Excellence Riviera Cancun

We have vacationed at the Excellence Riviera Cancun more than 15 times over the years. Some might suggest that we branch out but the amenities, location and especially the outstanding staff keep us coming back. While we're sure that most staff deserve excellent reviews; these are the women and men with whom we engaged on our recent trip and with whom we have the utmost gratitude, affection, and respect. The following staff members are listed in no particular order, but it should be noted that these superb folks keep us coming back.

Laylan: Manager for the Excellence Riviera Cancun. There were 6 people in our group. After multiple travel delays and challenging incidents, we arrived at the resort tired, hangry, and irritable. We encountered further frustrations when we learned that our booking agents had not shared some of our specific requests with the resort. Customer service is often a thankless job, but we say thank you Laylan for all that you did for us. We recognize you and your enormous efforts. Your professionalism, effectiveness and calm approach turned grumpy customers into grateful customers. Thank you. It's important to note that an organization is only as good as its employees, and employees like Laylan help make the Excellence Riviera Cancun a terrific resort.

Miriam: beach concierge in the Excellence Club. Miriam was an absolute delight. She was energetic, friendly, courteous, efficient, and professional at all times. Miriam went above and beyond, treated us like royalty and could always be counted on to provide excellent customer service. She was a highly effective team player. Thank you, Miriam, for your unceasing commitment and dedication. You always went the extra mile and as such, you are a wonderful ambassador for the Excellence Riviera Cancun.

Eleuterio: resort gardener. While always busy with his numerous tasks, Eleuterio went out of his way to engage with us. This is a man who does extremely well with guests. He made us feel most welcome with his friendly, welcoming, and gracious manner, all the while, approaching his duties with passion (the gardens and grounds are beautiful). He was charismatic, thoughtful and customer focused, also going above and beyond. Eleuterio is a loyal and exceptional ambassador for the Excellence Riviera Cancun. Well done.

Moises: pool waiter in the Excellence Club. Once you've met Moises and experienced his humour and infectious laughter, you will never forget him. We met Moises years ago and are always impressed with his dedication, high energy, efficiency, loyalty, and professionalism. He is a joy to know. Moises is a thoughtful, conscientious, and excellent team player who puts the comfort of guests first and foremost. A highly skilled and competent employee, Moises is also a remarkable ambassador for the Excellence Riviera Cancun.

Carlos Senior: waiter at Magna Restaurant in the Excellence Club. We enjoyed 2 experiences with Carlos Sr. He was attentive, proficient, friendly, courteous, and professional. A skilled server, we noticed how other staff treated him with respect and dignity – obviously a fine mentor.

Amir: waiter at Chez Isabelle (wine cellar). Here was a man with impressive knowledge and skill. With 6 people in our group, Amir exemplified professionalism with his friendly, respectful, and excellent customer service accomplished in an elegant and sophisticated manner.

Alberto: waiter at Oregano Restaurant. Last but definitely not least. We have known Alberto for years in his many roles at Excellence. We are very proud to count him as a cherished friend. When I asked my wife Wendy to describe Alberto, she said, “kind; a lovely man!” While true, Alberto is also a loyal, dedicated employee with a wonderful, positive disposition. His talent and customer service are stellar, and his hard work takes the resort to new heights. The Excellence Riviera Cancun is fortunate to have Alberto on their team – another fine ambassador. Until next time Alberto . . .

Phil and Wendy H.

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This Hotel was excellent. The food, the service, the entertainment! Entertainment was the best I've seen at any resort and plenty of it. Live bands in afternoon and evening most days. Then a show, then some type of participation entertainment later, such as karaoke, tons of fun to watch, and the silent party. Everything you need is on an app on your phone, which I liked but my husband does not even turn his phone on during vacation as I'm sure many people don't so this may be a negative. The rooms were great and we had a swim out which we only use once or twice as it wasn't really a private swim out like some resorts. You had direct access from your room to a pool which was still nice. It wasn't connected to the lazy river pool, which was fine because the lazy river was in the shade most of the day and I didn't even make it around the whole circuit as it was chilly in the shade. One of the main pools not connected to any rooms was freezing (for me) many people were in it...(a long time) and had a swim up bar, so again, not for me. All staff were very friendly. Did not have club level and did not see much of a difference. We usually do upgrade to a club level at many resorts but had everything we needed here without. Not a very big resort, so walking was not an issue (I have some mobility issues) Towel/chair game was happening here but were always plenty of chairs and beds left open, specially on the beach. The seaweed was minimal and was maintained. Beach service was great. We like to go to different resorts all the time but would definitely return here and will highly recommend (I am a travel consultant) [Details]

