Punta Cana All-Inclusives (1 Viewer)

[Zow]

Excellence

I've heard this from others around these parts in the past. What makes this one so great?

I haven't stayed at any other resorts down there.Take it with a grain as it was a long time ago.

Good food and variety of restaurants

Private clean beach

No kids

Another place in Jamaica was grand lido brace which I don't think exists anymore. Walked out my room onto. Beach

I also have not stayed at any other resorts in Punta Cana, but we did honeymoon at Excellence in February for a week. Positives:

- Beautiful private beach, which was nicer than a couple of other resorts that we saw when on excursions

- No kids

- Good food (I'd avoid the Mexican option, but the Asian place was great, lobster place, other good options)

- Room had an amazing view beach/water and hot tub on the balcony

- Plenty of bars and staff to provide drinks

- Premium liquor in the room (Vodka, Tequila, Rum, Gin) that we requested before we got there

- Staff was on top of everything we could possibly need to make our stay comfortable

- A lot of recent refurbishment of rooms and resort

Negatives:

- Not a lot of night life options if that's your thing. We were on the younger end of the curve at 39 and 37. The dance club was open until 2 or 3 and we went there one night but it was dead (maybe a dozen people) and I think most other bars closed between 10 and 12.

- Entertainment was average at best. Michael Jackson show was cool, but for the most part the shows weren't great.

If you stay there I recommend the Excellence Club membership. For an extra fee per day you get access to a number of perks including a private beach, many of which may or may not be helpful. Some people say it's not worth it, but my wife said it was worth every penny even if only because of how much more comfortable the deck chairs are that are on the "private" beach versus the "non-private" beach considering the number of hours spent on the beach.

Here's the list of club "benefits"

• Excellence Club includes private check-in and check-out / late check-out and early check-in, subject to availability.
• Private concierge service 7:00am 11:00pm
• Private lounge - 7:00am to 11:00pm with free internet access, smart buffets and bar service
• Superior VIP toiletries by Bvlgari, upgraded mini-bar including wine and liquor preference and room-service menu
• Private beach
• Daily complimentary newspaper
• Beach bag
• Shoe shine service
• Daily fruit
• Fresh flowers in room upon arrival
• 37-Inch flat screen satellite television
• Radio/alarm clock with iPod connectivity

Bottom line, we are planning to go back at some point.

Great info, thanks! Talk to me about the premium liquor comment...all inclusives that I've been at in the past all had rail watered down liquor. Puts a damper on the festivities. Is that not the case here at the bars and in the rooms?

Premium means different things to different people, but we called ahead and asked for Vodka, Rum, Tequila, and Gin to be in the room. In our room were unopened 750 ml bottles of Absolut, Ron Barcelo Premium, Bombay Sapphire, and Don Julio. They replaced each bottle when requested with new unopened bottles. After a couple of days we replaced the Absolut with Grey Goose after talking to the concierge and the rum with J.D.

Also in the room was beer, wine, soda and all the other stuff you'd expect. The bars did use well/rail liquors unless a premium was requested. I never got the sense that anything was watered down, but wasn't really worried about it since the drinks were mixed and it was free anyway.

We did take advantage of the free internet in the lounge as our phones were off and in the safe virtually the entire trip. The lounge was accessible with your room key. In response to Bell's comment about checking the club area for members, it only happened a couple of times but they did check. I assume the worst that happened was they made you go to the other area.

My wife and I left a list of things we wanted on the first day with a $20. They kept us stocked.

 

[Judge Smails]

My wife isn't a huge drinker, and while I like a good tequila shot and round of beers while in Mexico it's not like I'm wanting to be fall down hammered all day/every day. It's amazing to me to see how much people eat and drink while on AI (including the food portion of cruises).

I love cooking if I'm at a condo (have 2 timeshare weeks), making my own drinks, doing research of great restaurant finds where locals go, etc. The only way I'd do an AI now is if I wanted to get away for a quick 5-7 days, was too worn out to plan, and the place was not central to other options (i.e. far away from restaurants). We'd never drink enough to make the alcohol spend worth it - so the food would have to be GREAT. And I don't think much of it is. At least what I've heard.

 

[urbanhack]

GF and I planning a getaway in late April for my 40th Bday. Looking for all-inclusive resort recommendations from those that have had good experiences (or notes to stay away from bad experiences). No kids allowed places preferred.

Appreciate the help in adavance!

