is excellence club worth it el carmen is excellence club worth it el carmen

This adults-only resort is the perfect place to have a relaxing break in the beautiful surroundings of the Dominican Republic. If you are travelling from North America, you do not need to bring an adapter with you. You can get a bottle of the house wine included in your package. We also saw one of the wedding parties using the X-lounge for after the reception. This is what I normally tip but remember, this is completely discretionary! The Excellence El Carmen is another top-class offering from the Excellence chain of resorts. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. And, if youre even more like me, food is very important to you! 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 basically like a little bit of all of the restaurants on the resort in one. 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! Hi David! 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. Excellence El Carmen: Great hotel ! We went on the day they had tacos and it was SO good. We also enjoy breakfast & some dinners at Magna the EC restaurant. The food here was top-notch. 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. 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. Excellence El Carmen suites are some of the most attractive that we've seen in the Punta Cana region. My wife and I had a very similar experience at Excellence El Carman in November 2019. Eating low carb? Does Excellence El Carmen have a club? The Blue Hole, a cenote with gorgeous turquoise water, is also around a 30-minute drive from the property. We loved the modern vibe to the resort; the clean architectual look, the immaculate gardening and landscaping, and the freshness of it all. The entertainment crew really does make a solid effort in keeping everyone entertained with a wide range of activities going on throughout the day. We like the Beachfront Honeymoon rooms & these are all EC. - See 9,459 traveler reviews, 11,732 candid photos, and great deals for Excellence El Carmen at Tripadvisor. There are bars dotted all throughout the resort. 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. Yes, a shuttle service from the airport can be requested. Hi Taylor! The question of club vs. non-club is asked all the time on the forums. Our food was delivered hot, and was set up right in our room. I understand that spa services and tipping are not, but are all the restaurants, drinks and room service included? There is a massive king-sized bed which is super comfortable. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Smooth as can be. I was confused because were in an EC building, and its the room we booked, but apparently not all of building 9 is EC. Fooding and Drinking outside the resort (El Hoyo/Fruisa), Holidaying with a 10 month old from UK. There is also a plug inside your safe should you choose to charge your devices while theyre kept away (which I thought was neat!). We went to Sanoa Island and Hoyo Azul. We have booked Excellence in Playa Mujeres and in El Carmen for 2016 both non club rooms. We have booked Excellence in Playa Mujeres and in El Carmen for 2016 both non club rooms. Related: 20 Best Cheap Travel Items Under $20 (that are actually useful!). Subscribe and get my Travel Safety Checklist! Its open at 7:00 am and you have the choice to eat inside or out. We LOVED the look of the Martini Bar. The wide and varied selection continues in your room with a packed mini-bar and a number of premium liquor bottles available. The menu for the room service was very extensive. 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. and loved it. Paper straws are biodegradable and inexpensive. The all-inclusive package is very good here. Our top recommendations for dishes here are the patatas bravos and the Spanish meatballs. For Excellence Club guests, dont miss Magna! If youve never tried Indian cuisine, I recommend branching out and trying some new dishes! (Feb 1, 2022). Right behind the main pool is a smaller lap pool which they use for the water activities and games which is always fun to participate in (or watch!). Glass-walled stand-up showers feature massive rainfall showerheads and all bathrooms include generous toiletries. The options are endless. If beaches are a priority for you then Excellence El Carmen is the resort for you. You can purchase drinks at the airport to make the ride a little more fun, and perhaps a bit quicker? Discover a world of rewards with The Excellence Collection Rewards benefits program. 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. The atmosphere is always buzzing. Chez Isabelle is a quiet restaurant to visit for a romantic meal and the decor is beautiful. dwayne johnson rock foundation contact. Our wait was very short and we were guided to our room, where our bags were already waiting for us. Read a full Excellence Punta Cana vs Excellence El Carmen face-off, here. All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. The rooms are choicely designed with a great aesthetic. When we stayed in early 2020 we went through the travel agent Sunwing that is based out of Canada. There are also a number of liquor bottles that are in the room too. Aroma is open until 10:00 and also offers sandwiches, fruit cups, pastries, macarons, cookies, and gelato. 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. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Its expansive with loads of loungers and areas to relax. Excellence El Carmen Dominican Republic has shops selling sundries and beach attire, a medical clinic (fee to use), and an ATM. This one of the Excellence chains has three offerings in the Dominican Republic. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. There is a beautiful swan-neck fountain in the corner of the pool which adds to the ambience. There is also the Silent Disco. 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!). Theyre easy to pack and inexpensive and so worth having! It is brand new so it was not crowded at all. There are many options: We never had an issue with the water, from bottled, ice, restaurant water, or brushing our teeth. Our two favorite spots were the Martini bar which is the main lobby bar and the X Lounge. After youre finished eating, you can place your dishes in the X-Box located right at your door. This resort is a wonderful place for adults to relax and de-stress, and the Excellence Club in my opinion is absolutely worth it. That is important to us, as we are "beach people" who spend the day from 8am until 6 pm on the beach. It was our first DR vacation but we have stayed at 20 . Theyre very quiet and also have their own bars. Lobster doesn't cost extra either. Their guacamole was delicious! Sanctuary Cap Cana, a Luxury Collection All-Inclusive Resort. 