This is our third trip to Excellence Riviera Cancun and it was our best stay yet! I wish I was still there. We have stayed in a few different room types...I don't think there is a bad room at this resort. This resort has the perfect balance of excellent service, food and location (25 minutes from the airport). We have stayed at many all inclusive resorts including Sandals but we keep coming back to this one. I cannot stress the excellent service enough. Many days while lazing by the pool, staff would bring hot pizza or fresh cut fruit and you weren't at a pool long before someone was there to offer you a drink. Housekeeping was spot on as usual even catering to us leaving extra water once realizing how much water we drink. I always put a water on my night stand and after the first night the turn down service noticed this and would put a cold bottle of water on my night stand and a glass. It's the small details like this that make this resort so special. I should mention the Excellence Club pool is heated and there is a non-club pool that is heated as well. Although the weather was so hot during our stay that we swam the non-heated pools more. Overall, we swam and enjoyed all pools. We also swam the ocean and it was warm...there was only one day the seaweed came up on shore and staff worked tirelessly to clean it up. Thank you to all the Staff at Excellence Riviera Cancun...you are what make this resort so special!!! We can't wait to return back to our second home! [Details]

Great experience. Beautiful resort with great staff that go out of their way to accommodate you. The food is outstanding and the selection is unbelievable. You won't get tired of the food after several days which is typical at most resorts. There is also 24 hr room service with a great menu to choose from. It's nice to be able to have a pot of coffee delivered to the room in the morning or have dinner delivered to the room if you are a late check in. Have them deliver a bottle of champagne with the dinner too. The a la carte restaurants are excellent and we did not need reservations to get in. Max wait for us was about 10 minutes. For anyone that may be a vegetarian or gluten free-they have you covered.
The pools are nice but most are a little cool, although there is also a heated pool too. There are tons of palapas around the pools so you shouldn't have a problem finding one. Many of them do get reserved in the morning but they are very plentiful. The spa, while a little expensive, is very good. My wife said the massage was the best one she has had.
Lots of activities happening at the pool closest to the beach, sort of like the party pool but nothing crazy and never too loud.
There are plenty of quiet pools around the resort for those that just want to chill. Several hot tubs scattered around the property but they are more like a warming tub than a hot tub.
Many servers walking around taking drink or food orders and delivering to your palapa. Beach is very nice and the resort tries to stay on top of any seaweed washing ashore.
There are numerous bars around the property and they will make you pretty well any drink you want. The main lobby has an unbelievable cafe with all kinds of coffee/lattes/tea/pastries etc. On checkout day I grabbed a sandwich/snacks/water to take with me to the airport. It's like the resort has anticipated your every need.
Rooms are very nice and very clean. Fully stocked fridge with water/wine/beer and snacks. Full bottles of liquor on the bar.
Bathrooms are an open concept design which is fine for couples but maybe not ideal for friends sharing a room.
There are USB ports in the room.
If you happen to get a rain day, there is plenty to do. Pool tables/ping pong/ shuffleboard, etc.
It seems like there are many guests that return year after year which speaks volumes about how good this resort is. [Details]

- Stayed 8 nights in the Excellence Club Junior Swim-up Suite
- Excellence Club pool was way calmer than the main pool (which was good for us, but may be bad for others)
- Excellence Club lounge was a nice perk that we found worth it
- Our favourite activities included kayaking, bike tour, tennis, and cooking lessons
- Our favourite entertainment included Claudia Treviño, fire show, circus show, magic show, and mexican party
- Make sure you line up for coconuts slightly before 11
- We almost exclusively went to Barcelona for breakfast and lunch
- Would also recommend getting lunch from Sol (pizza), Las Olas (fresh burgers), or room service
- Our favourite dinner spot was Spice, though we'd also recommend Toscana and Chez Isabelle
- Every breakfast was followed by a trip to Aroma for coffee
- We enjoyed the resort so much that we didn't do any excursions
- Wifi was consistently good (I was able to do some work by the pool)
- Absolutely no fault of the resort, but seaweed was an issue. They have tractors and crews working to clear it up every morning, but the overnight volume is substantial and results in a strong odour. This meant we didn't swim in the ocean, but we still kayaked [Details]

