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.
Atmosphere
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Amenities
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, and it just got an interesting overhaul: menus were downsized substantially in 2026, but guests report the food quality massively improved as a result - a trade most consider a clear win. The French and Italian restaurants remain consistent favorites, and the no-reservation policy means you're never stressing about dinner plans. The resort has been quietly reinvesting elsewhere too - the Sports Bar renovation was well received, a new functional-training gym opened alongside the original so neither gets crowded, and the Aroma cafe added self-serve ice cream and pastries. Rooms 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 notably less sargassum than resorts further south - in the record 2026 season it read light while Playa del Carmen and Tulum were heavy
- +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 - menus were slimmed down in 2026 but guests say quality massively improved, and the French and Italian restaurants still earn 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
- +The property keeps reinvesting - recently renovated rooms, a well-done Sports Bar renovation, a new functional-training gym alongside the original (so neither gets crowded), and self-serve ice cream and pastries added at the Aroma cafe
- +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 than EPM or larger competitors - and the 2026 menu downsizing means fewer dishes per menu, even if quality went up
- −Pool area can feel cramped during peak season since the resort has fewer pools than EPM
- −The beach still gets sargassum at summer peak - even in Puerto Morelos, one 2026 guest called a bad day 'overwhelming' despite the beach being cleaned multiple times daily
- −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
Common Questions
Google Rating
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...”
How It Compares
Excellence Riviera Cancun vs Excellence Playa Mujeres
The chain's two Cancún-area flagships — nearly identical food and service, very different beaches.
Excellence Riviera Cancun vs Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun
The famous Maroma beach vs bigger pools and rooms — neighboring adults-only heavyweights, minutes apart.