Hi James
I have replied to your PM
Having visited all four Excellence Group Resorts I would say that all four resorts are very similar but different if that makes any sense. To a certain extent it is like trying to compare a pineapple, a kiwi fruit and a mango – they are all great tropical delights but they each have there own flavours and appeals. What is easy to recognise is that the same person has been the designer and architect – his attention to detail is amazing.
As far as comparing EPM & ERC goes I would suggest a good starting point, if you have not already done so, would be to look at my reviews and photographs of the two resorts - we have now been to both twice:
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g1229340-d649432-r33874302-Excellence_Playa_Mujeres-Playa_Mujeres_Yucatan_Peninsula.html
http://travel.webshots.com/slideshow/575199650ObThaG
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g240327-d499896-r33864274-Excellence_Riviera_Cancun-Puerto_Morelos_Yucatan_Peninsula.html
http://travel.webshots.com/slideshow/575206133RkBHAS
As I have said at the outset it all depend what you are looking for – EPM is just over two years old and is ultra modern. To a certain extent it has the “marmite factor” in that you will either love it or hate it – we loved it and so do most people who go there. ERC is about five years old now and does seem a bit dated in comparison but again it has great reviews, has a lot of repeat trade and is the #1 adult only resort in the Puerto Morelos area.
As far as the accommodation and restaurant layout and internal décor goes EPM wins hands down as you would expect it to as it is brand new and the designer has raised the bar even further as far as Excellence standards goes. However, EPM has an even more open plan room design than ERC with the bathroom area directly behind the head board of the bed – this will not suit all people.
The toilet has a frosted glass door and does have an open space at the top. The shower is huge and again has glass door glass and an upper half glass panel into the bedroom area – you will find photos of these features attached to my review of EPM.
None of these features were a problem to us and the majority of people we talked to.
The Rooftop Terrace Suites at EPM beat just about anything that ERC and most other resorts in Cancun have to offer.
As far as the restaurants go the food is very much the same high standard at both resorts but as I have said the surroundings are a bit better at EPM. The bars and service is again on a par although the reception area and Martini Bar is again more impressive at EPM
As far as the pools and spa go whilst EPM has more pools I would say that ERC has a better spa and the lazy river around the spa area is much more peaceful as the building around the spa at EPM can be a bit oppressive – both resorts are great and offer activities and chill out areas – there is something for everyone.
The grounds at ERC are obviously more mature but the grounds at EPM will be more spectacular as time progresses and they continue with their planting plan and we certainly noticed a big difference on our recent repeat trip.
We rated the beach and the ocean more at EPM than ERC simply because it is more secluded than ERC and the beach was cleaner when we were there. At both properties the amount of seagrass broken off in the water and on the shoreline in party seasonal and weather dependent as the move waves action you get the more “bits” and sand there is likely to be in the water. At ERC you have properties on either side where as at EPM although you have the La Amada Hotel, La Amada Residences and Marina to the left you can for walk for miles in the other direction without seeing another resort. The La Amada Hotel, La Amada Residences and Marina in case you are not aware are also owned by Excellence Group – see link to the relevant website below:
http://www.laamada.com/our-vision.php
Many people have asked me which we like best and all I can say is that EPC and ERC are to a certain extent like stepping into your cherished vintage car and taking it for a drive as you instantly feel at home and the quality and craftsmanship just oozes out at you – they both have a touch of magic hidden away under the bonnet. Whereas EPM and La Amada are the fresh new models on the drive with all the modern gizmos and that sports button which offers that little extra touch of excitement. The thing they all have in common is the emblem on the front grill.
Basically, you cannot go wrong with either resort but it very much depends on what you want in a holiday.
One thing for certain is that we will be going back to both resorts again this year
Happy to assist further if you need it