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. Are you a vegetarian? We found this place the most difficult to get a booking for at peak times. We were not excellence club. I love the outdoor seating and the decor here. . The sushi was actually really good and the ramen broth was packed with flavor. For a more classic Caribbean beachfront all-inclusive with similar amenities, rates are comparable at the nearby sister resort,Excellence Punta Cana. In reality, there are really three main pool areas. 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). or just the tennis net. 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. There is also a really nice Coffee shop where you can grab a pick me up and a sweet treat. If you want to be in a secluded spot and close to the beach then building 9 is your best bet. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. They do advise that you ring before your trip to check availability. Free water sports include kayaks and Hobie Cat catamarans. 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. ), but some of my favourites were the Circus Show, Michael Jackson, Queen, and the fire show (do not miss that!). Resort kids clubs - do they enforce/check ages? We were handed a Coco Loco when we walked in and had a great view of the live music. He just appeared. 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. Its a really nice option if you dont feel like getting into your evening clothes and instead just chilling out in the room. All rooms also provide safes, umbrellas, irons, and ironing boards. Lunch at the Lobster House and Oregano have the most amazing views. By the end of day one, he had our drinks orders ready before we even had to ask. When we stayed there was a bottle of Smirnoff Vodka, Anejo Rum, Jose Cuervo Tequila, and a bottle of red wine. Quite frankly, aside from the private, frosted-glass door for the toilet, its all open air. 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. You can read more about my impressions of Excellence Club at this resort on my other blog post, which I felt deserved one of its own, if youre really into details! There is a drinks service on the beach which makes spending a day sunning yourself so much more enjoyable. I gave up asking in the end! Another Mexican offering this spot serves up some really top-quality eats. We always stay in the club area to take advantage of the club anniversary package. We hit up this spot every single day. . For beachside dining, head to Las Olas. You alternate between hot and cold pools, steam rooms and saunas, jet-oriented water experiences and more! Just as an FYI if youre walking around indecently with the blinds open. 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. Average. Although we stayed pre-COVID, as we mentioned the resort was exceptionally clean. 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. A. If you want a little pick-me-up, there are fruit cups, snacks, and gelato here, too! This is the only restaurant at Excellence El Carmen where you need a reservation. We also found that most people chill out on the beach, so the pools were never too busy. All are part of the hotel's all-inclusive rates, as is 24-hour room service. Your minifridge will be stocked with four bottles of water, club soda, tonic water, fanta, orange juice, coke, and Presidente beer (regular and light). Just dont go with a wet bathing suit! The food was beyond excellent, the staff were the most pleasant human beings i have ever came across on a vacation and the resort itself was absolutely amazing!!! The pool is HUGE. Since Aroma opens at 7:00 am, its a great spot to enjoy a morning coffee. Note that none of the bars are open 24/7. ), classes by the beach, live music at lunch, live music behind the theatre in the evening, live music at the Martini Bar, plus the evening shows and more! The biggest question when youre considering an all-inclusive resort is the quality of the food. 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 But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. They will want to take a photo of you with them (or you phone, too! Open-plan bathrooms are spacious and include tan granite or black marble vanities plus double sinks. If youre in Excellence Club, try Magna for breakfast at least once! We often started our days with a couple glasses of mimosas and you will never be far from your next drink. Others have said all I have is $5 and they take it. 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. Who has had experience with the Excellence Club at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Flavour Market is a great spot for tapas, sharing, and light bites. The sauce was rich yet balanced and the beef literally melted in the mouth. You can bring this right back to your palapa by the pool or beach to enjoy or eat on the terrace. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Just something that you might not have considered that might help you decide. We have to give a shout-out to Felix the bartender here. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. It's definitely not a party resort with guests pounding shots -- the vibe is more towards sipping martinis. Excellence Club WORTH IT: Excellence El Carmen - See 7,750 traveller reviews, 10,047 photos, and cheap deals for Excellence El Carmen at Tripadvisor. If youre an Excellence club guest you will have a complimentary Hydrotherapy session during your stay. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Mexico Resorts Excellence Playa Mujeres Excellence Riviera Cancun Beloved Hotel Playa Mujeres Caribbean Resorts Excellence Punta Cana There are too many food stations to even mention. These cookies do not store any personal information. This man was hilarious and was really entertaining. You do not need to bring an adapter with you if you are travelling from North America. 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? 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. I definitely would like to stay at this resort. . The course is well designed and challenging and the upkeep of the course was very good. This is topped off with the most decadent 10 minute head, neck and shoulder massage, all while laying cozied up on a heated stone lounge. Youll also get a 15% discount on photo and spa packages! There are water and cold towels available in the gym and personal trainers on-site if you need motivation. 