They take you off the resort to see some interesting things nearby. Some people have said they have asked upwards of $80 USD for these photos. You do not need to bring an adapter with you if you are travelling from North America. Will we be sorry not booking the club? When we stayed in early 2020 we went through the travel agent Sunwing that is based out of Canada. 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. Q. The bartender Emilio was great fun and served up the best Margaritas at the resort. I would still go. If you are travelling from North America, you do not need to bring an adapter with you. Everyone dresses up and it gives a classy feel to the resort. A Lot of these are connected to the swim-up suites. The EC beach areas, room locations, access to Magna and location of the EC bars (even for non-alcoholic drinks) made it worthwhile to us. Just another site is excellence club worth it el carmen When we complained, we were also upgraded to a beachfront room. Other than that, you will surely have a beautiful stay at a great resort. Excellence Club WORTH IT: Excellence El Carmen - See 7,750 traveller reviews, 10,047 photos, and cheap deals for Excellence El Carmen at Tripadvisor. Bike tours, Spanish lessons, beach volleyball, archery, pool games, water aerobics, poker tournaments, and bingo are scheduled regularly. It felt like a newer resort. Our Vacation was Exellent! Was it worth it for you? Punta Cana International Airport is about a 45-minute drive from the resort. To tribute acts and musical entertainment. 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. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. We like the Beachfront Honeymoon rooms & these are all EC. 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. This adults-only resort is the perfect place to have a relaxing break in the beautiful surroundings of the Dominican Republic. We knew we'd go back so I thought I would do . Subscribe and get my Travel Safety Checklist! When my lovely friends invited me to their destination wedding at Excellence El Carmen, how could I say no? Overall the food here was a pretty good standard for an all-inclusive. The room is spacious and modern with a HUGE hidden walk-in closet with plenty of hangers, shelving, robes, a steamer, and a safe. 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. THE ROOMS. Guests are mostly honeymooners and couples celebrating wedding anniversaries from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. From themed nights such as Casino night and Dominican night. To cooking lessons where the chefs will teach you how to make local Dominican food and sushi. : Excellence El Carmen - See 9,462 traveller reviews, 11,732 photos, and cheap deals for Excellence El Carmen at Tripadvisor. The bar service is also better on the EC part of the beach. The club package includes a private beachfront dinner, some spa treatments, etc. My wife and I had a very similar experience at Excellence El Carman in November 2019. The entire week we didnt have anyone above us either, which was awesome! At the Excellence Club, every detail of your stay has been upgraded with seamless perks and over-the-top offerings. Everyone greeted us with an Hola and a smile and you felt welcomed. 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. Tech features are solid and include iHome docks, wall-integrated USB plugs, and big smart TVs with satellite channels. Our two favorite spots were the Martini bar which is the main lobby bar and the X Lounge. 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. We were not excellence club. Hi Taylor! They have a lovely Gazebo overlooking the water which looks like the perfect spot to exchange vows. We went in ours so we just had to take our coverups off. You can grab a coconut at the swim up bar most days where you can have any drink you want inside of it. I worry about hidden fees- is EVERYTHING Included in all inclusive? Note: Bring your swimsuit with you for hydrotherapy! 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. 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. Avoiding grains? If youre not already a member of Welcome to Excellence El Carmen on Facebook I highly recommend you join there are a ton of Q&As in there! So, in our opinion, they are always worth that extra cost. The food here was good, but nothing to write home about. All are part of the hotel's all-inclusive rates, as is 24-hour room service. 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. I will second Thomasgran for all of the reasons he stated. We did this one night and got food from Chez Isabella. If you are booking a room with a swim-up suite make sure to request a room that is directly in the sun during the day or in the morning. What to Pack for an All-Inclusive Vacation (Plus Free Printable! Its a little cubby that can be accessed by room service staff from the outside to retrieve your dishes. We also only book an Excellence Club Honeymoon Beachfront Swim-Out Suite. Located in the Uvero Alto area of the Dominican Republic. It is the perfect spot for a refreshing dip in a really cool location. There are plenty of plugs throughout the room, including two USB ports for charging on either side of your bed. My mom had the pork ribs with sweet potato mash and the meat was so tender. We spent our mornings by the pool, where you have access to their swim up bar, Blue. 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 cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Bavaro Express Bus Information? As soon as you enter the resort you really are put at ease. They also have a range of pastries and sandwiches on offer. Its 492 modern suites have elegant interiors plus high-end features like free bottles of liquor and double jetted tubs overlooking private balconies. I recommend a one-piece for this, ladies! Dreams resorts All your questions answered! There are tons of different hot (and cold!) For all your caffeine needs, Aroma is a coffee shop where you can pick up your morning pick me up. You will also have some snacks: crackers, oreos, and peanuts. Getting married here seems to be a very popular choice. If you ask very nicely and youre feeling lucky you can also get food delivered from the restaurants. Room service is another great option for lunch, just keep in mind it takes about 45 minutes to arrive. There is also a beachfront massage option if you wish to listen to the crashing waves against the shore. . We have been to EPC 8 times, and we always do the EC, mainly because we prefer the upgraded, less crowded beach area. While both resorts offer access to beautiful beaches, the stretch of sand at Excellence Punta Cana is perhaps just a little bit nicer. 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. Junior Suites can sleep up to three people, but the rest of the room types are for a maximum of two guests. 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. If you want a lighter bite, head over to the La Placita food truck at the X-Lounge terrace! Pricier Excellence Club upgrades add pillow menus, Bulgari toiletries, loaner beach bags, and minibars with top-shelf liquor. When we eventually secured a table this place didnt disappoint. Glass-walled stand-up showers feature massive rainfall showerheads and all bathrooms include generous toiletries. but then drinks happened and we ended up just lazing by the pool. The only room type that has a private garden with a pool bigger than a plunge pool is the Imperial Suite. