Punta Cana - Excellence El Carmen Honest Review | Adults Only All-Inclusive Resort Punta Cana
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- čas přidán 28. 07. 2024
- We stayed at Excellence El Carmen in November of 2023. We loved the Excellence Resort so much in Cancun, Mexico, that we couldn’t wait to try Excellence in Punta Cana!
In this video I give you our full honest review of Excellence El Carmen! Our resort reviews are not sponsored. We spend our own money so that we can bring you the honest review!
#puntacana #allinclusive #travel
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Thank you for being so detailed-I love you for this!!!
Really!? Yay ha ha because sometimes I feel like I keep talking and talking 😂
No reservations for restaurants is a big plus for me - you can be very spur of the moment and not tied to a specific time. You can even eat at more than one, or just go to another for a favourite desert. It is a shame the lunchtime buffet hasn't re-opened post Covid as it is nice to have the extra option. Last time we went there was a Mongolian bbq option in the Kitchen Table at lunch and it was fantastic - hoping that it re-opens before we return in May but don't think it will as EPC, ERC and EPM reinstated their lunchtime buffets last year. We do not think Club upgrade is worth it at EEC and opt for a non club swim up. It has better bathroom privacy than shown in your room and a larger walk in closet.
Thank you so much!! Great advice!!
Amazing !!! Ty for another useful review for travelers and dreamers around the world. Excellence el Carmen has such a great reputation and the workers seem to enjoy what they’re doing! T
Thanks for watching!!!
Another awesome review, so thorough and includes all the details which make or break a trip!!
Thank you, we always watch your reviews before we decide to book!!
Thanks for the support and watching 😎
We went to EEC for our 20th anniversary in October and LOVED it. We knew it would be relaxing but we didn't know how much fun it would be. I agree with your ratings on most things. The Grill was the best and Dominican Night was amazing. We didn't go with the club level and I honestly don't think we missed out on anything. Great review. I'm so glad you had a good time!
I love this input thank you so much!!
great review, thanks a lot for sharing!
Ty for watching!!
We were there back in 2017. Loved it :)
Awesome thank you!
Love your stuff.
Thank you so much!
We just got back from Excellence Playa Mujeres for our anniversary. One of the best beaches I’ve ever been too and an absolutely awesome resort. Service is above and beyond. Food was good too; that Tomahawk was insane!
Yes we like EPM better!
My husband and I went to Excellence Playa Mujeres for our honeymoon in 2014. We loved the food. Everything except one item was at least good if not fantastic. However, our taste buds were young and inexperienced then. We're going to El Carmen for our 10 year anniversary, and we're eager to see if the food will live up to our memories/expectations. I did note using their website and app that despite having the same restaurants, the menus can vary a lot between them. El Carmen, for instance, does not currently have the chicken korma we loved so much at Basmati, which is very disappointing. I did find a restaurant local to me that has it though.
I was there this Spring. Thought the resort was wicked awesome!! Pretty much agreed with everything in your review. I to did a plunge pool room too. But I felt my room was starting to show it's age a little. Overall the room was great. But the furniture on the patio was showing it's age. And the toilets had a ton of messy caulk around the base. And I couldn't agree more with you about the open bathroom concept!!! Who needs to hear what's going on in there!!! 🤣🤣Food was great and like you said there was a big variety. There's actually 2 food trucks!! We did The Lobster House, The Grill and Agave for dinner. All were excellent!! Wanted to try The Indian place Basmati, but did make it there. The breakfast buffet was awesome and some was the a la carte breakfast at the Lobster House. There little coffee shop if also great for coffee and pastries. Beach was long a walkable. Beach vendors were around, but like you said, not too much of a bother. A no thanks and they were on their way.
I love this! Thank you so much for all of the extra feedback! It will help
People so much as they are deciding on where to book!
Thank your punta cana videos are a huge help! Were booking our honeymoon there in November! We booked one excursion wondering if the rates are high in hotel if we decide to add another once we are there?
Great review we go next month!! You are the first person to mention tropical treasures. Can you see it when on the beach?