Great resort
AWSOME restaurants
Too much seaweed [Details]

My husband and I went to Excellence Riviera Cancun from Feb. 28-Mar. 7, 2019. It was the most amazing week. Beautiful resort, incredible food, the friendliest staff, and daily/nightly activities and entertainment. The time and effort put into making this resort beautiful is unreal. I loved every second of my trip and I can't wait to go back! This place does not disappoint! [Details]

This was our 2nd time at this resort - Excellence Club Ocean Front.
We saw a few changes from last year - Las Olas was a better set up but still not the easiest to self serve
Rooms as before were welcoming with fruit and sparkling wine - full bar and an extremely well stocked fridge - robes and slippers available and lots of bathroom amenities - would have preferred body wash to bar soap though
Service was impeccable - a few minor problems - locked ourselves out of the safe, door cards had to be re-programed a couple of times but everything was handled very quickly - within minutes - and then followed up by phone to ensure all was to our expectations - always asked if there was anything else they could do for us.
Private beach for Excellence Club - attendants very helpful - bar service quick and often - pool clean and warm but looks like some repair work had been done
We witnessed a couple of weddings and they all seemed to be handled very well
No reservations required for dining except Tap'n Yaki. Food was good and variety was considerable.
Entertainment was very good and enjoyable by all.
We enjoyed our stay as we did last year and everyone said they would be happy to return again. [Details]

This hotel is one of the best I have stayed at. From the staff to the food to the amenities, room etc. There was not one single "No" given the entire week so whatever we asked for, if they had it, we got it. Premium alcohol, non-cheesy entertainment and beautiful weather topped it off.
I have to give props to the workers on the beach tirelessly and endlessly working on cleaning up the seaweed...it is a never ending battle but have to say we had the cleanest beach around!! And it does not smell like what other people might have indicated in their reviews. We went in the water every day despite the seaweed and still enjoyed the beach!

Highly recommend if you are looking for a superior experience at an adults only resort!! [Details]

The hotel is smaller, very high quality, adult only resort I highly recommend.
I am a repeat 4 time guest, [Details]

We would like to say what an "Excellent" vacation we had again this year.
We have been home in Canada only for one week and are already talking about when to book for next time (2019)

Your resort is amazing in every way.
Your staff is the best, everyone !
The food is delicious at buffets and restaurants.
Love the martini bar, it was our meeting place every night.
The grounds are spectacular, clean and well maintained.
We were at all the theme nights except one, and had a great time....
Weather was perfect.

Love the Aroma Coffee House.Super nice girls, always friendly and smiling.
Room service coffee each morning was punctual with super staff.
Veronica remembered us from a few years ago and provided us with a cheese plate. That was very nice of her !!
Alfredo remembered us as well- super nice guy.

Although all the staff is fantastic we tend to have a few favorites ....
As waiters we love Edy who is usually at the Barcelona for buffets, but this year at Lobster House or The Grill for breakfast and lunch.
Ricardo too at the Barcelona is super nice.
Then Alejandro at the Grill, we loved him too.
Edgar we saw at many events and always got a hug and laugh.
The staff at the bars are terrific with great personalities. Geraro at the theatre bar this year is one of our favorite guys.
Although we don't participate in the activities, we know that Carlos and Alfonso work very hard to see guests are entertained. Super Job !!
Also, Luis ,who is very observant to details, and all who greeted us upon arrival certainly make you feel "you're home".

Our room this year was 7056 and tended to by Cecilia. Lovely Lady, and we had a super clean room every day.
We love the services of the Club especially for our ocean view swim up room. Beautiful.

Loved meeting Sara this year too, she's great, friendly and pretty too.