Just got back from Blue Diamond Resort in Riviera Maya. Five star, all inclusive. I would normally never do something like this, but it was a 65% off deal on Jetsetter.com and my flights were free from CC rewards. It's most I've ever paid for a night since my honeymoon and it's first time I've ever done all inclusive.

*The resort is awesome and the staff is fantastic

*There were two restaurants and a few bars - the food options were good enough to last us for 5 days without getting bored or tired

*Only complaint about all inclusive was the wine selection for dinner. Very limited options and they weren't that great. On the other hand every margarita was made with Don Julio and every vodka mixer was Kettle One.

*The bar on the beach is great. We never had an empty drink while on the beach and the snack menu was fantastic.

The breakfast menu was the huge.

*No kids - 18 and up. We only saw one college-aged kid with his parents.

*Spa was one of the best I've ever seen and it was empty. The gym was fantastic as well.

*All in all it was a great experience. The only negative was getting roped in by their marketing/sales team. It was not included in our package and some woman in the concierge office said we got a $150 credit because of the Jetsetter package (which was bull####). We just needed to stop by and check out one of the casitas on the beach. We ended up getting hard pitched by two different guys and we ended up sitting through it for the $150 (enough for one of us to get an 80 minute massage.)

 

[Fishboy]

Can anyone comment on the following resort? 

Majestic Colonial Punta Cana All Inclusive

Will be traveling with wife and 17 & 15 year old daughter.  8/6 - 8/13 is our only option due to kids schedule.  Leaving from Milwaukee, possibly O'Hare if it's a killer deal. 

This one is currently at $1083/person.  Want to keep it under $1500/person if possible. 

Would like to book ASAP.  I'm open to other options - what says the FFA? 

 

[Arizona Ron]

Can anyone comment on the following resort? 

Majestic Colonial Punta Cana All Inclusive

Will be traveling with wife and 17 & 15 year old daughter.  8/6 - 8/13 is our only option due to kids schedule.  Leaving from Milwaukee, possibly O'Hare if it's a killer deal. 

This one is currently at $1083/person.  Want to keep it under $1500/person if possible. 

Would like to book ASAP.  I'm open to other options - what says the FFA? 

Stayed at this location several times, even back when it was called "Excellence" (or something like that).   Fly into Punta Cana - DO NOT fly into Santo Domingo and take the death-defying drive out to this resort.  Food is always great, people are nice and the excursions are reasonably cheap.  The casino is small but it's not really a casino-casino anyway.

If you take the fishing trip excursion, don't bring your wife 

 

[Fishboy]

Stayed at this location several times, even back when it was called "Excellence" (or something like that).   Fly into Punta Cana - DO NOT fly into Santo Domingo and take the death-defying drive out to this resort.  Food is always great, people are nice and the excursions are reasonably cheap.  The casino is small but it's not really a casino-casino anyway.

If you take the fishing trip excursion, don't bring your wife 

Definitely planned a fishing excursion - can you elaborate?  Or send me a PM. 

PUJ is the airport I'm seeing - that is the "good" one, correct? 

 

[Arizona Ron]

Definitely planned a fishing excursion - can you elaborate?  Or send me a PM. 

PUJ is the airport I'm seeing - that is the "good" one, correct? 

That's the correct airport.  As for the fishing trip, they always have girls as "deckhands"; they like to really handle the deck.

 

[SFBayDuck]

I have a work award trip to Punta Cana June 20-22, staying at the Paradisus Palma Real.  I'm looking to stay through the weekend to extend it, as it's at least a 12 hour travel day from the West Coast.  I'm thinking an AirBnB as it'll be with a couple of buddies from work, and we're fine hitting up a liquor store, loading up the fridge with booze and beers, and having access to a pool and/or beach.  It looks like there are several pretty reasonable apartments/condos in the Bavaro Beach area, is that a good call?  Any other areas I should look in to?  I've never been so no clue on where the nightlife, tourist spots, cool non-tourist spots, or good beaches are.  

TIA

 

[shadyridr]

We booked our first trip in July at Majestic Colonial. can't wait!

 

[Cold Dead Hands]

I have a work award trip to Punta Cana June 20-22, staying at the Paradisus Palma Real.  I'm looking to stay through the weekend to extend it, as it's at least a 12 hour travel day from the West Coast.  I'm thinking an AirBnB as it'll be with a couple of buddies from work, and we're fine hitting up a liquor store, loading up the fridge with booze and beers, and having access to a pool and/or beach.  It looks like there are several pretty reasonable apartments/condos in the Bavaro Beach area, is that a good call?  Any other areas I should look in to?  I've never been so no clue on where the nightlife, tourist spots, cool non-tourist spots, or good beaches are.  

