Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. By far, our favourite dinner was at the Grill. Its available 24/7 and the menu is very extensive. 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. Make your vacation a little more special with this upgrade and receive upgraded amenities and more! Others have said all I have is $5 and they take it. I worry about hidden fees- is EVERYTHING Included in all inclusive? For Excellence Club guests, you have the option to dine at Magna. Eating low carb? or just the tennis net. 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! 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. While both resorts offer access to beautiful beaches, the stretch of sand at Excellence Punta Cana is perhaps just a little bit nicer. The resort has tennis courts and free lessons. You certainly will never go thirsty here! 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. The hydrotherapy circuit takes about an hour to complete and is well worth doing. It looked like they had drinks and a canopy thing going on there. This post contains affiliate linkswhich means I earn compensation when you click on the links at absolutely no extra cost to you! But, if youre sitting on the bed, the bathroom is behind you so you cant see anything. We went for 7 days and flew out of Toronto. Everyone dresses up and it gives a classy feel to the resort. When we stayed in early 2020 we went through the travel agent Sunwing that is based out of Canada. 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. They serve food here too, but we never ate there. The question of club vs. non-club is asked all the time on the forums. Those on our bus who had Excellence Club rooms were taken to those rooms while everyone else was taken to a normal check-in area . (Feb 28, 2021), Which Airlines Are in Terminal A & B? The Martini bar is a great place to grab a cocktail and watch the world go by. 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). Its non-stop! 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. 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. The Mile spa is located just off the main reception area. Does Excellence El Carmen have a club? We really got the feeling of 5-Star luxury once we walked in. From fitness-based classes such as Yoga, tennis, and water aerobics. I understand that spa services and tipping are not, but are all the restaurants, drinks and room service included? They do not serve their drinks with straws, so bring your own if you wish! The building that we were in had faced the sun in the late afternoon, so the swim-up suite wasnt too much use. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. My wife and I had a very similar experience at Excellence El Carman in November 2019. It's definitely not a party resort with guests pounding shots -- the vibe is more towards sipping martinis. There is music by the pool bar, too! Hi David! 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. As well as the staple options such as an omelet station for breakfast and a burger station for lunch and dinner. . Just dont go with a wet bathing suit! We knew we'd go back so I thought I would do . There is a drinks service on the beach which makes spending a day sunning yourself so much more enjoyable. The weather was a little windy at times however that's just one of the challenges of trav. 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 had an additional bottle of vodka (Absolut), tequila (Agavita) and gin (Tanquerey). It doesnt have to be much, and the tips are also very appreciated. We were not excellence club. . 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. We found the signal to be very good throughout the resort. The perfect spot to sink a few beers and watch some sports. All rooms also provide safes, umbrellas, irons, and ironing boards. 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. When my lovely friends invited me to their destination wedding at Excellence El Carmen, how could I say no? From the housekeeping, service at the bars to the concierge. After one or two many drinks the night before we liked nothing more than getting up and getting some fresh fruit into our bodies. So all in all, is it worth it, no not for us! Dreams resorts All your questions answered! ), Cuban sandwich (also really good! Another Mexican offering this spot serves up some really top-quality eats. We stayed at the Excellence El Carmen in mid-2019 and our review is based on that experience. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. Jan 12, 2023 - Wondering if Excellence Club at Excellence El Carmen in Punta Cana is worth it? Went with two of my girlfriends and we were speechless!!! Its 492 modern suites have elegant interiors plus high-end features like free bottles of liquor and double jetted tubs overlooking private balconies. 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. The buffet, Kitchen Table, has options for everyone Id be shocked to learn if someone couldnt find something they liked. We also enjoy breakfast & some dinners at Magna the EC restaurant. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 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 be treated the same, eat the same, and have largely the same drinks. 