Excellence El Carmen vs Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana: Which is Better? (2026) | Resort FlockExcellence El Carmen vs Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
Excellence Resorts vs Hyatt Ziva — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Excellence El Carmen | Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana |
|---|
| Our Rating | 8.2 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Room Count | 492 | 375 |
| Restaurants | 12 | 6 |
| Pools | 23 | 6 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | 2019 |
| Year Renovated | — | — |
Features
| Metric | Excellence El Carmen | Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana |
|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | Yes | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | No | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Excellence El Carmen | Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana |
|---|
| Total Venues | 30 | 17 |
| Included | 30 | 15 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 2 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Excellence El Carmen | Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana |
|---|
| Room Categories | 15 | 10 |
| Suite Categories | 15 | 10 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Excellence El Carmen | Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana |
|---|
| Total Activities | 19 | 19 |
| Included | 16 | 13 |
| Extra Charge | 3 | 6 |
Pros & Cons
Excellence El Carmen
Pros
- Exceptional, friendly, and professional staff service that goes above and beyond.
- High-quality gourmet dining with diverse à la carte options and no reservation policy.
- Luxurious, spacious, and modern suites, often featuring oversized Jacuzzis for two.
- Extensive number of pools (23 total), including private plunge pools and swim-up options.
- Generous all-inclusive plan with premium alcoholic beverages and 24-hour room service.
- Tranquil and romantic adults-only atmosphere, ideal for couples and relaxation.
- Impeccably maintained grounds and high cleanliness standards throughout the resort.
- Direct access to a wide, less crowded golden sand beach in Uvero Alto.
Cons
- Occasional seaweed presence on the beach, despite daily cleaning efforts, which can impact the experience.
- Inconsistent food quality reported in some non-Excellence Club restaurants compared to the higher standard found elsewhere.
- Potential for noticeable humidity levels indoors, even with air conditioning, due to room design or climate.
- Limited or less vibrant nightlife and evening entertainment options for guests seeking a more lively scene.
Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
Pros
- Exceptional, attentive, and friendly staff service.
- Immaculate, new, and well-maintained modern facilities.
- Fantastic on-site water park with lazy river and slides.
- High-quality and diverse food, especially the buffet and hibachi.
- Spacious, comfortable, and modern all-suite accommodations.
- Beautiful, pristine, and swimmable Juanillo Beach.
- Dedicated family-friendly environment and activities.
- Adults-only access to adjacent Hyatt Zilara amenities.
- Quality, well-made drinks that are not watered down.
Cons
- Occasional presence of seaweed on Juanillo Beach.
- Main pools can be unheated and cold.
- Slow service at buffet lines due to staff serving guests.
Summary
Excellence El Carmen has more restaurants, while Excellence El Carmen is the larger property, while Excellence El Carmen has more dining venues.
Inconsistent food quality at some themed à la carte restaurants.Additional costs for "The Blind Butcher" restaurant and airport transfers.Limited shade or umbrellas on the beach.Infrequent reports of an unpleasant odor near the ocean/sand.