Yes you can! If you are looking out at the water it’s off to the right
Most of the restaurants are closed some days for lunch or dinner or both. If you want to make sure to hit them all, definitely check the schedule and plan that out in advance. I only just learned that. That wasn't a thing when I went to Playa Mujeres 10 years ago, unless we just got lucky and never tried to go to one that was closed. Also Las Olas is just closed for remodeling without a known end date, but they have moved its buffet to another location.
The swim up oceanfront suites at Excellence El Carmen are amazing. Amazing swim up experience. But the water was cold in Dec.
They look amazing!!!
@@3Days3Noches As do you!
Another great review, thanks. How did you go about inquiring about upgrades before arriving. Some resorts are not great for responding to emails.
I kept calling customer service 🤣
Love your reviews! Hoping you hit up Excellence Riviera Cancun in the future. I’d love to see your comparison with EPM and EEC!
Thank you so much! Heard it’s amazing but I’m such a beach girl. Are there any times there when the beach is clear?
@@3Days3Noches I’ve seen in the Facebook groups that around now the seaweeds pretty non existent! Of course we’re going in July LOL
@wadduppkodiee during July yes it’s hit or miss over in that area!
Thanks for your very helpful videos. Would be curious about your thoughts on EEC vs. Sanctuary? Would be also interested to hear if either or another Punta Cana resort seems to have better vegan choices. Thanks!
Thank you!!! They are sooo different. Food might be a little better at excellence. But I could live off pizza and the pizza at sanctuary was amazing lol. The beaches are totally different too
Love your videos! What is the incidentals deposit at El Carmen?
Thank you so much! Omg I can’t remember if think it was $200? I’ll check and reply again
Great video and this resort is going on my list. Question- I take meds. Do I really have to bring the actual bottles ( there are more than 2!) to Punta Cana ? I use a daily AM/PM pill organizer and since most of meds I get from an online facility I can't get smaller bottles. I do get a sheet that identifies my meds so will that be okay to bring? I hope you say YES! Blessings!
Yes! I’ve never seen anyone go through peoples meds but I guess to be safe bring the sheet
Great review as always. Thank you! We have been to Excellence Oyster Bay in Jamaica and loved our stay. Are you planning to ever go to Excellence Punta Cana? Would love to see your review on how they compare.
Thanks for watching! I’m
Not sure if we will do EPC! Prob EOB first!
Thanks for the review! Where is the video that talks about whether or not you should join excellence club?
This is the one I did for the Cancun area and it’s similar for this one. My hairdresser went here and didn’t upgrade and had a blast! If I could get one of those oceanfront rooms it would def be worth it!!! My friends also loved the Magna breakfast and dinner. Excellence Playa Mujeres | The Excellence Club | Should You Upgrade?
czcams.com/video/YjMZ_dLt3s4/video.html
FYI you DO have to make a reservation to do teppanyaki at Spice. We got there early and were disappointed when they didn't seat us for it. I didn't know until later that it required a reservation. I did see a review that the non-teppenyaki food is better anyway.
Good to know thank you!
Headed there this upcoming weekend. Can you provide a link to the excursion you recommended please.
Yes it was amazing. Publishing a video about it in the next few days too www.viator.com/tours/Punta-Cana/Adults-only-Small-group-snorkel-catamaran-tour-lobster-included-1-trip-advisor-5years-in-a-row/d794-87267P1?pid=P00070138&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector
For 1 week club level stay, what do you recommend to bring for cash on hand? Also Other than tips or excursions what are other out of pocket expenses to expect?
$25 per day ish. Transportation and then just any souvenirs etc
Do you recommend upgrading the room to the club level? Whenever I travel I like to try and find one of the nicest rooms you can get. I personally was leaning towards the two story suite with plunge pool but wanted to get your thoughts. Thanks 😊
Me too! Yes but it sells out there way in advance
We are very close to booking the two story beachfront honeymoon suite here for our honeymoon. Would you say this is a good place for that, or should we consider other options? Excellence Playa Mujeres is our second pick, but can only get an excellence junior suite, unless we forgo the excellence club.
Oh so tough!! That room in Excellence El Carmen is amazing! However I thought the service was a little better at Playa Mujeres. One suggestion is forgo the Excellence Club and then as it gets closer call to see if anything opened up. Or upgrade when you get there. Also look at Beloved. It’s the sister resort next to Playa Mujeres and Sanctuary Cap Cana
Do you know if excellence resorts in DR are closed as I have tried 3 air lines and tripcentral grid and can't find it on the list, I live in Canada, thank you
Are you trying to book a package? It’s possible they don’t participate
What room amenities were included for non club members? The fridge and liquor selection as well?
