The restaurant food here is much better than most.all inclusives. The Grill is the closest to American food, so I feel like I understand your palette and why most of it was just ok.
The grill was our favorite when we were there back in Feb 2022. There were a few things we liked but nothing outstanding. Recently (May 2022) we went to the Nickelodeon Resort with our kids. It made us appreciate the El Carmen even more. The food at Nickelodeon was so bad. At least at El Carmen there were a few things that were tasty.
You’re welcome. We felt the same way. We are always on the look out for food reviews for places we want to go. We’re glad this was helpful and we appreciate your feedback.
Thanks for sharing! Yeah the food and drinks at all-inclusive resorts are not the best. When my husband and I started traveling we found this out real quick!😂The price can be appealing as everything is “ inclusive “ but there’s a caveat. We compare it to food you’d find at all you can eat buffets like Ponderosa or Golden Corral. Yes you pay one price but the quality is not always there. Also, the drinks seem to be watered down as well. So like you said, if you’re going to these all inclusive resorts thinking you will get 5 star food experience then just know that’s not what they specialize in. We’ve been to several resorts and the food is always just ok.
Great video! Heading back here next spring. The resort is wonderful but I agree, the food is sub par. There was an Indian restaurant we went to that was really good. Not sure if it’s still there. We might try and venture out to the city for some authentic food next time.
I've been to EEC and I'd have to say I disagree. I thought the food was great! Respectfully, everyone has different pallets, yes, but it was way better than the expectation I didn't create for myself. It was my first time, but I am a foodie. I was pleasantly surprised by the food, in general. There were some items/locations that were basic. But what does one actually expect from breakfast 🤔? A buffet none the less. I never ate A la carte breakfast@ the restaurants that offered. I have been to places and had food items that were not my "type" as well as items not prepared to my preference. Never would I say, it was not good😒 or sub par. But that's just me. Your pallet is entitled to its own opinion. I too intend to go back, a bit anxious actually, but honestly it's because of the food that I am even considering it🤷. I hope you aren't as disappointed next time. 🙂
@jgates why are anxious about going back? I’m anxious about going now that I’ve seen vids on sub par food, suites that are not clean, grouchy staff, the beach area doesn’t look very nice and have seen vids of the beach erosion at EEC with palm tree roots popping out. But, then I’ve seen vids of beautiful beach views, and people saying they had a great time. It’s hard to get a good gauge. Could you share your experience outside of the food?
@@girlloveshemp642 Anxious... Is a good thing. I can't wait to go back! Try not 2over analyze any of our reviews. Mentally tuck it in your pocket for consideration. As individuals we interpret things differently. I once had a boss who would say a bathroom was a mess if there was a paper towel on the floor. I would take a staff member with me expecting the worst, only to see the trash needed to be removed- and the paper towel picked up 🤷. Just say the trash needs to be changed 🙄. As far as Beach🤷 I guess it depends on what your experiences are & what you look for in a beach. I don't have an ideal expectation of how a beach should look. Nor do I care about coarseness or the color of sand. Some areas are flat and straight to the water line but most are not. 🤭 I didn't know that was erosion, thanks for telling me (shows what I know)! I actually liked that. To me, it separated the area. If I want to be in a flat area, I could go to that side of the beach or walk past the tree line. I am a hospitality professional so I have a different understanding of facilities & grounds. That is not to say things shouldn't come correct. As consumers, we forget when visiting all of these beachfront resorts that saltwater damage is a real thing. The wear in these suites are quicker then an inner City Hotel. Either way, those businesses should be maintaining it in some shape, form, or other. Oftentimes maintenance just isn't that neat. I did notice some repairs that could have been better. Was I in every room of the resort to say every room sucked, no. I'm sure other resorts throughout the Caribbean have similar issues (they hire from the same applicant pool). Overall I thought it was a very beautiful property. The campus layout was ideal for activity engagement or finding semi privacy. I was wowed as I toured the grounds. I travel often and must say 50% of staff I encounter are just not the most approachable so I wouldn't fought EEC as if it's just them 🤷 (my honest opinion). I hadn't experienced any rude staff during my stay. Some staff were extra nice & engaging, speaking to us by name every time they saw us. Always inquiring about our experiences so far, hoping for an excellent response. A couple beverage staff went above& beyond with helping me contact the check in desk with out having to keep going from the pool to the main bldg. Thank goodness for Google translate 🙏 because I was waiting on a rm change. Both suites I was in were clean, although the hot tub in one had slow water flow. Maintenance was contacted to help with the swan spout in my swim out - it wasn't on. They got it on and came over & explained the issue. I am returning to the area this spring but staying @ different resort. Family trip so family resort. I too am hesitant about this other resort because of vids & reviews I've seen. But not really🤔 . I am disappointed that it seems EEC has the biggest "standard" suite out there. I am gonna miss the space, walk in closet and huge hot tub. Sorry for the ramble, but providing insight just wasn't simple. 📝
Just finished the first 24 hours here - your video is helping us immensely- we’re spoiled New Yorkers and almost everything we’ve had so far was trash.