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. It does not store any personal data. Its a lovely experience. The club package includes a private beachfront dinner, some spa treatments, etc. Related: What to Pack in a DIY Travel Medical Kit. By the end of day one, he had our drinks orders ready before we even had to ask. Excellence El Carmen is very competitively priced for the standard of the resort, food, and service that you get. The service is excellent and the food is diverse. We did two excursions when we visited. There are 23 pools and 9 jacuzzis at Excellence El Carmen seriously! 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. ), 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. Its architecture is in the Contemporary Caribbean style, and twenty pools wind through our . The rest of the pools are either for guests staying in Swim-Up units or exclusive for Excellence Club guests. Its always a favourite spot to gather before and after dinner to enjoy a cocktail. Sorry such a technical question and really appreciate your in depth review of the place. and loved it. There is no dedicated Excellence Club pool at Excellence El Carmen, but there are plenty of suites with their own private pools, swim ups, or plunge pools to pick from! - See 9,459 traveler reviews, 11,732 candid photos, and great deals for Excellence El Carmen at Tripadvisor. We had just as much fun watching everyone as those who participated in it. Its important to remember the Excellence dress code! This was super convenient, as we could plan out our day for when our room was being cleaned. 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. We actually skipped lunch this day just so we could fill up. . We nearly missed it and it was our favourite lunch! Rooms are elegant in both resorts, but Excellence El Carmens are slightly bigger and more swish. The X lounge was our other most frequented spot. Tip: bring your own floaties with you! You can bring this right back to your palapa by the pool or beach to enjoy or eat on the terrace. It was the best thing we ate all week! Excellence Club guests get private access to a top-notch restaurant that opens for breakfast and dinner. Our favorite thing was definitely the casino night. There is no option for that here, but you can purchase wine off a separate menu if you wish to splurge! You want for nothing and youre pampered as soon as youre handed a glass of champagne and walk through those big wooden doors that open to the main lobby, where the spa-like zen instantly soothes you. Dont get us wrong, the steaks were well prepared and the burger we tried too was pretty good. The course is well designed and challenging and the upkeep of the course was very good. The Masala beef was the best we have ever had. 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). 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 . There is also a Teppanyaki experience that is in Spice. It opened its doors in 2016 and has been a firm favorite for all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean. Perks include upgraded rooms; upgraded room-service menus, minibars, and toiletries; and access to a private lounge with concierge services. We highly recommend the scallops and the Tuna steak. One of the best elements of the Excellence chain of resorts is their extensive drinks selection. My favourite spots included Aroma, the Revive Bar, Magna (for Excellence Club), and the Lobster House. The deal I can get right now makes the Junior Suite Pool View really affordable but the Club is just out of our reach. Excellence El Carmen, The Most Stunning Beach Towns in the Dominican Republic, Le Sivory Punta Cana By PortBlue Boutique, On a beautiful, palm tree-lined beach with few vendors, All-inclusive rates include premium alcohol and a la carte meals, Elegant suites have free minibars, balconies, and double jetted tubs, Many suites have swim-up access or private pools, 23 pools and nine hot tubs means there are few crowds at the main pool, 11 restaurants include Asian, French, Indian, and Mexican options, A fast-food truck, juice bar, and 24-hour room service, Large, modern gym with free daily yoga and aerobics classes, Attractive spa includes salon services and a free hydrotherapy circuit, Daily entertainment program, plus live music and evening shows, Excellence Club upgrades offer private pool, restaurant, and beach area, Multiple lively bars, plus a nightclub for dancing, Indoor and outdoor event space, plus full business center, Fast and free Wi-Fi throughout the resort, Some reports of minor wear and tear in rooms, Restaurants get mixed reviews and dress code is required at some, No 24-hour bars (but 24-hour room service available). drinks to try everything from Americanos to flavoured coffees with everything you could imagine maybe a little something extra in it if thats how you like to start your day. