Lobster doesn't cost extra either. There are tons of different hot (and cold!) We loved the Caribbean Eggs with plantain and fried cheese. I have to avoid raw onions, but I didnt have to sacrifice taste! They do not serve their drinks with straws, so bring your own if you wish! We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. If you like sushi, maki, and noodle dishes, head to Spice! It was the best thing we ate all week! The Revive Bar is a delicious choice for those who love liquid breakfasts. Lets start off by saying all of the rooms at this resort are massive, so space will never be an issue. If you want a lighter bite, head over to the La Placita food truck at the X-Lounge terrace! Feel free to custom make your own! You certainly will never go thirsty here! Since my mom and I were on a girls trip (which we hardly ever get to do!) By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. 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. Stop by the Food Shark food truck, right at the theatre for tacos, burgers, hot dogs, fries and more! When we stayed in early 2020 we went through the travel agent Sunwing that is based out of Canada. Members of the WorthEPenny community love shopping at Excellence Resorts. It is brand new so it was not crowded at all. They serve food here too, but we never ate there. The water is refreshingly warm and there are loungers in the water too! Access to the business center is available for a fee, and there is also 4,800 square feet of event space. If youre like me, I love knowing what dinner options are available before I go to a resort. Over the 7 days that we visited the Excellence, there were two weddings that we saw going on. The beach does accumulate seaweed on the shoreline, but the staff works tirelessly to keep it off. At all of the Excellence resorts, the check-in process is really an experience. When it comes to the food at Excellence El Carmen, there is something for everyone. Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. The main pool is located quite close to the beach and then two additional pools are located near buildings 12-16. Access to Excellence Club's Magna Restaurant and exclusive bars. I did notice, though, while we were walking the beach, there were quite a few pieces of coral along the shore and in the water. Was it worth it for you? Junior Suites can sleep up to three people, but the rest of the room types are for a maximum of two guests. 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. Its 492 modern suites have elegant interiors plus high-end features like free bottles of liquor and double jetted tubs overlooking private balconies. My favourite spots included Aroma, the Revive Bar, Magna (for Excellence Club), and the Lobster House. 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. 73 reviews of Atelier Playa Mujeres "A M A Z I N G !!!!! or just the tennis net. We were not excellence club. If youve been to Excellence Playa Mujeres or Riviera Cancun, there is an additional Wine Cellar you can dine in privately. , Just an FYI the room service coffee was a bit strong and potent. Ive talked to quite a few people during our time here about that experience. There is also one daybed in the shade and another one closer to the steps of the private pool, tucked away in its little alcove. The vanity has a double sink and there are numerous towels, hand towels, and facecloths, along with a hairdryer. In Search of Sarah is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We went to Sanoa Island and Hoyo Azul. Appreciate it! dwayne johnson rock foundation contact. Excellence El Carmen: Excellence Club WORTH IT - See 7,654 traveler reviews, 9,969 candid photos, and great deals for Excellence El Carmen at Tripadvisor. Do yourself a favor and try the Excellence resorts for your next stay! Wood-Fired pizzas, rich and creamy pasta dishes, and some really nice seafood options too. Everyone dresses up and it gives a classy feel to the resort. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. They also have a range of pastries and sandwiches on offer. The wide and varied selection continues in your room with a packed mini-bar and a number of premium liquor bottles available. Im with the mindset that if we can afford to travel, we can afford to tip. If you have stayed in an Excellence resort before you know that the amenities on offer are always top class. For quick eats, Food Shark Food Truck serves tacos and nachos from a vintage bus, while Aroma slings coffee and desserts -- plus a rotating ice cream wheel. Its luxurious rooms and suites make for the ideal romantic getaway and this property caters to honeymooners and those celebrating their anniversary. There is also an extensive wine on offer if you dont fancy the house wine. It was perfectly located to grab a bite in between tanning yourself. 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. The lounge is comfortable with the L-shaped couch, perfect for morning room-service breakfast, or cocktails before heading out for the evening. 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. Subscribe and get my Travel Safety Checklist! I understand and appreciate that tipping is subjective. 