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. As soon as you enter the resort you really are put at ease. The Excellence El Carmen adults-only all-inclusive resort opened in late 2016 and has one of Punta Canas most modern and hip vibes. Do yourself a favor and try the Excellence resorts for your next stay! If youre like me, I love knowing what dinner options are available before I go to a resort. Its available 24/7 and the menu is very extensive. It is the perfect spot for a refreshing dip in a really cool location. The property's secluded beach is one of Punta Canas best. You are greeted with a glass of bubbly and a cold towel. Excellence is known for their corporate responsibility and they look after their staff, and it shows through the service you receive. There are blinds to draw down for privacy if you wish. As well as the staple options such as an omelet station for breakfast and a burger station for lunch and dinner. As you walk down the hallways, it's common to see the doors of these couples' rooms decorated with banners celebrating their occasion. This made it great for evenings if you wanted to grab a drink at the bar first, then walk to a restaurant closeby, then back to the theatre for a show. This restaurant is a Mexican offering and we really enjoyed our night at Las Olas. However, the dress code is one of the reasons why we love Excellence. What is VIP Service? 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. Note: Bring your swimsuit with you for hydrotherapy! 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. , Just an FYI the room service coffee was a bit strong and potent. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. My mom had a good point if you need to rinse your straws out, it can become inconvenient with having to run to a sink to rinse out, or could possibly make you sick if youre not using bottled water. One comment I will make that really deterred me from being on the beach, is the vendors. The marquee element of the park is the Hoyo Azul. The butter chicken was really good. Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa: Need some improvement - See 18,088 traveler reviews, 21,873 candid photos, and great deals for Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa at Tripadvisor. 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. Its important to remember the Excellence dress code! Once inside, it's all about sharp neutral decor, tranquil vibes, and breezy ocean views. 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. 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). Bike tours, Spanish lessons, beach volleyball, archery, pool games, water aerobics, poker tournaments, and bingo are scheduled regularly. Excellence Club provides additional benefits, but is it really worth it? Over the 7 days that we visited the Excellence, there were two weddings that we saw going on. To cooking lessons where the chefs will teach you how to make local Dominican food and sushi. Rooms have one king bed or two queen beds that are framed by boxy nightstands and telescoping chrome reading lights. Your email address will not be published. A steakhouse in an all-inclusive is not normally a good pairing and sadly the Grill at the Excellence El Carmen was no different. Access to twelve private pools and seven jacuzzis (hot water) in the pool area. To tribute acts and musical entertainment. 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. We love to tip, and I feel like everyone should tip, even a little bit! any chance you know if they have pickle ball courts? We loved the Caribbean Eggs with plantain and fried cheese. ordered the flank steak and charcoal grilled chicken. However, big waves and strong undertow make it unsuitable for swimming. Every staff member that we dealt with was great. I ordered a rib-eye steak and to be honest there was way too much fat compared to the ribeyes I usually eat. The vibrant colors of the Caribbean are the inspiration behind the dcor at both resorts. It was one of my favourite dinner places and had multiple dishes I wanted to try and had excellent service. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Excellence El Carmen is very competitively priced. Guests staying at Excellence El Carmen can book excursions to nearby attractions through the concierge. 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. Re: Excellence El Carmen- Excellence Club, worth it? From the moment you get out of bed and slip into the private pool outside your Junior Suite your day is going to be electric and jam-packed with fun, romance, action and entertainment. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 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. An Italian offering that serves up all of the staple dishes you would expect from your local Italian. The EC toiletries are Bvlgari & lovely but not really important to us. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Out of these cookies, 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 beach does accumulate seaweed on the shoreline, but the staff works tirelessly to keep it off. The building that we were in had faced the sun in the late afternoon, so the swim-up suite wasnt too much use. The staff really do put their best foot forward in making it an entertaining getaway for the 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. 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! Excellence El Carmen: Excellence Club WORTH IT - See 9,018 traveler reviews, 11,291 candid photos, and great deals for Excellence El Carmen at Tripadvisor. Required fields are marked *. Located right above one of the pools and overlooking the beach, this is the perfect spot for some pre-dinner drinks while you listen to the lapping waves. 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. Jan 12, 2023 - Wondering if Excellence Club at Excellence El Carmen in Punta Cana is worth it? There is also a beach area reserved for them, as well as several pools and whirlpools. Do not miss the huge savings! Today's best Excellence Resorts coupon is up to 62% off. Lets start off by saying all of the rooms at this resort are massive, so space will never be an issue. Feeling hungry late at night? Its a scam. 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. With all Excellence offerings, they are typically priced on the premium side when you compare it to the average price of other resorts, but for that somewhat premium price you are definitely getting a premium experience.