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. For a more classic Caribbean beachfront all-inclusive with similar amenities, rates are comparable at the nearby sister resort,Excellence Punta Cana. and loved it. more. 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. Related: What to Pack for an All-Inclusive Vacation (Plus Free Printable!). The food at Spice is the real star here, so if you have done Teppanyaki before we advise you to give it a miss. 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. A nice L-shaped couch that made the perfect midday lounging area. Its 492 modern suites have elegant interiors plus high-end features like free bottles of liquor and double jetted tubs overlooking private balconies. ), and lobster tails. If beaches are a priority for you then Excellence El Carmen is the resort for you. 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). There are too many food stations to even mention. There are a wide array of cuisines on offer in this resort with 12 restaurants and one additional restaurant that is available to Excellence club members only. Seaweed blooms are seasonal and also change daily. Best Adult Only All Inclusive in Punta Cana? After youre finished eating, you can place your dishes in the X-Box located right at your door. The food, the staff, and the feel you get as you walk through the resort are 5-star. It's definitely not a party resort with guests pounding shots -- the vibe is more towards sipping martinis. I also appreciated that while we asked for two mimosas, he brought us a whole bottle of sparkling wine, in case we wanted two each. Its like he knew us. There is a great bustling atmosphere and the bartender Jordy served up some of the best concoctions at the resort. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct. any chance you know if they have pickle ball courts? It didnt bother me, but if youre expecting a pristine, white sandy beach, you wont find it here. 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. Check-in is a breeze and you are whisked to your room where your holiday can really begin. We heard from a few of our fellow guests that if you ask very nicely that you can potentially order some of the dishes from the restaurants to be delivered to your room. The main pool is located quite close to the beach and then two additional pools are located near buildings 12-16. Excellence El Carmen: Excellence Club WORTH IT - Read 9,048 reviews, view 11,301 traveller photos, and find great deals for Excellence El Carmen at Tripadvisor. We went for 7 days and flew out of Toronto. The staff work so hard to give us a relaxing and memorable holiday the least we can do is show our appreciation! You can always go to the Revive Bar for a smoothie if you dont want to spoil your dinner. The water is refreshingly warm and there are loungers in the water too! When we stayed in mid-2019 we paid $2,800 USD for 7 days. by Adrian updated July 31, 2021, 2:41 pm. 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. . Youll also get a 15% discount on photo and spa packages! They serve food here too, but we never ate there. Wood-Fired pizzas, rich and creamy pasta dishes, and some really nice seafood options too. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. 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. After one or two many drinks the night before we liked nothing more than getting up and getting some fresh fruit into our bodies. The butter chicken was really good. Required fields are marked *. If it would be a financial hardship, just pass on it because you will still have a great time. This is what I normally tip but remember, this is completely discretionary! Im the type of person that pretty much tips every time. 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 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. If you want to swim, I would recommend bringing water shoes to protect your feet! There is also a beach area reserved for them, as well as several pools and whirlpools. The cleaning in the morning was the main clean of the day and lasted about 15 minutes. Dont have time to read this review of Excellence El Carmen right now? It includes upgraded amenities, exclusive areas, and added perks. If youre part of the Excellence club you will have the likes of Absolut Vodka, Johnny Walker Black Label, and Anejo Rum. ), Cuban sandwich (also really good! 20 people arrived and the rest had to be turned away. 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. Once the info sheet is delivered try and book the treatment for the next day to grab a bargain. That, of course, is no fault of the hotel. Hmm. We did EC when we went a month ago for the first time. It was never rowdy, and is quite peaceful here and we enjoyed the central location to everything we wanted. You can also pop into the Sports Bar for some infamous cheese sticks and a place to grab a tasty bite during the day or late in the evening. Every time we travel I always bring an extra couple hundred dollars in tips and its well worth it! Our Best All-Inclusive Resorts In Puerto Vallarta for Food, Our Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Los Cabos for Food. It was packed when we arrived and we actually walked away the first time because we thought we wouldnt get in. 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. There are items on the menu at Magna that feel more premium than the other menus (but believe me, all of the food is scrummy). 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. 73 reviews of Atelier Playa Mujeres "A M A Z I N G !!!!! We arrived in the morning and our room wasnt ready yet, so we went and grabbed a cocktail at the main bar. The all-inclusive package is very good here. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. If you want those photos, just be prepared to haggle hard. 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. Ecological park with flamingos and macaws on-site. There are blinds to draw down for privacy if you wish. This is always a favourite for me but I had to sacrifice my desire for sushi to try some other restaurants! The pool is HUGE. 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. Getting to beautiful Saona Island takes an hour and 15 minutes and requires a drive followed by a boat ride. We highly recommend doing this as the pools they have for this are really nice. You can also get this type of room without Excellence Club. There are lots of antipasto dishes at Oregano, along with risottos, custom pasta dishes, and pizzas to satisfy your carb craving. We only managed two meals a day most days because we were so full from breakfast, so having a smoothie to tide us over was perfect. If youre an Excellence club guest you will have a complimentary Hydrotherapy session during your stay. He just appeared. Dont get us wrong, there is more than enough space at the pools to get a sun lounger and to chill out in peace and quiet. Our food was delivered hot, and was set up right in our room.