Yes but lower grade liquor!
Thanks for these videos it really helps. Im looking for reccomendations for a tranquil all inclusive located near cancun that is average price like 400 a night or less. Not into the party vibe. Just want middle of the road somewhat luxurious and maybe close to some kind of snorkeling excursion.
Adults only? Do you care about it being on a nice beach? You can email me too 3days3noches@gmail.com
@3Days3Noches preferably adults only. But just close to the airport, quiet, lots of pools and maybe snorkeling. Other than that not too picky. I've looked at sun palace it just seems alittle pricey
@walnutinvesting689 also look at Haven (beach isn’t good to swim in there though)
@3Days3Noches thanks will do. Never been there so just trying to research and figure it out. My gf has been to isla mujueres though and like it
@@3Days3Noches do you have a review on Haven? We’re torn between El Carmen in DR or Haven in Cancun.
Thank you for the details. Only question I have is it worth upgrading for the drinks?
Absolutely 💯.
YES!
I Love watching your videos but I am all over the place trying to choose an all inclusive resort to take my Mom and sister to. Just a couple questions. Which All inclusive would you recommend if you had one choice? I know you beaches are one of your priorities but my Mom isn’t really a beach person so that’s why it’s hard to decide when watching your recommendations. Also is Expedia packages a good way to book trip? Or should I book straight from resort and get flight separately?
Thanks so much for watching! Are you only wanting Punta Cana? You should book with us! Email me at 3days3noches@gmail.com. Expedia has its pros and cons. If you have any issues there is absolutely no support! We have usually book through our travel agent host or direct
We are juggling Cancun hotel zone or riviera. We are looking for a resort that offers the most with there all inclusive package and don’t mislead that everything is included but try to charge for the nicer restaurants
Again not sure what your budget is but Haven Riviera can be budget friendly but crappy beach and all is included - Unico 2087 amazing food but higher priced all included - Iberostar Coral Level Cancun. Great option in Hotel Zone all included and access to sister properties
Thanks for this amazing detailed review. I've spent tons of time the last few days going down the all inclusive rabbit hole and have narrowed it down (i think😂) between El Carmen and Hyatt Zilara. I'm a huge foodie and that is the number one thing on my list and I've read a lot of mixed reviews about the food at El Carmen. After watching this video, you really helped me lean towards El Carmen. A couple of questions
1. I really want to have access to magna restaurant but don't want to pay upwards of $600 to upgrade. I hear their tomahawk ribeye is amazing so is it worth it upgrading to the excellence membership upon arrival? I've read, that you can usually negotiate them down for the upgrade? Were you able to do that? Thanks for the tip on bringing cash to do an upgrade.
2. Do you know if there is any way to gain access to the magna restaurant without upgrading? Like paying a one-time charge or something like that?
Thanks
Thanks for watching! Yes it’s hard to find good resorts for foodies in DR. Try negotiating for club level when you get there and bring US dollars. You cannot access Magna for one dinner I don’t believe. If you upgrade look for Eloy in the lounge and tell him 3 Days 3Noches sent you :)
I liked EEC better than Zilara. Thought food and entertainment was better and liked the fact EEC is adult only.
As for club, Magna was one restaurant I was not impressed with.
I agree - prefer Excellence (both EPC and EEC) over Zilara.
the tomahawk is overrated. chez isabelle has better steaks.
Hi, we love your vids! My husband and I are planning on going to the Dominican for the first time this August. Can you please help us out. We have watched a ton of videos on 2 resorts we're interested in. The Majestic Mirage or the Excellence El Carmen.
We love the beach, good food and the jacuzzi on the balcony, possibly a swim up. We read that the beach at the Majestic Mirage is nicer than the Excellence El Carmen. Not sure. Please help!
Thanks! ☺️
Ty so much for watching! Yes the beach at Majestic is way better. Food might be a little better at Excellence. But beach is #1 for me
Hi! in this no reservation restaurants for Lunch and for Dinner is really like All Inclusive like I can order several appetizers and main plates? or they have some kind of restriction like one of each? like in the lower end all inclusive hotels?
