Excellence Punta Cana

We were very reluctant to visit Dominican Republic after our previous very bad experience from different five star hotels. Attitude, devotion, quality of service and understanding of every one who looked after us changed our opinion. We stayed with our son with learning difficulties who enjoyed this place. Hotel is set in picturesque surroundings, with scenic garden full of wild animals and beautiful beach with palms entering the ocean. For those who want to enjoy swimming in the ocean - there is no reef in this area so waves are big and most of the time we were not allowed to swim. Food was good although more international themes during launch would be appreciated. Special thanks to Yeifrid, Yaritzabel and Edwin (for understanding and support), animation team, life guards (sorry for casing some problems whilst enjoying quite a rough sea) and to all hard working staff who made our stay a memorable experience. We hope to see you again.

We stayed here a week and it was heaven. We upgraded before we left to the Excellence Club and worth every penny. Our room was huge and had two sliding doors to go outside. We were on the corner and had the swim up bar to our right. Perfect spot! The Club was great when you wanted to get away, maybe surf the net or grab a drink. All in all our trip was amazing and can't wait to go back.

This was advertised as a 5 star, plush resort. Sadly it did not come anywhere near 5 stars, in reality even 4 stars would have been a stretch. The accommodation was shabby in need of refitting, something that is rumored to be happening, with mould on doors and curtains and basic items like shower and terrace doors broken. The food was again of low standard, cold and poorly cooked until we complained, then matters were taken in hand and the quality became as one had reason to expect from the web advertising. It goes without saying we would never return, there are so many good all inclusive hotels in the Caribbean to risk Excellence again.

To those who are thinking or going to this location look forward to it. As it's a great holiday location. We arrived at the airport. A tip just get a taxi or book to get private transport to pick you up from the hotel. It's easier and faster less hassle then sitting on a coach. Definitely do this on the way back to the airport. We arrived at the resort and there was a lot of confusion with are selfs where you get a glass of champagne. This is where you get out of your car etc at the front of the hotel. A bloke was ticking people off attending the hotel but for the holiday we got a VIP package. Not being a snob. Just came about and we was luck to get it. But if your going to sort out your room do at the main desk inside. As this bloke didn't have a clue where we was going. As we was on the special excellence rooms. So check with the desk and they will show you round to that part of the resort as it's not at the front of the resort. Finally got to the right area again not a smooth process to get to are room. Being passed about a lot. Which in the end I had to say we want to go to are room please! After that we got to are room which was on the third floor over looking the Garden! Reason I outline garden is because of what is to come. Are room was amazing just like all excellence hotels. But if your going for a room with a garden prepare yourselves foto be bitten. Because there is a lot of trees,bushes etc and it is a nice view don't get me wrong. The Mosquitos mainly. If you leave your balcony doors open they will get in and eat you alive at night or whenever your resting. Tip when going over take mosquito spray with you. Also plug in the walls mosquito ones make sure it's a good one. As it will have no effect on them.Myself being ex army I was well prepared and took the sprays and wipes. Of course it won't stop the issue but your 70% there. Not only in your room. Around the resort as there is water and bushes etc. Keep a spray and wipes in your hotel bag with your books etc. Before going out for a meal spray your skin which is on show. Your see others in worse state then yourself. Then you have to buy it over there which won't be cheap. But that's why I didn't give this hotel full marks as it drove you mad at times. The staff at times can be blunt and not as helpful as other excellence resorts I've been to. I'm not being a snob at all as you pay a lot of money and manners cost nothing. If you don't tip at the right amount or don't tip at all your be forgotten when going around to get the drink order. Just little things which started to show the third day inn. The resort is amazing with a lot to do and check what's going on like beach all games and checking the board for activities. Explore the grounds closer to the main gate. There is a nice little cafe which is free with beverages and smoothies etc with cake, ice cream etc. The grounds also have a nice walking grounds with animals to see. But the gardens again mosquito spray needed. There is a parrot down near the shops and he is super friendly but! He likes shinny things and anything like hair clips etc. He doesn't care if it's attached to your head he will try everything to get it. He's very strong. Just put your arm out and he will step on to it. The restaurants are really nice. French restaurant is brill if you like a steak. The Grill was my favourite. When doing anything always say your on your anniversary don't have to be married just relationship.Before booking the holiday your get free stuff or a up grade. when you book at the resort a table and say the same again. They put on a great spread for you both if it's your anniversary and good memories like a little book with your names on it. This was in the Chinese or ti restaurant. If you don't ask you don't get. If there is anything you have to remember from this review is Sammy sosa? There is a drink only in dom republic ask for this and your be hooked. We got two couples hooked on these and they go down so well but your be laying on the floor after around 4 haha. You can do days out only go through your rep not through the guys who hang around the pool. We when on a boat trip to a little island and it was amazing. But there is loads of packages you can do out there. The night entertainment is good but becomes the same act after the four night. But the one that stood out was Michael Jackson show. Very good and worth a watch. On the beach there is no water sports only horse riding which was nice very simple. For a novice you just sit on the horse and it walks. Nice going through the sea on the horse. You can walk up and down the beach which is great but don't get sucked in to the little shop on the beach. Hope this review helps in some way and have a nice time. Thank you for reading Pictures I'll add off another device

We had the pleasure of staying at the Excellence Punta Cana for a week in January 2017. This was our first all inclusive experience, we typically cruise at least once a year but wanted to try something different. We had a wonderful experience from start to finish. When we arrived we were greeted with cool towels and champagne, and we were whisked off to the Excellence Club for check in. We requested a ground level garden view room (mainly because I wanted a hammock and didn't want to be poolside) and it was perfect. Our room was spotless and maintained beautifully. I can only imagine how nice it will be after the remodel this summer. We had no issue finding plenty of delicious food to eat. The breakfast and lunch buffet was plentiful and fresh. I loved the made to order omelets and mimosa/Bloody Mary bar at breakfast and the pasta station at lunch. For dinner we particularly enjoyed the French and Italian options, but we honestly did not have a bad meal. Our absolute favorite thing to do after breakfast was to walk through the gardens. There are flamingos, ducks, geese and many other birds wandering around and bread boxes throughout the paths in case you would like to feed them. We would not hesitate to return to Excellence. In fact, I'm planning our 2018 vacation and we will be heading to one of the Excellence resorts in Cancun this time.