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. Since Aroma opens at 7:00 am, its a great spot to enjoy a morning coffee. ), burgers, fish and chips, quesadillas, fries and more! The beach at Excellence El Carmen is long its a beautiful, soft, and golden stretch of beach when there is no seaweed. For a more serene atmosphere, dont miss the pools by buildings 11-16. NEW riu palace bavaro ----opening when?????? Arriving guests step through the front doors into a hip lobby that features swish elements like funky, high-backed armchairs, sleek couches, and floor-to-ceiling shelves full of oversized art books. All food, snacks, room service, fully stocked mini-bar drinks, and a variety of classes and amenities are included in the package. 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. 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. The biggest question when youre considering an all-inclusive resort is the quality of the food. In addition to receiving a welcome letter, fruit, and a bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival, you will also receive a special turndown service, champagne breakfast in bed and a romantic dinner at one of the restaurants. We went in ours so we just had to take our coverups off. This is definitely the best restaurant location with stunning views of the ocean and a nice outdoor setting where you can feel the cool sea breeze. 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. For honeymoons, you can get this package for free for up to 3 months following your wedding. 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. 1 year ago Save We have been three times now & always EC. Note: Bring your swimsuit with you for hydrotherapy! 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!). So, in our opinion, they are always worth that extra cost. 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. The Hoyo Azul is also known as the blue hole and is their most famous one. 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. . Bvlgari toiletries. 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). After dinner, there was always something going on. Im glad there were other couples there laughing, because some of you cant help but laugh! 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). This obviously doesnt matter, but its just an observation. Like other Excellence properties, guests can splurge on upgraded Excellence Club packages. This is why I love the Excellence app so much you can go on there and check out the menus ahead of time to decide on which places to eat at each night (you know, if youre into that sort of thing). Huge walk-in closets are fully shelved and big enough to unpack a steamer trunk with room to spare. The vibrant colors of the Caribbean are the inspiration behind the dcor at both resorts. . Its easily 20 x 15 feet (my mom and I tried measuring with our bodies), warm, and gets the late morning and afternoon sun. There are water and cold towels available in the gym and personal trainers on-site if you need motivation. To be honest I can't say I thought it was really worth the extra. They have it all from the top-shelf liquor options to local beers and spirits. 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. Tech features are solid and include iHome docks, wall-integrated USB plugs, and big smart TVs with satellite channels. The marquee element of the park is the Hoyo Azul. Hmm. While both resorts offer access to beautiful beaches, the stretch of sand at Excellence Punta Cana is perhaps just a little bit nicer. Theyre easy to pack and inexpensive and so worth having! We spent our mornings at the main pool with their (only) swim up bar, Blue. . This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Some people have said they have asked upwards of $80 USD for these photos. One of the best elements of the Excellence chain of resorts is their extensive drinks selection. Yes, Wi-Fi is included in your package. I definitely would like to stay at this resort. I also realize there is a lot of confusion with tipping at all-inclusive resorts, since technically, your package includes gratuities. And while there are many resorts that fit this bill, opting for a luxury property means youll also likely get a stunning, serene beachfront, chic pool with a swim-up bar, impressive, The best part of booking an all-inclusive vacation is that everything food, drinks, activities, and accommodations is supposed to be included in the rate. The X lounge was our other most frequented spot. Make sure to make use of the room service, not only do they serve an extensive range of food, but if you fancy a midday cocktail they will also bring that to your room too. I love the outdoor seating and the decor here. Related: What to Pack in a DIY Travel Medical Kit. 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. This resort was beautiful!!!! We are considering booking this resort for our anniversary in October. Its architecture is in the Contemporary Caribbean style, and twenty pools wind through our . We had a fabulous time the first time we went to ERC, which was non club, so much so we went back for our honeymoon.