Here everything is included!
No limits on how much you can order. If you want to go to dinner multiple times in a night, you can do that also.
Do you feel the excellence club upgrade offers good value for what is offered? My wife and I are going to EEC Dec. 3rd and are so excited.
If you really wanted to eat at Magna then maybe. If I was in one of those oceanfront swim outs yes!
Magna was not thrilling for me. With all of the hype, I expected a lot more. The food was just ok.
I do club at EPC because of the club pools but don’t do it at EEC.
Newbie question: if it’s cloudy do you still burn if laying out on the beach?
Yes!!! Unless it’s full blown rainy etc.
Absolutely. Clouds do not block UV rays. If you have an iPhone, the weather app gives the UV index. You can burn if it's 3 or above generally speaking. If the weather app on another smartphone doesn't have UV index on it, you can download a separate app that provides it; it will also provide it down to a decimal, whereas the iPhone app only does whole numbers. If you don't want to check the UV index, it's not a bad idea to wear sunscreen from sunup to sunset, especially on the beach as the sand and water reflects and intensifies the UV rays. Reapply every 2 hours if you're out in the sun, more often if you're sweating or in the water according to the water-resistance limit of your sunscreen. Always reapply after toweling off even if it's water resistant. Use at least twice as much sunscreen as you think you need; most people use 1/3-1/2 as much as they should. 1 oz, a shot glass, is enough for most people for a full body application.
Been to both and prefer EPC. Wasn't thrilled with the beach at EEC. A lot of erosion. Also find EPC to be a little more intimate and enjoyed the pool in the Excellence Club area in the afternoons.
Yes it was a downside that they didn’t have club pools
Have you been to EPC? If so, how do you think it compares to EEC?
@nickditomaso1340 we haven’t! I think if you want the club level EPC is a little better
Agreed
We are leaving from Nc
I keep exploring the idea of going to Punta Cana but the images of the beachs always concern me. I end up going back to Jamaica.
That’s on the list this year. What’s your favorite resort?
@@3Days3Noches Let me say first my wife and I are in our fifties, only get to travel once a year and not hard to please. We look for the all around best bang for our weak Canadian Dollar. So, now we will be going back to the Adults only Bahia Principe Luxury in Runaway Bay for the third time in 2024. The resort does offer the family side as well. We are also booked at the Jewel Grande in Montego Bay for three nights because we want to check that out this time. In 2018 we stayed at The Sunset at The Palms in Negril which is on Bloody Bay and we loved it. Great for couples who want very little action but what a fantastic experience, Negril is the place to go if you want one of the best beaches in Jamaica. We have also stayed at the Charella Inn which is a boutique hotel, the dining there is fantastic. Coco Lapalm and Travellers in Negril also get a lot good reviews. I did not stay at either. Sorry for the dis organized answer, hope it helps.
Pro tip: always book Club Mobay for arrival and departure. Book early and direct with VIP Attractions and not with a third party. We even had an issue once with we did not book direct.
Have you been to Excellence Punta Cana yet?
No just El Carmen
What resorts in Punta Cana have the best beaches?
Bavaro region is better!
Audio cut out at 4:15 to 9:30. Nice Review otherwise
update, its coming through one side and my volume was too low! sorry!
Really?? I just checked it and there is audio on my end!
It’s only going through one side on my MacBook and headphones speaker
Very weird!!!
What month were you there?
November 2023
@@3Days3Noches Thank you ! We are headed in Feb and am hoping water and seaweed are not an issue. We've also booked the adults only snorkel you recommended! Booked thru Viator. Thank you for all your videos. They've been very helpful.!
What do you prefer Excellence El Carmen or Sanctuary Cap Cana? Thanks!
Sanctuary Cap Cana. I prefer the white sand beaches
@@3Days3Noches Hey, thanks!!❤ It seems like such a unique and different property.
@ashleys4652 yes!!! Can’t wait to go back
Thats the problem with Punta Cana, unlike Cancun here local's wont leave you alone so you can't really enjoy peace in the beach.
Did I see on the app where you had to schedule sex? What was that?
My wife said the same thing. It says Sax.
🤣🤣
say "amazing" one more time...
😂🤣