The Covid tests were free when we were there. A long list of the Excellence Club benefits are on their website but some that stood out for me were the private lounge, dining and beach access. We were also supposed to have a butler but we never saw one. Service was still prompt so I didn’t miss it.
There's no butler with Excellence Club. In the past they've promoted a club pool, but that's not a thing either. 🤷 One would definitely have to check their website and confirm with the property.
Iam happy you made the video but sad to hear the food was not that great. I was booked to go there the first week in march 2022 but unfortunately had to cancel. I was going to rebook for later this year but now I'm not sure I want to based on your review.
I would go back just for the views, beach and weather even though the food was not great. You never know, you may go and love the food. Everyones taste buds are different.
Another great video-super helpful to set our food expectations because we are foodies too and their menus look amazing but the final product I guess is lacking lol. Thanks for posting! Were the cocktails around the resort at least decent? And was it easy to get sun loungers at the excellence club side?
I hated to be the bearer of bad news…LOL, but I wanted to be honest. I didn’t have any cocktails around the resort aside from wine and a daiquiri. We also had our pick of loungers on the beach. One day we had the entire space to ourselves at sunset. There were maybe four couples including us on another day. There were about 20 ish loungers so plenty available when we were there.
I didn’t have the sushi. I tried something similar to a California roll that wasn’t flavorful. I think it was an avocado roll. Its the dish in my video thumbnail on the bottom left.
Food and beverages were included with our purchase. Just make sure you read the description of the package you buy. I think this is an ALL inclusive resort that includes food and drinks in every package, but their website is the best source of information. The Excellence Club package I bought included access to additional Club member only restaurants, a butler, private beach and beach service.
@@lovermonkey it’s been 21 years since I’ve been on a Carnival Cruise so I can’t say. One thing I loved about the cruise experience back then was the all you can eat option, but I’ve traveled and eaten in so many states and countries since then that I’d probably think Carnival Cruise food isn’t great today. Take a look at some of the comments here as others have commented on the food at the resort as well as overall resort food. My friends just got back from the DR. They stayed at a resort but ate at local establishments off of the resort for a more authentic food experience.
Yeah…it’s definitely a consideration. If I go back to the DR I would definitely look into eating locally in place of an all inclusive resort. I know you’ll figure out the best thing for your trip.
@@TravelCheckIns I cancelled. Lol, booked with Sanctuary Cap Cana but will be staying at Excellence Punta Cana the first half. Thank you for this video!