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Is Excellence Club Worth it at Excellence El Carmen? There is also Las Olas a beautiful setting on the beach to grab a drink and enjoy the ocean breeze and views. We spent our mornings at the main pool with their (only) swim up bar, Blue. Your email address will not be published. You will likely not even realize what you are "missing" being non club. That, of course, is no fault of the hotel. Your bags will be taken by the staff and be delivered to your room. We are considering booking this resort for our anniversary in October. . Excellence calls it casual elegance.. Required fields are marked *. Although theres no money involved it was a great way to mingle with the other guests. A French offering that is set in a beautifully designed spot. The park has a number of sinkholes and caves that can be explored. Every time we travel I always bring an extra couple hundred dollars in tips and its well worth it! You will be greeted at the main door with a glass of prosecco and a smile. For Excellence Club guests, dont miss Magna! Huge walk-in closets are fully shelved and big enough to unpack a steamer trunk with room to spare. Some rooms add semi-private swim-up pools or completely private rooftop pools. A nice L-shaped couch that made the perfect midday lounging area. 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. I called twice and went to the Excellence Club lounge (as they requested), and by the second day in the afternoon they sent someone. Not sure if it was Excellence El Carmen in particular or if this is true at all Excellence properties, but I felt it to be less crowded (even though the hotel was near full occupancy) and quieter than the 2 Secrets resorts I went to. It was one of my favourite dinner places and had multiple dishes I wanted to try and had excellent service. 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. I will second Thomasgran for all of the reasons he stated. Over the 7 days that we visited the Excellence, there were two weddings that we saw going on. . . It is so relaxing. A few of our friends went on a bike tour (free!) If youre in Excellence Club, try Magna for breakfast at least once! Paper straws are biodegradable and inexpensive. There are entirely separate menus for that. 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. There were tons of loungers and palapas available, with great poolside service. Appreciate it! Note: Bring your swimsuit with you for hydrotherapy! Opting to eat healthier during your stay? 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 open from 9:00 am 4:00 pm and has all kinds of fruit smoothies and juices to try. The steamer in the walk-in closet works great, but its advisable to use bottled water for it. If you are willing to change it you might get a bargain. Excellence now has their own app you can download to research everything either ahead of time, or to keep up with it during your stay! Fun vacation spot Lisa M on Feb 04, 2023 Some people have said they have asked upwards of $80 USD for these photos. 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. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct. 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. There are so many restaurants at Excellence El Carmen. The views at Oregano are lovely (as its located on the other side of the Lobster House) and it makes a great setting with the ocean breeze at night. Is the bathroom private? Resort recs for relaxing, great beach, hot tub? This one of the Excellence chains has three offerings in the Dominican Republic. Avoiding grains? The evening cleaning was more of a turndown 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. If youre an Excellence club guest you will have a complimentary Hydrotherapy session during your stay. The room is spacious and modern with a HUGE hidden walk-in closet with plenty of hangers, shelving, robes, a steamer, and a safe. We have been to ERC twice, once non club, then went club for our honeymoon. When we complained, we were also upgraded to a beachfront room. The Excellence chain of resorts is known to put out a very decent standard of food and the Excellence El Carmen is no different. Feel free to read mydisclosure policy. This category reimagines Dominican Republic resorts in an adults only oasis that delights the senses. This and the Cielo bar are the only areas that you can get the Top tier liquor on offer to the Excellence club members other than your room. Before dinner every night we perched ourselves at the Martini bar for a few pre-dinner drinks. 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. Hi Taylor! There is a massive king-sized bed which is super comfortable. The people (and pets) are so fun. Keep in mind there may be a separate wine list at the restaurants where you can opt to purchase bottles of winebut we drank the house all week and we loved it! They are so much fun to do. Excellence resorts are just that: Excellent! 