TIA

I am staying at the same resort at nearly the same time. I need to check my departure, but I think it is the 18th.

 

[Fishboy]

We booked our first trip in July at Majestic Colonial. can't wait!

Was there last August. Very nice resort. It's hot there that time of year. But only time my 2 daughters schedule lined up. 

Did a deep sea trip and didn't catch a fish, but a fun trip anyway. 

Hopefully Wilson is still there. Best bar tender I've ever had.  

 

[shadyridr]

Was there last August. Very nice resort. It's hot there that time of year. But only time my 2 daughters schedule lined up. 

Did a deep sea trip and didn't catch a fish, but a fun trip anyway. 

Hopefully Wilson is still there. Best bar tender I've ever had.  

Yeah hard for us to go in winter with a child in school. Thanks will look for him!

 

[SwampDawg]

Planning 25th anniversary 4 day trip for August. We've settled on either Excellence or Secrets Can Cana (adults only a must). Trip Advisor rates both highly, Secrets #4 and Excellence #10 , both get rave reviews on service. Pricing them out  they are withing $150 for a swim out room (I included the Excellence Club in the price). Excellence was apparently totally renovated in 2017, Secrets Can Cana is fairly new and said to have one of the nicest beaches in Punta Cana.  Anyone been to either more recently then the older reviews of Excellence ?

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Planning 25th anniversary 4 day trip for August. We've settled on either Excellence or Secrets Can Cana (adults only a must). Trip Advisor rates both highly, Secrets #4 and Excellence #10 , both get rave reviews on service. Pricing them out  they are withing $150 for a swim out room (I included the Excellence Club in the price). Excellence was apparently totally renovated in 2017, Secrets Can Cana is fairly new and said to have one of the nicest beaches in Punta Cana.  Anyone been to either more recently then the older reviews of Excellence ?

A co-worker of mine went to Excellence PC last year and thought it was awesome. Every Secrets usually ranks high, no matter the location. If those are the kinds of places you're looking for, I don't think you can go wrong either way.

 

[Weebs210]

Excellence was awesome. GF and I went based of FBG recommendations. Would go again.

 

[SwampDawg]

Excellence was awesome. GF and I went based of FBG recommendations. Would go again.

When did you go, before or after the renovations ? I only assume it would be better after.

 

[Weebs210]

When did you go, before or after the renovations ? I only assume it would be better after.

Three years ago this June. I honestly didn't think it needed renovations so yeah I would assume it improved.

Edit: excellence club was worth it.

 

[Arizona Ron]

When did you go, before or after the renovations ? I only assume it would be better after.

I've been to DR 30+ times over the last 12 years or so for work and R&R.  The resorts in Punta Cana are always in the perpetual state of "renovations".  The renovations are just par for running resorts in that area, they get flooded regularly so the furniture  is constantly getting chalked up as an insurance claim and cannibalized by the locals.  The resorts will flip name/ownership from time to time as business ebbs and flows also.   

Also, I get the "adults only" thing a must but I can tell you Punta Cana is not an attractive location for families so even places like the Hard Rock which encourages families is almost devoid of them especially after the Zika scare a few years ago.  So if you find a place that really matches your liking, don't be afraid if it isn't adult couples only you're not going to see a lot of kids, if any.

Which, side note, the Zika virus never got near the resorts as those areas don't have stagnant water like the inland underdeveloped area had.  Last time I was in Punta Cana was last spring, they were still soaking the place with repellent.  It was almost eerie to stand outside at night with ZERO bugs nipping at me.

 

[SwampDawg]

Thanks guys, we're booking Excellence. Told my wife several FBG's recommend it has to be good...lol...seriously here and everywhere else I have read raves about the service so that is what sold us.  I'll report back in August with my findings.

 

[Arizona Ron]

Thanks guys, we're booking Excellence. Told my wife several FBG's recommend it has to be good...lol...seriously here and everywhere else I have read raves about the service so that is what sold us.  I'll report back in August with my findings.

Wait, I just noticed you're going in August.  Not the best time of year to visit the Caribbean.  Hurricane season is the highest Aug, Sept and Oct. 

