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. 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. Were not whiskey drinkers, but we do love tequila. With 8 treadmills, 6 ellipticals, a number of stationary exercise bikes, free weights, and a wide variety of machine weights its the perfect spot to work off the indulgence from the night before. 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. It was one of my favourite spots to go to and they open at 8:00 am. 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. The spa at Excellence El Carmen was a bit different (for me) since it was located off the main lobby and not in a separate building, like at Excellence Playa Mujeres or Riviera Maya. I am SO happy we decided to book this room, and quite honestly I dont think I can book any other room type now. ), but some of my favourites were the Circus Show, Michael Jackson, Queen, and the fire show (do not miss that!). 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. To be honest I found the whole club thing a bit snooty and always felt a bit uncomfortable when dealing with club concierge, we paid a lot of money to stay club as we were there for 2 weeks and didn't really feel like we were treated any different than non club, which I suppose is a good thing, but I would have hoped that being a returning guest on honeymoon, the club concierge should have spoilt us and put more of an effort in than they did. However,, Aerial View of Excellence Punta Cana/Oyster The Dominican Republic is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean and for good reason. . If youre part of the Excellence club you will have the likes of Absolut Vodka, Johnny Walker Black Label, and Anejo Rum. The resort is set on large grounds so some of the room locations are a bit of a walk from the beach and the main areas. 74 . My advice is, if it's not a financial hardship, the club area is the "cherry on top" of a great vacation. You will be greeted at the main door with a glass of prosecco and a smile. Now the bathroom is one of which many people question. The Excellence Punta Cana is located a short 6-minute drive from the El Carmin offering, as well as the Finest Punta Cana which is their latest offering and is located a 5-minute drive from the El Carmen. And, if youre even more like me, food is very important to you! The beach does accumulate seaweed on the shoreline, but the staff works tirelessly to keep it off. We like the Beachfront Honeymoon rooms & these are all EC. I ordered a rib-eye steak and to be honest there was way too much fat compared to the ribeyes I usually eat. Open-plan bathrooms are spacious and include tan granite or black marble vanities plus double sinks. 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. From the housekeeping, service at the bars to the concierge. . These are two of my favourite things! It really is a top option for an all-inclusive. Guests staying at Excellence El Carmen can book excursions to nearby attractions through the concierge. Excellence resorts are just that: Excellent! The perfect spot to sink a few beers and watch some sports. My husband and I did Excellence Playa Mujeres last year. Throughout the resort there is a huge volume of staff, so no matter where you are there is always some close by that can offer you assistance. I never not tip at a meal, and I will leave tip money throughout the week for housekeeping, turndown service, and the minibar. The butter chicken was really good. It looked like they had drinks and a canopy thing going on there. The park also boasts a range of other activities including ziplines, animal parks, and the impressive surrounding forest. Their guacamole was delicious! 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. 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. The entire week we didnt have anyone above us either, which was awesome! Many of you have asked: there is no waiter service at these rooms but you have an entire minibar in your room and a minifridge which you can request to have stocked with what you like, or you can order room service for some sparkling wine if thats your thing, or even toddle over one of the many bars for some cocktails to bring back. We also liked the Excellence Club lounge to have a pre-dinner drink. As soon as you enter the resort you really are put at ease. Im glad there were other couples there laughing, because some of you cant help but laugh! If you want to swim, I would recommend bringing water shoes to protect your feet! Each restaurant has numerous options for lighter fare. No amount of milk or sugar was going to save that, so we just waddled over to Aroma later on for a caffeine drink. The main pool is located quite close to the beach and then two additional pools are located near buildings 12-16. Dont have time to read this review of Excellence El Carmen right now? The locker key pad is very easy to use. A few of our friends went on a bike tour (free!) Hats off to Chef Masood and his team that churns out some really top-quality cuisine. Feel free to read mydisclosure policy. We have booked Excellence in Playa Mujeres and in El Carmen for 2016 both non club rooms. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. You can bring this right back to your palapa by the pool or beach to enjoy or eat on the terrace. Jan 12, 2023 - Wondering if Excellence Club at Excellence El Carmen in Punta Cana is worth it? There is also the Silent Disco. Average. The EC beach is similar to the non EC but you get the loungers made up for you & concierges to look after you. Excellence El Carmen is a large, and fairly new (2016) all-inclusive resort with a modern and tropical vibe. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. We arrived 30 minutes early for our painting session for which they had 8 easels. Im with the mindset that if we can afford to travel, we can afford to tip. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. It opened its doors in 2016 and has been a firm favorite for all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean. And there is no need to bring toiletries there is body wash, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, and even toothpaste! Access to the business center is available for a fee, and there is also 4,800 square feet of event space. Chez Isabelle is a quiet restaurant to visit for a romantic meal and the decor is beautiful. I understand that spa services and tipping are not, but are all the restaurants, drinks and room service included? Nespresso coffeemakers and free minibars stocked daily with beer, water, soda, and snacks (plus full bottles of whisky, rum, and vodka) are also available in all rooms free of charge. At the Excellence Club, every detail of your stay has been upgraded with seamless perks and over-the-top offerings. I hope this Excellence El Carmen review is helpful and answers some of your questions with this now being my fourth stay at an Excellence property and after scouring reviews all over the internet Im excited to share my own with you. 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. To be honest I can't say I thought it was really worth the extra. Access to Excellence Club's Magna Restaurant and exclusive bars. 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! This is probably the most important part about the vendors: there are some men who walk around with parrots, monkeys, and iguanas. but then drinks happened and we ended up just lazing by the pool. 