Excellence Riviera Cancun
A beloved adults-only retreat offering outstanding value and quality on Mexico's stunning Riviera Maya. Swim-up rooms, heated pools, and comprehensive amenities including tennis and diving fill sun-soaked days. The quiet, refined atmosphere attracts couples seeking relaxation without sacrificing resort experiences.
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Traveler Insights(1,680 discussions)
Excellence Riviera Cancun is the quieter, more intimate sibling of the hugely popular Excellence Playa Mujeres, and for many travelers, that's exactly the appeal. Set in Puerto Morelos - a charming fishing village between Cancun and Playa del Carmen - it offers a more authentic Mexican Riviera experience than the glitzy hotel zone properties. The beach is calmer, there's a natural reef for snorkeling right offshore, and the resort itself has a relaxed, almost boutique feel despite being a full-service all-inclusive. It shares the signature Excellence touches: no wristbands, no restaurant reservations needed, and that effortless walk-in dining culture that guests love.
The food punches above its weight for an all-inclusive. The French restaurant and Italian spot are consistent favorites, and the no-reservation policy means you're never stressing about dinner plans. Rooms have been recently renovated and feel modern and comfortable, with the Excellence Club rooftop suites earning universal raves for their private plunge pools and gorgeous views. Service follows the Excellence playbook - attentive without being intrusive, with staff who genuinely seem to care about your experience.
Excellence Riviera Cancun is the pick for couples who loved the idea of EPM but want something smaller and quieter. It's perfect for honeymoons, anniversaries, or couples who find large resorts overwhelming. If you want nightlife, a bigger pool scene, or more social energy, EPM is the better choice. If you want to snorkel off the beach, walk to a local Mexican town for dinner, and spend your evenings with a cocktail watching the sunset without competing for space, ERC is your resort. Price-wise it's comparable to EPM, and many travelers who've been to both consider ERC the hidden gem of the Excellence family.
Pros
- +Sister property to Excellence Playa Mujeres with the same no-reservation, no-wristband policy that guests love
- +Beautiful beach in Puerto Morelos with calm water, natural reef for snorkeling, and less sargassum than Cancun hotel zone
- +Excellence Club rooftop suites with private plunge pools are consistently described as 'the best rooms we've ever stayed in'
- +Food quality is a clear step above most all-inclusives, with the French and Italian restaurants getting particular praise
- +Quieter and more intimate than its Playa Mujeres sister - better for couples who want peace over social energy
- +Free included airport transfers through Seasons Tours in private SUVs, just like EPM
- +Recently renovated rooms that feel modern and fresh with quality linens and well-designed bathrooms
- +Proximity to the charming fishing town of Puerto Morelos gives you easy access to local restaurants and cenotes
Cons
- −Smaller property means fewer restaurant options and less variety compared to EPM or larger competitors
- −Pool area can feel cramped during peak season since the resort has fewer pools than EPM
- −The beach occasionally gets hit with sargassum, though not as badly as the Cancun hotel zone
- −Some travelers find it too quiet - there's less nightlife and social energy compared to EPM or Secrets Moxche
- −Room categories and building locations vary significantly - some rooms feel much further from the action than others
- −The resort is older than EPM and while renovated, some areas still show their age in the architecture
- −Spa treatments are expensive for what you get, even with the included spa hydrotherapy circuit
- −WiFi is unreliable throughout the property, which frustrates guests who need to stay connected
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Google Reviews
“This was our second time in Excellence Riviera Cancun and still as good as it was two years ago! We love this place and will continue going back. We spoke to several other guests and learned some have been going back for over 10 years! The food is g...”
“My Husband & I came here for our honeymoon in November and this was also my first time ever at an all inclusive. It was so amazing I don't think I want to vacation any other way! The food was amazing and I loved how there was so many vegetarian optio...”
“We had an amazing stay at Excellence Riviera in Cancun Mexico! From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel incredibly welcome—everyone was so friendly, engaging, and genuinely happy to help. The rooms were spotless and very well maintained, w...”