Maybe reconsider to do it a bit earlier in the year.  Yes it will cost a bit more (maybe $300-$500 more) but it beats having a trip ruined.

 

[culdeus]

Thanks guys, we're booking Excellence. Told my wife several FBG's recommend it has to be good...lol...seriously here and everywhere else I have read raves about the service so that is what sold us.  I'll report back in August with my findings.

I would only say that Excellence Club is a huge ripoff. You get upgraded liquor at some random bar way in the back of the resort, and they wall off a section of beach for you with 1/100th more service than the others.  The Club rooms are where they make literally all their profit from what I get.  The base rooms are nearly offered at cost over the seasonal factors and are perhaps operated at a loss.  

On the swim up level you won't be able to bang on your balcony like everyone else does.  People will be able to see you on the swim up level and your room will smell like an indoor pool.

  By about 10pm it's a freak show from the 2nd floor on up.  They cut out the lights I think at 9 or so.  

 

[culdeus]

Also, booking in January is profoundly -EV.  You want to book these about 100 days out from your trip.  Especially in low season.  If you do just have to book because you have an OCD spouse, book it refundable and convert it to non later.  

 

[RUSF18]

We stayed at an Excellence in Mexico a few years back. Service was great which I'm sure transfers over. Just want to say though...I actually think Adults Only is unnecessary, unless you're talking about a really small place where you would tend to feel surrounded by kids. Felt that way even before we had our daughter (like that particular stay at Excellence). I'd rather be around some young families/kids than deal with AO resorts packed with seniors and/or ones that think AO = party and blast music and have people getting annihilated while I'm just trying to relax. 

Nice benefit to resorts with families is that the restaurants usually clear out by like 7pm and going to dinner after 8 ends up being quiet.

 

[culdeus]

We stayed at an Excellence in Mexico a few years back. Service was great which I'm sure transfers over. Just want to say though...I actually think Adults Only is unnecessary, unless you're talking about a really small place where you would tend to feel surrounded by kids. Felt that way even before we had our daughter (like that particular stay at Excellence). I'd rather be around some young families/kids than deal with AO resorts packed with seniors and/or ones that think AO = party and blast music and have people getting annihilated while I'm just trying to relax. 

Nice benefit to resorts with families is that the restaurants usually clear out by like 7pm and going to dinner after 8 ends up being quiet.

Other issue with AO now is the weekends get giant wedding groups that tend to take over the place and have no issue playing music on their wifi speaker at huge volume.

If doing a weekday run during school then a non-AO is probably totally fine.

Would disagree that Excellence/Secrets is over-run with olds.  It's 30% honeymooners 30% guys taking their FWB 30% wedding guests and 10% olds/fats.  

 

[Angry Beavers]

Stayed at Excellence El Carmen  in Punta Cana in 2016- it was great - thinking of going back this year; Any opinions as to which Excellence or Secrets is best  in PC?  Probably depends on personal preference, but figured I would ask anyway. TIA

 

[Worm]

Heh. We are booked at Excellence Punta Cana April 16-23. Let's have a beer imo.

 

[Worm]

LOL this is 3 years old, guess we are not having a Caribbean cornhole.

 

[SwampDawg]

Wait, I just noticed you're going in August.  Not the best time of year to visit the Caribbean.  Hurricane season is the highest Aug, Sept and Oct. 

Maybe reconsider to do it a bit earlier in the year.  Yes it will cost a bit more (maybe $300-$500 more) but it beats having a trip ruined.

Wife is a teacher so Late June through August is what I have to work with. Already camping two weeks in July.

 

[Worm]

I would only say that Excellence Club is a huge ripoff. You get upgraded liquor at some random bar way in the back of the resort, and they wall off a section of beach for you with 1/100th more service than the others.  The Club rooms are where they make literally all their profit from what I get.  The base rooms are nearly offered at cost over the seasonal factors and are perhaps operated at a loss.  

On the swim up level you won't be able to bang on your balcony like everyone else does.  People will be able to see you on the swim up level and your room will smell like an indoor pool.

  By about 10pm it's a freak show from the 2nd floor on up.  They cut out the lights I think at 9 or so.  

We booked the terrace suite... has it's own plunge pool and day bed that I'm quite looking forward to...

 

[belljr]

We booked the terrace suite... has it's own plunge pool and day bed that I'm quite looking forward to...

be sure to look for my markings....