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! Its easily 20 x 15 feet (my mom and I tried measuring with our bodies), warm, and gets the late morning and afternoon sun. Getting to beautiful Saona Island takes an hour and 15 minutes and requires a drive followed by a boat ride. You always have the option for room service if you want to just veg out at night, too! Once the info sheet is delivered try and book the treatment for the next day to grab a bargain. Thanks in advance. It is unbelievably private we were in 9001 and because we were on the end of the building block, we only had neighbours on one side. Excellence El Carmen Dominican Republic has shops selling sundries and beach attire, a medical clinic (fee to use), and an ATM. If beaches are a priority for you then Excellence El Carmen is the resort for you. If you ask very nicely and youre feeling lucky you can also get food delivered from the restaurants. The live music is so relaxing in the evening, and is a great way to pass the before and after dinner before the shows. For a more classic Caribbean beachfront all-inclusive with similar amenities, rates are comparable at the nearby sister resort,Excellence Punta Cana. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Is Excellence Club at Excellence El Carmen worth it? Chez Isabelle is a quiet restaurant to visit for a romantic meal and the decor is beautiful. Mexico Resorts Excellence Playa Mujeres Excellence Riviera Cancun Beloved Hotel Playa Mujeres Caribbean Resorts Excellence Punta Cana If you fancy getting a treatment at the spa, we recommend that you check on the day as the Spa does daily specials on various treatments. We went to Sanoa Island and Hoyo Azul. 20 people arrived and the rest had to be turned away. Note: They do not serve their drinks with straws, so bring your own if you wish! Bavaro Express Bus Information? The waters were pretty calm, so if youre into ocean swimming this is the spot for you. A. It was perfectly located to grab a bite in between tanning yourself. Fooding and Drinking outside the resort (El Hoyo/Fruisa), Holidaying with a 10 month old from UK. We also liked the Excellence Club lounge to have a pre-dinner drink. Anytime we had finished a drink or a meal the staff were on hand to refill or clean away our empty glasses or plates. He just appeared. This is the only restaurant at Excellence El Carmen where you need a reservation. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. We even had a decent signal on the beach. Junior Suites can sleep up to three people, but the rest of the room types are for a maximum of two guests. Their guacamole was delicious! by Adrian updated July 31, 2021, 2:41 pm. The gym at this resort is very well stocked. 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. The butter chicken was really good. They even put your flip flops in a warmer for your feet afterwards! , Just an FYI the room service coffee was a bit strong and potent. For those who wish to explore down the beach, Tropical Treasures also has great beach side massages and souvenirs. There is also an extensive wine on offer if you dont fancy the house wine. You will likely not even realize what you are "missing" being non club. Im glad there were other couples there laughing, because some of you cant help but laugh! This is one of the more popular restaurants on the resort. - See 9 464 traveller reviews, 11,732 candid photos, and great deals for Excellence El Carmen at Tripadvisor. So, to avoid disappointment, arrive early, and maybe grab a drink and enjoy the views while youre waiting! We love the Club benefits but have gone without it and had a great time. My husband and I are looking into going to EEC and we are wondering if the Excellence Club is worth it. This is probably the most important part about the vendors: there are some men who walk around with parrots, monkeys, and iguanas. Ive talked to quite a few people during our time here about that experience. I like a mix of $1s, $5s and $10s when we travel to all-inclusive resorts. A Lot of these are connected to the swim-up suites. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. 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. 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. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. If youve never experienced it before, its a must-do! It was one of my favourite spots to go to and they open at 8:00 am. I first thought it was broken since I couldnt turn the dial under it, but then I realized there was a button right at the staircase into the pool which doesnt quite look like a button that turns it on for about 5 minutes at a time. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. It was packed when we arrived and we actually walked away the first time because we thought we wouldnt get in. 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. 7 de junio de 2022; where to buy used bicycles near me There are too many food stations to even mention. We arrived in the morning and our room wasnt ready yet, so we went and grabbed a cocktail at the main bar. Bvlgari toiletries. Access to twelve private pools and seven jacuzzis (hot water) in the pool area. They have it all from the top-shelf liquor options to local beers and spirits. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The EC toiletries are Bvlgari & lovely but not really important to us. 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. Save it for later! I love the different dishes and flavour combinations. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Just something that you might not have considered that might help you decide. We did EC when we went a month ago for the first time.
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