The hype
Guests rave about the modern design and the 'resort within a resort' layout that keeps everyone happy.
Finest Punta Cana By The Excellence Collection - A
$378-700/ night
Book this if You want a modern, high-end all-inclusive that actually separates the 'screaming toddler' chaos from the 'honeymoon zen' without feeling disjointed.
Why People Love It
- The 'Excellence Club' adults-only section is a legitimate sanctuary within a family resort
- Massive, modern suites—even the standard rooms feel like upgrades
- The Sweet Corner coffee shop is a legitimate daily ritual, not an afterthought
Quick Take: A polished, modern resort that nails the 'two worlds' concept, provided you pick the right building to avoid the nightly theater noise.
Reviewed by @borntolovefood106: We had the most relaxing family trip here. The Family Suite with a private pool was a game-changer, but the real win was the restaurants having play zones so we could actually eat! The staff treated my girls like princesses. Highly recommend for stress-free parenting.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Service can be 'island time' slow at lunch, and the food quality varies wildly between the excellent Japanese spot and the mediocre buffet.
- You are a family who wants luxury amenities but needs a killer kids' club
- You are a couple who wants an adults-only vibe but doesn't mind seeing a stroller in the main lobby
- You prioritize a modern, non-musty room over a rustic Caribbean vibe
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally solid twice-daily service, though some reports of missed dusting under beds.
- Bathroom hygiene: Modern and clean, but watch for grout discoloration in older ground-floor units.
- Maintenance: The resort is newish (2021), so everything works, but humidity takes a toll on paint quickly.
- Linens & towels: Crisp and white, though beach towels can run out by 2 PM on busy days.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells like their signature 'Excellence' verbena scent; rooms are neutral/fresh.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Nightly shows at the main theater (blasts sound toward Building 3)
- Hallway echoes in the main buildings due to tile floors
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'Excellence Club' is adults-only; 'Finest Club' is for families. Both get you private check-in and better booze.
- Men need long pants for dinner at most à la carte restaurants—pack accordingly.
- The resort is 45-60 minutes from PUJ airport; pre-book a private transfer to avoid the shuttle bus hell.
What to pack
- DEET bug spray (the resort fogging isn't enough)
- Insulated tumbler (bartenders will fill it, keeping drinks cold in the humidity)
- Dress pants for men (strictly enforced at dinner)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Excellence Club Junior Suite with Private Pool (Building 5) for adults-only seclusion
- Family Suites (Finest Club) which have a separate bedroom for kids—a rare find
Rooms to avoid
- Swim-up suites in the main family section (often lack privacy and share water with neighbors)
- Building 3 facing the pool/theater if you need silence before 10:30 PM
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Request a room in Building 5 or 6 for maximum quiet, away from the main theater. If traveling with kids, request a ground floor Family Suite near the kids' club for easy access.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the Excellence Club worth the extra money?
Yes, if you are a couple. The private pool, beach area, and lounge (with better snacks/booze) make it feel like a different hotel.
Is the beach swimmable?
Yes, but it's the Atlantic side (Uvero Alto), so expect golden sand and choppy waves, not the calm turquoise bathwater of Bavaro.
Do I need dinner reservations?
Technically no (except for Teppanyaki), but popular spots like Surf & Turf get long lines. Arrive by 6:00 PM to sit immediately.
Is there a heated pool?
No, and the pools can be chilly in the early morning or winter months. The 'hot tubs' in the rooms are often just 'room temperature tubs'.
Can I drink the tap water?
Absolutely not. Use bottled water for everything, including brushing your teeth. The resort provides plenty.
Is there a resort fee?
No hidden resort fee, but bring small bills ($1s and $5s) for tipping staff, which goes a long way.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Sweet Corner' coffee shop will make iced lattes that are 10x better than the breakfast buffet coffee.
- ✨
Order the 'Coco Loco' from the beach bar—it's fresh coconut water and rum, often served in the coconut.
- ✨
The spa has a hydrotherapy circuit that is often free with Club level bookings—use it, it's world-class.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'swim-up' rooms in the non-club sections are basically just a shared canal with zero privacy.
💡Room service pizza is surprisingly terrible; stick to the club sandwich.
💡The main walkways have very little shade—you will bake walking to lunch.
💡There is a 'dress code police' at the restaurants; they will turn you away for flip-flops.
💡The 'blue blob' pool in the kids' area is slippery—watch your toddlers.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Finest Punta Cana By The Excellence Collection - A is located and what's nearby.