This is the first I've seen a review/ so many comments of bad food at Excellence El Carmen. Although she didn't say it all was bad to her. When I travel, I stalk reviews for places I want to go. I have actually found more reviews on this location after my trip and after 2 yrs of comments& reviews, about 70% put EEC in high rating over all. They are known to be the most consistent hotel group across all their properties. 🤗 Don't be stressed out. When I travel to places that cook high volume, I generally expect "banquet cooking". Even that's edible w. salt/pepper. Human nature we rely so much on other people's opinions of things. Before I first took an all inclusive trip, I was told all the food is bad, no matter where you go. I cruise a lot and feel cruise food is basic, so I felt it have to be about the same. Some meals were, but most of them (to me) were exceptionally better. Travel with no expectations of food and pay attention to the preparation styles of items you do eat there. It will not be your worst experience 😉
@humanfairy what were the things you enjoyed about Excellence Punta Cana, that’s where we tried to book for November, but it was full, so we booked at EEC, but still checking to see if we can book at EPC.
My favorite restaurants are Magna (Excellence Club), Chez Izabelle, and Lobster House.
Thanks for being honest and detailed in your review.
You’re welcome!
The restaurant food here is much better than most.all inclusives. The Grill is the closest to American food, so I feel like I understand your palette and why most of it was just ok.
The grill was our favorite when we were there back in Feb 2022. There were a few things we liked but nothing outstanding. Recently (May 2022) we went to the Nickelodeon Resort with our kids. It made us appreciate the El Carmen even more. The food at Nickelodeon was so bad. At least at El Carmen there were a few things that were tasty.
Great review! Very helpful.
Thanks for the feedback.
Thanks for the video. Will be going in September for my 31st anniversary. Just got back from the Finest yesterday.
Happy early anniversary and congratulations on 31 years of marriage. How was your stay at Finest?
@@TravelCheckIns we loved it. We were there for 6 days. We stayed in the Excellence Club 2 story roof top with plunge pool.
Thank you for this video. Its hard to find foodie reviews at all inclusives. This is so important to me.
You’re welcome. We felt the same way. We are always on the look out for food reviews for places we want to go. We’re glad this was helpful and we appreciate your feedback.
Great video. Question. What camera do you use for your videos? Pretty awesome
I used an iPhone 11 for this video.
Thanks for sharing! Yeah the food and drinks at all-inclusive resorts are not the best. When my husband and I started traveling we found this out real quick!😂The price can be appealing as everything is “ inclusive “ but there’s a caveat. We compare it to food you’d find at all you can eat buffets like Ponderosa or Golden Corral. Yes you pay one price but the quality is not always there. Also, the drinks seem to be watered down as well. So like you said, if you’re going to these all inclusive resorts thinking you will get 5 star food experience then just know that’s not what they specialize in. We’ve been to several resorts and the food is always just ok.
Could you share what you enjoyed anout EEC? Have reservations for Nov, but can still cancel fir full refund. I’m getting nervous about this place.
Great video! Heading back here next spring. The resort is wonderful but I agree, the food is sub par. There was an Indian restaurant we went to that was really good. Not sure if it’s still there. We might try and venture out to the city for some authentic food next time.
I've been to EEC and I'd have to say I disagree. I thought the food was great! Respectfully, everyone has different pallets, yes, but it was way better than the expectation I didn't create for myself. It was my first time, but I am a foodie. I was pleasantly surprised by the food, in general. There were some items/locations that were basic. But what does one actually expect from breakfast 🤔? A buffet none the less. I never ate A la carte breakfast@ the restaurants that offered.
I have been to places and had food items that were not my "type" as well as items not prepared to my preference. Never would I say, it was not good😒 or sub par. But that's just me. Your pallet is entitled to its own opinion.
I too intend to go back, a bit anxious actually, but honestly it's because of the food that I am even considering it🤷. I hope you aren't as disappointed next time. 🙂
@jgates why are anxious about going back? I’m anxious about going now that I’ve seen vids on sub par food, suites that are not clean, grouchy staff, the beach area doesn’t look very nice and have seen vids of the beach erosion at EEC with palm tree roots popping out. But, then I’ve seen vids of beautiful beach views, and people saying they had a great time. It’s hard to get a good gauge. Could you share your experience outside of the food?
