I was at EPC in January and EEC last week. I liked the layout of EPC much better, more of a tropical feel. I thought the rooms at EEC looked tired and drab - no color, but I loved the walk in closet. I missed the club pool at EEC. Liked the additional restaurants at EEC better. The younger crowds at the EEC got to be a bit much at times so preferred EPC for crowds. Yes, I am older. Staff was great at both I would go back to either but liked EPC better. Back to EPC in December.
I was waiting for this! I pre-booked my stay a while back for Excellence PC because of your videos and I was getting ready to book for Excellence EC to experience both. I wanted to understand the difference between the vibe of both places to pick which was right for me. Based on this, I'm definitely gonna stick with Excellence PC since I prefer a more calming, traditional, quieter vibe. I may be young, but I have an old spirit. 😅
Service can be hit and miss any given day at any resort. We had great service at EEC (and over the top service at EPM). Won't bother going to EPC. James, you must have missed the 2 rectangular pools by the flamingo pond at EEC. Spectacular drink service but quiet time there. Also EVERY building at EEC has their own pool. I loved floating in the one in our building....plus I visited a few other pools. Thanks for all your posts. Enjoy LV!
You are right on James. It’s the service that matters. I can deal with slightly lesser on some of the amenities if the staff makes you feel special. Great video!
Hi James, After getting back from Punta Cana last week, which we reluctantly tried again after poor last visit. We will not return. The service,food,activities are far superior in Mexico. I found some of the employees to be lazy and loud. This is after going to Cancun and the Riviera Maya for over 25 years. Here is a short list of higher end resorts you should checkout. Excellence Playa Mujeres, Atelier Playa Mujeres, Hotel Xcaret, Secrets Akumal.
EPC rooms were recently renovated about 5 or so years ago. I was in the new rooms and the old rooms, definitely a massive upgrade from the original rooms
Hey James. I'm a fan of your content. EEC does actually have two more pools. They are located on a remote side of the property just passed the pond with the flamingos. There is a bar centered between the two pools. It's a much more laid back vibe over there.
Does EPC have a cigar bar/lounge ? I love enjoying cigars on vacation and am trying to find an all inclusive that offers a cigar bar/lounge. Last time I visited PC I stayed at the Iberostar Brand Bavaro which had a very nice cigar bar & lounge. Any recommendations ?
LOVE your videos, Thank you! Curious if you have ever stayed at the Iberostar Grand Bavaro? We are torn between it and Excellence for an upcoming trip (we have never been to the DR or another property for either chain).
El Carmen has more places to eat and bars if you're there a long while or don't want certain things. Punta Cana doesn't have Basmati (Indian), Flavor Market (Spanish tapas), La Placate Food Truck, or Shark Food Truck, and keep in mind Magna is only for Excellence Club members. Punta Cana has 9 bars/clubs (including 4 that are Excellence Club only) rather than the 13 at El Carmen (3 are Excellence Club only). Punta Cana does not have Revive, Aire, X-Lounge, or Art Deco Piano Bar.
He basically touched on that by talking about the crowds🎉! I think that's the category you should look into to make a decision based on those factors you're interested in.
They are both adults only, we have been to EEC 2x and are headed to EPC in December. I really like EEC the first time a few years back when it opened, but the return trip wasn't as nice. Not bad at all, just not as nice as the first. I'm looking forward to EPC after the review.
Love this. Now you have me torn. I’m going to Finest next month and staying in the Excellence side. What’s your take between El Carmen and Excellence club at Finest since both are right next to each other.
Hi James. I watched all your punta cana videos. Wondering if which one is the best for food and will be memorable . Excellence El Carmen or Secret Royal beach? Still can't decide. Waiting for your reply. 😊
We LOVE Excellence Punta Cana. El Carmen was a one and done for us. You were kind when you said the service at El Carmen was "inconsistent". Their service during the day when we were there was non existent. It was bad to say the least. Yet, Punta Cana had fantastic service both times we visited, so I know the brand can do it! Would return to Excellence Punta Cana in a second. And it's a beautiful resort. I know you said you preferred the layout of El Carmen - we didn't like it at all, but that of course is subjective.
I stayed here in September 2023 and had a major accident- broke a bone due to poor lighting and maintenance at the resort's restaurant, Agave. I spoke to other guests, and another said he fell in the exact location when he had stayed the year earlier (didn't break anything, luckily), but that he had alerted the resort and clearly nothing was done to fix it. I would recommend going to another hotel, or getting really good travel insurance if you do plan to visit.
On my next visit to the Northern part of the DR for an event, I was going to pop down to Punta Cana for 2-3 days; unfortunately, what I'm seeing is that both the lovely properties in this video have 3 night minimums on their online booking app.
I was at EPC in January and EEC last week.
I liked the layout of EPC much better, more of a tropical feel. I thought the rooms at EEC looked tired and drab - no color, but I loved the walk in closet.
I missed the club pool at EEC.
Liked the additional restaurants at EEC better.
The younger crowds at the EEC got to be a bit much at times so preferred EPC for crowds. Yes, I am older.
Staff was great at both
I would go back to either but liked EPC better.
Back to EPC in December.
I was waiting for this! I pre-booked my stay a while back for Excellence PC because of your videos and I was getting ready to book for Excellence EC to experience both. I wanted to understand the difference between the vibe of both places to pick which was right for me. Based on this, I'm definitely gonna stick with Excellence PC since I prefer a more calming, traditional, quieter vibe. I may be young, but I have an old spirit. 😅
Thanks! Can’t wait for EPC vaca! We love the quieter, more tropical and traditional vibe of Caribbean resorts. Excited 🎉
Service can be hit and miss any given day at any resort. We had great service at EEC (and over the top service at EPM). Won't bother going to EPC. James, you must have missed the 2 rectangular pools by the flamingo pond at EEC. Spectacular drink service but quiet time there. Also EVERY building at EEC has their own pool. I loved floating in the one in our building....plus I visited a few other pools. Thanks for all your posts. Enjoy LV!
