coffee maker, little cakes delivered every night which were a nice touch, also fruit delivery every day, which we didn't eat and a daily US newspaper - not much use for us as we're British. 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. Your email address will not be published. I like a mix of $1s, $5s and $10s when we travel to all-inclusive resorts. Before dinner every night we perched ourselves at the Martini bar for a few pre-dinner drinks. The beach is public which means vendors can have full access to guests, wherever theyre sitting on the beach, to ask them to buy what theyre selling. We highly recommend the Irish coffee they serve for a great morning wakeup and hey, your own holidays, what better way to start the day than with alcohol and caffeine. 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. There are only a few tables though, so you have to book the morning you want to eat to get a reservation. The staff really do put their best foot forward in making it an entertaining getaway for the guests. Excellence El Carmen: Excellent! The EC beach is similar to the non EC but you get the loungers made up for you & concierges to look after you. Im with the mindset that if we can afford to travel, we can afford to tip. 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. We always stay in the club area to take advantage of the club anniversary package. 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. If youve never tried Indian cuisine, I recommend branching out and trying some new dishes! Ive talked to quite a few people during our time here about that experience. There is a gorgeous jacuzzi which is deep and big enough for two people which looks out to the patio (and pool if you have one). The food here was very good. One of the best elements of the Excellence chain of resorts is their extensive drinks selection. It's like VIP at the airport. Youll have a great view of the pool and ocean and a nice breeze to enjoy your dinner with. I LOVE Excellence properties, and Excellence El Carmen is nothing short of an amazing resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The beach at the El Carmen resort is truly stunning. The weather was a little windy at times however that's just one of the challenges of trav.
more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. These bottles do come at an additional cost, but youre on holiday, treat yourself. Required fields are marked *. The Dominican Republic has a really beautiful landscape and the Hoyo Azul at Scape Park is a spectacular sight. There are water and cold towels available in the gym and personal trainers on-site if you need motivation.
Love Happens at Excellence Punta Cana & El Carmen Excellence El Carmen review: the Property. Hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, scales, robes, and slippers come standard. Excellence El Carmen Dominican Republic has shops selling sundries and beach attire, a medical clinic (fee to use), and an ATM. This resort is a wonderful place for adults to relax and de-stress, and the Excellence Club in my opinion is absolutely worth it. The bartender Emilio was great fun and served up the best Margaritas at the resort. Re: Excellence El Carmen- Excellence Club, worth it? If you want those photos, just be prepared to haggle hard. We had the grilled lobster and the lobster ravioli and the lobster for both dishes was a little bit chewy. Club level had upgraded spirits in the room, were not big drinkers, not indoors anyway, so both times we have been, the spirits were left untouched. At the other Excellence guest-only eatery, we were pretty disappointed with the restaurant. 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. 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 menus denote which dishes are grain free. If you stayed for a week you wouldnt be able to visit them all, unless you visited more than one a night! 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. We also saw one of the wedding parties using the X-lounge for after the reception.
Excellence El Carmen | Excellence Club Buildings & Room Numbers What is the entertainment/music like during the day at the pool?! You also get access to a private lounge, which we only used to check in/out or to book our free dinner on the beach.