4 Reasons the Excellence Club Is Worth It (and 3 Reasons Why It's Not)

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Not sure whether you should upgrade to the Excellence Club or not? This post will give you 4 reasons why you should and 3 reasons why the the Club may not be for you.

excellence club upgrade, worth it or not

The Excellence Resorts are an obvious choice for a personalized, top tier all-inclusive vacation. But you may find yourself wondering if it’s worth upgrading to the Excellence Club or not.

Below, you will see the greatest benefits of the Excellence Club, from upgraded amenities to a private members-only restaurant and lounge, and how having these extra benefits or not may affect your vacation.

After exploring the reasons why the Excellence Club is worth it and why it isn’t, you’ll be ready to book your next adventure with confidence!

This post is all about the why the Excellence Club upgrade is worth it and why it isn’t.

4 Reasons Why the Excellence Club Is Worth It and 3 Reasons Why It’s Not

How to Become an Excellence Club Member

Becoming an Excellence Club member is very simple: book an Excellence Club room. When presented with available room choices, non-Club rooms are listed first, from the least expensive to the most luxurious. Just below these rooms, you will see the all of the Excellence Club rooms.

You know they are Excellence Club because that is how they are labeled, for example “Excellence Club Junior Suite Ocean View”. Each Club room has the same access and levels of Club membership, whether you book the least expensive or the most expensive.

So Worth It…

#1) The Beach: Excellence Club Beach Access

The beach experience at the Excellence Resorts is wonderful! The friendly, hard-working staff delivers drinks and food right to your beach chair without you having to go in search of a bar or restaurant. There are plenty of loungers on pristine sand with upfront ocean views.

So why bother with the upgrade? With the Excellence Club, you have access to a private beach area. This is where you’ll find beach beds for two, some oceanfront (depending on your resort) and some under woven palapas with curtains for privacy.

The staff greets you immediately and sets up your bed for you. And since fewer guests are in the Excellence Club, there is more availability for ideal spots on the beach. Honestly, this perk alone is what makes the Club level worth it for us.

#2) The Private Pools: Excellence Club Private Pool Access

These resorts have fabulous pools! But with the upgrade to the Excellence Club, you have access to private pools and hot tubs as well. This is a huge perk during the peak busy season if you are looking for a quieter, more tranquil atmosphere. We’ve been lucky enough to meet only one other couple at one of these pools!

For those who prefer more privacy, the pools are located in more remote parts of the resort as well, farther away from the action. Another bonus is that these pools are heated in the winter whereas the main pools may not be. If you’re a pool person, this may be your deciding factor whether the upgrade to Club level is worth it or not.

#3) Upgraded Amenities

From a Nespresso machine to Bvlgari toiletries, Club level rooms come with upgraded amenities. You’ll receive flowers and a bottle of sparkling wine in suite upon your arrival, a more extensive room service menu, upgraded liquors and wine choices, a complimentary beach bag to use and more. These little touches make what is already a pampering, luxury vacation even better.

#4) Aqua Hydrotherapy Treatment: Free treatment for Excellence Club members

As an Excellence Club member, each room guest will receive 1 complimentary aqua hydrotherapy treatment per stay. From different saunas, ice pools, massage fountains… well, it’s quite an experience! My husband and I had some good laughs and great memories from this treatment. It is meant to work on your muscles and relax you, which it does. Lasting around 45 minutes, the aqua hydrotherapy treatment is like a mini spa session and is private from other guests.

I will note, that this treatment is often included with a massage. It’s kind of like having a second spa experience. Check your particular resort for details when booking.

Possibly Not Worth It…

#1) Upgraded Amenities and Services May Not Be Worth It To You

Are you someone who packs your own shampoo and loofah? Would you rather eat in the many delicious restaurants instead of room service? If so, upgraded amenities may not be worth it to you. Club members get to enjoy a private lounge and exclusive restaurant, but there are multiple bars and several amazing restaurants to choose from already.

Unless you’re stay is especially long (lucky you!), you probably won’t even have a chance to eat at every restaurant as it is. Although the private restaurant is tasty, my husband and I do not enjoy the food as much on the club menus compared to other culinary choices.

The Excellence Club also comes with private check-in. This is a great service, no doubt, but the service at Excellence resorts is so outstanding, you’ll never find yourself feeling like you’re just a number waiting your turn. You don’t need Club level to feel like you’re a priority; everyone is treated fabulously well!

#2) You Can Have The Same Vacation Experience, Only Cheaper

The Excellence Collection has won a multitude of awards for, well, excellence. If you want top level service, delicious food, well-made cocktails and a wonderful staff, Excellence Resorts have it all. What’s even better? You don’t need to be an Excellence Club member to experience all of the fantastic food and service.

The staff really does make it a point to treat every guest extremely well. I’ve never experienced customer service as amazing and consistent as the Excellence brand. Not having Club level won’t change that. There is no FOMO here.

#3) The Actual Price Difference

So, how much is the Excellence Club upgrade? When booking the cheapest room category for a week, you’ll save on average $500 by not upgrading to the Excellence Club. Got your eye on a rooftop terrace suite? The average price difference for these popular rooms for Club and not Club is a whopping $1,000! In fact, for almost the same price, you can book the nicest non-Club level room for the same price as the lowest room category Club level. Use the savings for a fun excursion or put it towards your next trip.

There’s no doubt you will have an amazing time whether or not you’re part of the Excellence Club. I love Club level, but we have just as much fun without it. You just need to decide if the perks are worth the extra expense to you or not.

VERDICT: If you are on your honeymoon or celebrating a milestone anniversary or birthday, the splurges of the Excellence Club are well worth it. Otherwise, save the money and start planning your next vacation!

Speaking of saving money, I highly recommend using a travel card to earn points which can be redeemed for airfare. We’ve been able to fly round trip from California to Europe twice using credit card points! It’s so simple and easy to earn points with everyday purchases. If you are able to use credit cards responsibly, this card is for you!

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