@@girlloveshemp642 Anxious... Is a good thing. I can't wait to go back! Try not 2over analyze any of our reviews. Mentally tuck it in your pocket for consideration. As individuals we interpret things differently. I once had a boss who would say a bathroom was a mess if there was a paper towel on the floor. I would take a staff member with me expecting the worst, only to see the trash needed to be removed- and the paper towel picked up 🤷. Just say the trash needs to be changed 🙄.
As far as Beach🤷 I guess it depends on what your experiences are & what you look for in a beach. I don't have an ideal expectation of how a beach should look. Nor do I care about coarseness or the color of sand. Some areas are flat and straight to the water line but most are not. 🤭 I didn't know that was erosion, thanks for telling me (shows what I know)! I actually liked that. To me, it separated the area. If I want to be in a flat area, I could go to that side of the beach or walk past the tree line.
I am a hospitality professional so I have a different understanding of facilities & grounds. That is not to say things shouldn't come correct. As consumers, we forget when visiting all of these beachfront resorts that saltwater damage is a real thing. The wear in these suites are quicker then an inner City Hotel. Either way, those businesses should be maintaining it in some shape, form, or other. Oftentimes maintenance just isn't that neat. I did notice some repairs that could have been better. Was I in every room of the resort to say every room sucked, no. I'm sure other resorts throughout the Caribbean have similar issues (they hire from the same applicant pool). Overall I thought it was a very beautiful property. The campus layout was ideal for activity engagement or finding semi privacy. I was wowed as I toured the grounds.
I travel often and must say 50% of staff I encounter are just not the most approachable so I wouldn't fought EEC as if it's just them 🤷 (my honest opinion). I hadn't experienced any rude staff during my stay.
Some staff were extra nice & engaging, speaking to us by name every time they saw us. Always inquiring about our experiences so far, hoping for an excellent response. A couple beverage staff went above& beyond with helping me contact the check in desk with out having to keep going from the pool to the main bldg. Thank goodness for Google translate 🙏 because I was waiting on a rm change. Both suites I was in were clean, although the hot tub in one had slow water flow. Maintenance was contacted to help with the swan spout in my swim out - it wasn't on. They got it on and came over & explained the issue.
I am returning to the area this spring but staying @ different resort. Family trip so family resort. I too am hesitant about this other resort because of vids & reviews I've seen. But not really🤔 . I am disappointed that it seems EEC has the biggest "standard" suite out there. I am gonna miss the space, walk in closet and huge hot tub.
Sorry for the ramble, but providing insight just wasn't simple. 📝
Just finished the first 24 hours here - your video is helping us immensely- we’re spoiled New Yorkers and almost everything we’ve had so far was trash.
I’m from NYC as well. I’m so glad my video has been helpful. Enjoy your vacation.
I'm a New Yorker & I respectfully disagree.
Typical rude Yorker
Thank you for the vid. I am going w a friend in nov. Yikes, all of that food didn’t look very appetizing. It’s making me want to cancel my stay.
Thank you so much for this video!!!
You’re welcome! So glad it was helpful.
Such a great and informative video. Besides the restaurants what are additional excellence club features? Also was your covid test free ?
The Covid tests were free when we were there. A long list of the Excellence Club benefits are on their website but some that stood out for me were the private lounge, dining and beach access. We were also supposed to have a butler but we never saw one. Service was still prompt so I didn’t miss it.
There's no butler with Excellence Club. In the past they've promoted a club pool, but that's not a thing either. 🤷 One would definitely have to check their website and confirm with the property.
Iam happy you made the video but sad to hear the food was not that great. I was booked to go there the first week in march 2022 but unfortunately had to cancel. I was going to rebook for later this year but now I'm not sure I want to based on your review.
I would go back just for the views, beach and weather even though the food was not great. You never know, you may go and love the food. Everyones taste buds are different.
Go try LeBlanc Los Cabo’s food there is amazing
Thanks for the recommendation.
Another great video-super helpful to set our food expectations because we are foodies too and their menus look amazing but the final product I guess is lacking lol. Thanks for posting!
Were the cocktails around the resort at least decent? And was it easy to get sun loungers at the excellence club side?