You are right on James. It’s the service that matters. I can deal with slightly lesser on some of the amenities if the staff makes you feel special. Great video!
Great video James! Hope all is well!
With excellence punta cana, it's nice to see that they updated this resort. We stayed there 5 years ago, and it was really dated.
Hi James, After getting back from Punta Cana last week, which we reluctantly tried again after poor last visit. We will not return. The service,food,activities are far superior in Mexico. I found some of the employees to be lazy and loud. This is after going to Cancun and the Riviera Maya for over 25 years. Here is a short list of higher end resorts you should checkout. Excellence Playa Mujeres, Atelier Playa Mujeres, Hotel Xcaret, Secrets Akumal.
Excellent comparison. Made my mind up for EPC. thanks
You mentioned live aqua. I’m torn between excellence and live aqua right now if you could weigh in?
Thank you for this video!
EPC rooms were recently renovated about 5 or so years ago. I was in the new rooms and the old rooms, definitely a massive upgrade from the original rooms
Hey James. I'm a fan of your content. EEC does actually have two more pools. They are located on a remote side of the property just passed the pond with the flamingos. There is a bar centered between the two pools. It's a much more laid back vibe over there.
Nice video! Would love to see Jamaica!
What do you think about hyatt ziva and zilara ans finest punta cana. I did nit notice it on your videos
Does EPC have a cigar bar/lounge ? I love enjoying cigars on vacation and am trying to find an all inclusive that offers a cigar bar/lounge. Last time I visited PC I stayed at the Iberostar Brand Bavaro which had a very nice cigar bar & lounge. Any recommendations ?
Lopesan has one baha mar has a great one
It's time to go to Jamaica!
Ya Mon! 😎
Bumbaclot
I hate Jamaica. Service sucks.
Jamaica queens?
Really?@@hawksrock3024
LOVE your videos, Thank you! Curious if you have ever stayed at the Iberostar Grand Bavaro? We are torn between it and Excellence for an upcoming trip (we have never been to the DR or another property for either chain).
We love Excellence! Curious what you prefer between their resorts in Mexico, especially with the new one opening next year 🧐
El Carmen has more places to eat and bars if you're there a long while or don't want certain things. Punta Cana doesn't have Basmati (Indian), Flavor Market (Spanish tapas), La Placate Food Truck, or Shark Food Truck, and keep in mind Magna is only for Excellence Club members. Punta Cana has 9 bars/clubs (including 4 that are Excellence Club only) rather than the 13 at El Carmen (3 are Excellence Club only). Punta Cana does not have Revive, Aire, X-Lounge, or Art Deco Piano Bar.
Best reviews! Do you think your scores would change if you are looking at hotels from a family perspective, couple getaway or friends vacation?
He basically touched on that by talking about the crowds🎉! I think that's the category you should look into to make a decision based on those factors you're interested in.
They are both adults only, we have been to EEC 2x and are headed to EPC in December. I really like EEC the first time a few years back when it opened, but the return trip wasn't as nice. Not bad at all, just not as nice as the first. I'm looking forward to EPC after the review.
Do you might wanna consider doing somthing like your series on bayahibe?? would be great
Are you able to go to both excellence properties like the option RIU gives you ?
I watch all your videos! They’re the best. Question- will you be going back to more cancun area all inclusives anytime soon? 🙏🏻
Love this. Now you have me torn. I’m going to Finest next month and staying in the Excellence side. What’s your take between El Carmen and Excellence club at Finest since both are right next to each other.
Hi James. I watched all your punta cana videos. Wondering if which one is the best for food and will be memorable . Excellence El Carmen or Secret Royal beach? Still can't decide. Waiting for your reply. 😊
We LOVE Excellence Punta Cana. El Carmen was a one and done for us. You were kind when you said the service at El Carmen was "inconsistent". Their service during the day when we were there was non existent. It was bad to say the least. Yet, Punta Cana had fantastic service both times we visited, so I know the brand can do it! Would return to Excellence Punta Cana in a second. And it's a beautiful resort. I know you said you preferred the layout of El Carmen - we didn't like it at all, but that of course is subjective.
How is the beach/water at excellence?
Have you stayed at Excellence Rivera Cancun before, curious how these two compare to that one, i loved RC.
Cool video 🎉🎉🎉
Do they both have cocolocos?
Hurricane season? You riding it out?
Am I crazy or did you say in another video that El Carmen wasn't worth the hype?
I stayed here in September 2023 and had a major accident- broke a bone due to poor lighting and maintenance at the resort's restaurant, Agave. I spoke to other guests, and another said he fell in the exact location when he had stayed the year earlier (didn't break anything, luckily), but that he had alerted the resort and clearly nothing was done to fix it. I would recommend going to another hotel, or getting really good travel insurance if you do plan to visit.
Have you heard of the Riu Macao any reviews for that one ?
Do they have a golf course?
No they do not
Thanks
@@jgates594
Dominican resorts needs to rollback to more tropical style. The actual resorts are becoming without character an too European/ocidental .
I feel like you have never been to the DR
@@pewto I've been there 5 times since 1997 and the Caribbean tropical style is vanishing from the resorts.
My question James is, having spent so long traveling in the Caribbean…how long have you had diarrhea?
Kinda over punta canna videos . I get the point . How about somewhere else for a change ?
On my next visit to the Northern part of the DR for an event, I was going to pop down to Punta Cana for 2-3 days; unfortunately, what I'm seeing is that both the lovely properties in this video have 3 night minimums on their online booking app.