So Rogelio, you can see why we love the resort.
It's always a pleasure to see you from year to year. You are very good in your position of Chief Concierge.
We enjoyed our visit with you and thank you for sharing your family pictures with us. We love our "Vacation Family"
Thank You again. We look forward to our next trip. Will keep in touch and let you know when we are booked.
Cheers,
Ron & Corrie [Details]

As soon as you enter, you will be treated royally and as long as you're there! Service is outstanding! Choices of food from 11 restaurants and drinks were awesome! I'm a lifelong vegetarian and I was never out of food choices. They keep every minute details to serve you better and go out of their way to make you happy! Words are not enough to rate their services. Just pack and go! [Details]

This was our 2nd stay at ERC and it was perfect from start to finish. We arrived on my husband's birthday and the room was decorated with balloons, streamers, chilled champagne and cake. We had a beautiful oceanfront room overlooking the Excellence Club pool. The staff are so friendly, always greeting us with a smile and asking if we need anything. The grounds are kept beautifully, the spa is incredible with a free 1 hour hydrotherapy session with the Excellence Club upgrade. Loved that there are no reservations for dinner, no wrist bands and no towel cards like other resorts we've been to. Plenty of floaties and sun loungers,and several lazy river pools. We've already booked our 10day trip for next year! [Details]

Amazing trip. Resort was great. Food and service were awesome. I would go back to this resort for sure. [Details]

The wonderful staff, high quality food, and top notch service made everything about our stay at Excellemce Riviera Cancun an unforgettable experience. The attitude of this hotel is, "What can we do to make your visit even better?" [Details]

My wife and I just returned home from spending 10 days at this fantastic resort in which I celebrated my 75th birthday. Four cakes (individual pieces), and room decorated and I was completely pampered. The restaurants are outstanding and the food delicious. The maintenance, cleaning, and bar staff were very competent and knowledgeable. Entertainment ever night was well orchestrated and provided a relaxing end of a beautiful day. The Hotel Manager - Andy - was very distinguished and made sure that your stay was very enjoyable. The Pool Concierge headed up by Lisbeth with her staff of Axel, Luis and Enrique were always making sure that we had everything and we were enjoying the day. Highly recommended for a getaway winter holiday. We upgraded to the premium club which gave you everything your heart desired. This resort offers ocean front, pool area rooms, etc.. Look it up and book. Definitely a go back resort. Excellence is the word to describe it. [Details]

We have stayed at several all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean & Mexico & this was one of the best. Good for adults of all ages although on the quiet side which we prefer. Definitely not a party resort. Some of the restaurants menu options could be improved upon. French & Italian restaurants very good. [Details]

This hotel has not let us down for the last 5 years we have visited.

The service is unendingly excellent. The cuisine is exceptional. The grounds are so well manicured it is beyond story book perfect. The pools are immaculate and interesting in size, shape and privacy level.
Our last visit was on a 2 storey roof top and we are confirming this is now our room of choice. [Details]

Very impressed with the resort overall. [Details]

Would recommend this resort. [Details]

Our first trip to the Excellence - by referral. Very clean, friendly and beautiful! We almost could not believe how good the food was (compared to other top resorts we have been to). So nice not to have to make reservations. Loads of seating around all the pools. Rooms were lovely and modern. Anything we requested was taken care of immediately with a genuine smile by staff. Lots of gluten free & healthy options. Restaurants were extremely accommodating with food allergies - they actually asked! Premium drinks & filtered water/ice was appreciated. We never stayed awake for the shows, but all the day & early evening entertainment was great. The beach was kept lovely and clean of the seaweed due to the high winds. Can't really find a negative - except for the strong fragrance used in the main lobby (waaayyy too strong). We spoke to loads of repeat travelers... we will return! [Details]

Overall great, however the front desk experience was disappointing. The men who work there need to sharpen their skills when dealing with a well travelled/professional woman. Heard the word "no" without appropriate reasons. Walked away frustrated & appreciated that these gentlemen do not work for me! [Details]

I have never stayed in a nicer hotel in my life. This place is incredible. What makes it so incredible is the staff, they aim to please. They are the most serviable, enjoyable, loveable people that I have ever met. Please don't forget to tip them, it's a service and even thought they are not serving you to be tipped when you do their smile is even bigger. [Details]

Very nice. And need to be assertive to get what you want. [Details]