I hated to be the bearer of bad news…LOL, but I wanted to be honest. I didn’t have any cocktails around the resort aside from wine and a daiquiri. We also had our pick of loungers on the beach. One day we had the entire space to ourselves at sunset. There were maybe four couples including us on another day. There were about 20 ish loungers so plenty available when we were there.
Question I’ll be visiting there soon about space did you get sushi and what was your take on it if you did?
I didn’t have the sushi. I tried something similar to a California roll that wasn’t flavorful. I think it was an avocado roll. Its the dish in my video thumbnail on the bottom left.
@@TravelCheckIns Thank you for your answer appreciate that
Hi, just checking back in to see of you decided to go to Excellence and to hear how your experience was.
After viewing your video and other traveler, I'm going to research another resort, because they are far and expense
Hey how are the prices for the food in el Carmen? Or is it included in the all inclusive deal?
The food and all beverages are included in the all inclusive pricing.
Are food and drinks included with the all inclusive resort or do you have to pay for food and drinks during your stay?
Food and beverages were included with our purchase. Just make sure you read the description of the package you buy. I think this is an ALL inclusive resort that includes food and drinks in every package, but their website is the best source of information. The Excellence Club package I bought included access to additional Club member only restaurants, a butler, private beach and beach service.
Hi, just checking back in to see of you decided to go to Excellence and to hear how your experience was.
So, how do you become a member? Does it cost extra? Do you know how much?
When you book the Excellence Club room it will let you see in the details if it includes Access to private Excellence Club lounge.
@@TravelCheckIns Thank you! Was the food that bad as you say? Or is it something you might get on a Carnival cruise ship? Thank you for the video.
@@lovermonkey it’s been 21 years since I’ve been on a Carnival Cruise so I can’t say. One thing I loved about the cruise experience back then was the all you can eat option, but I’ve traveled and eaten in so many states and countries since then that I’d probably think Carnival Cruise food isn’t great today. Take a look at some of the comments here as others have commented on the food at the resort as well as overall resort food. My friends just got back from the DR. They stayed at a resort but ate at local establishments off of the resort for a more authentic food experience.
@@TravelCheckIns Thank you!
Hi, just checking back in to see of you decided to go to Excellence and to hear how your experience was.
I am seriously considering canceling my trip because I keep hearing how the food is bad. Stressing me out.
Yeah…it’s definitely a consideration. If I go back to the DR I would definitely look into eating locally in place of an all inclusive resort. I know you’ll figure out the best thing for your trip.
@@TravelCheckIns I cancelled. Lol, booked with Sanctuary Cap Cana but will be staying at Excellence Punta Cana the first half. Thank you for this video!
This is the first I've seen a review/ so many comments of bad food at Excellence El Carmen. Although she didn't say it all was bad to her. When I travel, I stalk reviews for places I want to go. I have actually found more reviews on this location after my trip and after 2 yrs of comments& reviews, about 70% put EEC in high rating over all. They are known to be the most consistent hotel group across all their properties.
🤗 Don't be stressed out. When I travel to places that cook high volume, I generally expect "banquet cooking". Even that's edible w. salt/pepper. Human nature we rely so much on other people's opinions of things. Before I first took an all inclusive trip, I was told all the food is bad, no matter where you go. I cruise a lot and feel cruise food is basic, so I felt it have to be about the same. Some meals were, but most of them (to me) were exceptionally better.
Travel with no expectations of food and pay attention to the preparation styles of items you do eat there. It will not be your worst experience 😉
@@jgates594 Thank you sis, you are right. I ended up going to Excellence Punta Cana and Sanctuary. I cannot wait to go back to both.
@humanfairy what were the things you enjoyed about Excellence Punta Cana, that’s where we tried to book for November, but it was full, so we booked at EEC, but still checking to see if we can book at EPC.
Most all inclusive resorts food is average
Can confirm the food here was trash
Food was not good.
Do you have any other Punta Cana resorts that you can recommend?
@@Alexis.Nicole. Do you have any other Punta Cana resorts that you can recommend?