Punta Cana Princess vs Excellence Punta Cana

[tiacovelli]

I'm in the process of planning our first trip to Punta Cana this winter. It will be for 3 couples. We have been to numerous all-inclusives in Jamaica and Mexico. Since we are traveling without our kids we look for adult-only resorts. The only 2 I could find in Punta Cana are the Punta Cana Princess and the Excellence Punta Cana. The Punta Cana Princess is considerably cheaper the Excellence Punta Cana. I'd love to hear from people that have stayed in these resorts and share their experience.

[rubio_higuey]

This is a no brainer - Excellence Punta Cana.

[tiacovelli]

Thanks for the response. We are 3 couples in our mid-40's. Excellence definately looks nicer. But for a 5 night trip Punta Cana Princess is $800 less than the Excellence. That is a big difference. Is the Excellence that much better? Is the Punta Cana Princess a dump? Any and all feedback from people that are familiar with these Resorts is greatly appreciated.

[Dolores]

The rooms are about the same size (the rooms at Princess don't have a jacuzzi in the middle of the room, but who needs that?), the beach is nicer. The spa is nicer at the Excellence. I would think you would have access to wi fi internet at the Excellence, not so at the Princess. The plus at the Excellence is that you don't have to book a restaurant in advance, you get an electronic device that tells you when your table is available. And I liked the suave entertainment at Excellence and the food. I believe there is unlimited premium alcoholic beverages at Excellence, not so at Princess, (double check if this is important to you). The crowds at Excellence did seem to have more income. At the Excellence you are far away from anything in Punta Cana. The taxi will also cost you more from the airport, and to get to anywhere. The Princess is located in Bavaro, in the middle of the area. I don't think anyone would describe the Princess as a dump. I think the $800 difference is an important consideration.

[tiacovelli]

Thank you for replying. Is the beach nicer at the Princess or the Excellence? The Princess does have a VIP upgrade which does include unlimited premium alcohol and some other extras for about $200 per couple for the trip. Is there any nightlife at the Princess? Also, are there any Casinos close to either one of these resorts?

[Dolores]

The Excellence has its own casino. I would recommend the Excellence for couples looking for a quiet sojourn, but if your group is into casinos, then go for the Princess. As I explained before, the Princess is located in Bavaro, which is near several casinos and discos. The Excellence is out of the way, more private, service is excellent, you don't have to wear a wristband, food may be slightly better. Entertainment will be more lively at the Princess. It was quiet and relaxing at the Excellence when was there. And yes, as I said above, the beach is nicer at the Princess. I would pay for the VIP upgrade and go with the Princess if money is a consideration, if you want a livelier vacation, and if you are into an active vacation.

[tiacovelli]

Thank you for the information. Based on what I'm hearing we will probably be going to the Punta Cana Princess. The Excellence sounds very nice for an upscale quiter vacation. But the location, beach and livelier atmosphere makes the Punta Cana Princess a better fit for what we are looking for.

[rubio_higuey]

Before you make your final decision, check also

Ocean Blue (and VIP service)
Melia Caribe Tropical (and Royal Service)
Palladium Palace (and Premium Suites (also adults-only))

[tiacovelli]

Are the Ocean Blue and Melia Caribe Tropical Adults-only too?

[rubio_higuey]

No, Melia and Ocean blue are not adults only.
Palladium Palace Premium Suites, yes, are adults only.

And I don't think Punta Cana Princess is adults only either.