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! Save it for later! This is a must-visit if youre a fan of Indian food. There is a massive king-sized bed which is super comfortable. They will come up to you and place them on you without even asking. I worry about hidden fees- is EVERYTHING Included in all inclusive? The room we stayed in when we visited was a junior swim-up suite. If youre on a tight schedule or just want to get on with your day, the buffet is your friend. , Just an FYI the room service coffee was a bit strong and potent. In the past 30 days, there are 52 WorthEPenny members who reportedly saved an average of $16.22 on their purchase with Excellence Resorts coupon codes. 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. For all your caffeine needs, Aroma is a coffee shop where you can pick up your morning pick me up. A. 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. and loved it. The evening cleaning was more of a turndown service. Our first room was filthy. I recommend a one-piece for this, ladies! Access to twelve private pools and seven jacuzzis (hot water) in the pool area. Located in the Uvero Alto area of the Dominican Republic. This is obviously down to the staff who were so proactive in making sure the place looked tidy. The service is excellent and the food is diverse. The food here was good, but nothing to write home about. Punta Cana International Airport is about a 45-minute drive from the resort. Everyone dresses up and it gives a classy feel to the resort. It does not store any personal data. There is also room service! If youve been to Excellence Playa Mujeres or Riviera Cancun, there is an additional Wine Cellar you can dine in privately. Tech features are solid and include iHome docks, wall-integrated USB plugs, and big smart TVs with satellite channels. It was one of my favourite dinner places and had multiple dishes I wanted to try and had excellent service. In the video we tell you how we planned o. Sunny yellows, lush flora greens, and ocean blues set the scene for a transfixing mix of island charm and elegance. The Lobster House is what I imagine to be the best spot for a breakfast choice. Once inside, it's all about sharp neutral decor, tranquil vibes, and breezy ocean views. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. For a more serene atmosphere, dont miss the pools by buildings 11-16. The beach at the El Carmen resort is truly stunning. The whirlpools are ideal for enjoying the views and a soak in rainy weather. I definitely would like to stay at this resort. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. They serve food here too, but we never ate there. The Excellence chain of resorts is known to put out a very decent standard of food and the Excellence El Carmen is no different. Honestly, though the room service menu is so large that you probably wont need to do this. This Asian eatery serves up the most famous dishes from Japan, Thailand, China, and Vietnam. Excellence El Carmen: Great hotel ! 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. To cooking lessons where the chefs will teach you how to make local Dominican food and sushi. The property's secluded beach is one of Punta Canas best. We also enjoy breakfast & some dinners at Magna the EC restaurant. There are too many food stations to even mention. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. There is lots of choice at the Excellence El Carmen and if you have stayed in the Excellence chain of resorts before you will be familiar with their room offering. Their feature menu changes daily and its a great place to visit if you want a quick, self-service bite to eat. Note: They do not serve their drinks with straws, so bring your own if you wish! By far, our favourite dinner was at the Grill. The expansive property seems large but its very walkable and manageable (as well as accessible). Lobster doesn't cost extra either. Make your vacation a little more special with this upgrade and receive upgraded amenities and more! 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. by Adrian updated July 31, 2021, 2:41 pm. 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 have been three times now & always EC. If youre an Excellence club guest you will have a complimentary Hydrotherapy session during your stay. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. There is music by the pool bar, too! On both occasions, the food came within 20 minutes and arrived hot, which is always the worry with room service. The price including flights, airport transfers, and the all-inclusive came out to $3,000 USD for the complete stay. The food here was the best we had in the resort and the minimalist Japanese decor really added to the experience. Its open from 6:00 pm 11:30 pm, giving you the fuel you need to keep on going! 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. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The only room type that has a private garden with a pool bigger than a plunge pool is the Imperial Suite. What is the entertainment/music like during the day at the pool?! . This post contains affiliate linkswhich means I earn compensation when you click on the links at absolutely no extra cost to you! There are also a number of liquor bottles that are in the room too. It showed which restaurants were open the following day, which activities were scheduled throughout the day, and what the evening entertainment was. 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. I realize this may be a dumb questions-but I have never done all inclusive and after a lot of research, it seems that sometimes all inclusive isnt really all inclusive and actually has a lot of extra hidden fees. If you buy something through our links, Oyster may earn an affiliate commission. The 23 freshwater pools are scattered throughout the resort and include a main pool with ocean views and two accessible ramps. Excellence Club guests get private access to a top-notch restaurant that opens for breakfast and dinner. 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. They do not serve their drinks with straws, so bring your own if you wish! For honeymoons, you can get this package for free for up to 3 months following your wedding. This is $699 USD, or complimentary with 6 nights or more in any Excellence Club room category! There are only a few tables though, so you have to book the morning you want to eat to get a reservation. . Some of the jets really move your swimsuit around and I remember one year I had to hang on to my top and bottoms during some of the water treatments! You always have the option for room service if you want to just veg out at night, too! This adults-only resort is the perfect place to have a relaxing break in the beautiful surroundings of the Dominican Republic. We did ours at 9:00 am and we had to nap after because it made us tired haha! We hit up this spot every single day. Club is the icing on the cake as they look after all guests extremely well, However, the EC package at EEC has the most to offer of all the other Excellence Resorts as you have multiple EC pools, bars and even a restaurants. I have to avoid raw onions, but I didnt have to sacrifice taste! ), Excellence Club is not worth it at Excellence El Carmen, 20 Best Cheap Travel Items Under $20 (that are. We also enjoy breakfast & some dinners at Magna the EC restaurant. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies.

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