We just returned from a 2 week stay at this resort and it was fantastic. We loved the room, the food, the service, the entertainment and the various pools to choose from. Our favorite was the lazy river pool. There were so many food options that we didn't tire of the food over the 2 week period. The sand on the beach is very nice. They do have seaweed issues that are beyond their control but they try hard to keep it as clean as they can. We would highly recommend this resort if you're looking for an adult only environment that is very clean and very hospitable. [Details]

Our first time at this resort and first time at an adult only. Stayed over Christmas. We would highly recommend the Excellence Riviera Cancun!
We found the room to be perfect for our needs (jr suite in bldg 3) We did not get a swim up and felt no loss there as most of our day was spent poolside or beachside. Room location perfect as far enough away from main pool/bar and evening entertainment. The "lazy river" area surrounding the Spa was the place to enjoy quiet relaxation. So far the best laid out resort we have been to.
The hotel was at full occupancy but never a worry getting a chair or feeling crowded. We are not party people (age late 40s) so enjoyed mornings in the spa/lazy river area and afternoons on the beach. Main pool area was also spacious but more populated with those that like to drink/partake in activities.
Beach area of the Excellence was abundant with chairs and again no feeling of being crowded. We walked the beach south to Puerto Morales -approx 3.5kms one way and could walk north about 2kms. Only a couple of resorts along this stretch and the beach area at Excellence was definitely kept in best condition. It was quite windy during the week and a lot of waves/seaweed -never deters us from swimming in the ocean but again our beachfront seemed to have the least churning.
Food at the Barcelona Buffet (breakfast and lunch only) was superb! Quality of food (not quantity) is the top priority for us. No buffet at dinner which is really the only complaint we have about the Excellence. This is simply due to the fact that the only restaurant we thought excellent was Basmati (Indian)- hello to Marco!! We had 2 dinners there. To be fair we did not try the Lobster House or the French, Chez Isabelle. Agave -Mexican- was o.k. but a letdown given you are in Mexico. The Grill - again o.k. but if you are only doing meat, it should be perfected. Spice was the biggest dissappointment - we love asian but both our meals were tasteless. Same with Toscana (Italian) should be all kinds of flavours - very bland - no garlic?? This was also the first resort where the house wine was completely satisfactory to us. We had no need to purchse a bottle at dinner.
Only other complaint was wishing there was a coffee bar-particulary early am 5:30-6. There was a coffee urn at the martini bar and pastries but coffee was weak.
Staff very friendly and always a smile on everyone's faces. Housekeeping did a wonderful job. Lanscaping and grounds were superb and beautifully kept.
We exercise and are always wishing resort fitness centres had more, however it was suitable enough. Yoga at the spa with a local man was awesome - a bit more difficult than we are used to but wow what a guy!
We did not do any excursions as have been to this area before and simply wanted to relax.
This is not a young persons party place (although there were a few and that seemed to bother others) Pool side activies were minimal and the activity staff seemed suitable for this type of resort. Not a lot of loud pool music thankfully - a couple of afternoons they had guitarist around the main pool and that was wonderful. Could hear from our beach location.
Overall this was the perfect vacation for us to recharge and get away from the madness and commercialization of the holiday. [Details]

The hotel was very nice but way too quiet for us. We expected to be peaceful but not totally no life. Foods were very good but the service was too long. They didn't have buffet open for dinner, only a la carte and it took 2 hours and up for each meal. It would be nice if they would offer free
shuttle to Playa Del Carmen like a lot of hotels do. They have very nice spa but the price for per day
use is too expensive. The beach was a
disappointment, a lot of seaweeds. The room was very clean. This resort is not for us for sure, we want to be away from kids but not from activities. It's good for couples who just want their total quiet time with no music or entertainment. We had great time overall. [Details]

I was at this resort two years ago and i noticed improvements from the last time i was there last. there was more than enough beach beds and chairs and if you wanted to spend some quiet time you had a pick of pools to relax at. the beach was amazing [Details]

This hotel was a complete pleasure. The rooms and grounds were immaculate, the staff were friendly and attentive (with the exception of only one grumpy bartender which we ignored after the second day). The food was terrific in all the al a carte restaurants.
Beach was so-so but the pools more than made up for it. [Details]

This was a return visit for us we have been to several Mexico and one Cuba location. Food is amazing, rooms are luxurious, staff very helpful and friendly, no upgrade necessary. Entertainment great. [Details]