I've stayed at three other Excellence properties and have always had wonderful experiences, which made my recent stay at Excellence Riviera Cancun last month all the more shocking. This was, without exaggeration, the worst resort experience I've ever had.
Food Quality and Temperature Issues
The dining situation was consistently problematic across multiple venues. At the buffet, which operated on a made-to-order system (a concept I appreciate in theory), the execution was severely lacking. Proteins would arrive hot, but sides and sauces were inexplicably cold. The wait times were extraordinarily long, defeating the purpose of the buffet concept entirely.
Basmati restaurant had similar issues--the naan bread was served cold. At Flavor Market, the food was not only cold but poorly prepared, with rice so hard it was inedible. The overall quality was simply unacceptable for a resort of this caliber.
Drinks
Most cocktails and drinks were subpar, which was disappointing given the all-inclusive nature of the property.
Service Deficiencies
The service speed was painfully slow throughout the resort. As a solo traveler, I noticed a clear pattern: couples received prompt, attentive service while I was frequently overlooked. I waited 26 minutes at one point just for someone to take my drink order poolside. This happened repeatedly at the bar, restaurants, pool area, and beach--being passed over or forgotten became the norm rather than the exception.
Spa Experience
The spa was particularly disappointing. My milk mousse bath, advertised as 25 minutes, lasted approximately 9 minutes. For the premium price point, this felt like a blatant misrepresentation of services.
Arrival Issues
The trip started poorly with miscommunication regarding my airport pickup, setting an unfortunate tone for the entire stay.
The Bright Spots
I must give credit where it's due: the staff at the Excellence Club, particularly Matilde and Itamar, were exceptional and clearly trying their best despite systemic issues. Their efforts were genuinely appreciated but by the time I was finally able to get a seat in the Excellence area, I was already counting down the hours until departure. I quite literally would've gone home early if a nonstop flight was available.
Management Response
I spoke with Jessica, the guest experience manager, during my stay. While she listened to my concerns, the conversation happened the day before my departure, making any resolution impossible. She promised to follow up via email but never did--unfortunately, this lack of follow-through felt consistent with the overall experience.
Final Thoughts
I'm someone who has traveled solo extensively and can typically find joy in any situation. I actively chose to make the best of this trip despite the numerous setbacks, but the fact that I was ready to leave early from a vacation speaks volumes. I have never felt that way before.
Excellence Riviera Cancun falls dramatically short of the standards set by other properties in the Excellence portfolio. I absolutely will not return and cannot recommend this resort, especially to solo travelers who may find themselves treated as second-tier guests.
Would I recommend this resort? No, absolutely not. read more