Allegro Playacar vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Allegro Hotels vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Allegro Playacar | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.4 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 286 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 4 | 8 |
| Pools | 3 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 1991 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | 2024 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Allegro Playacar | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Allegro Playacar | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 13 | 9 |
| Included | 13 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Allegro Playacar | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 7 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 2 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Allegro Playacar | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 17 | 23 |
| Included | 12 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 5 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Allegro Playacar
Pros
- Thatched bungalow architecture creates a genuinely distinctive atmosphere — guests consistently say it doesn't feel like a standard resort block.
- Private beach inside Playacar gate means no outside vendors or day visitors cluttering the sand.
- Walking distance to Playacar Phase 1 neighborhood restaurants if you want off-resort meals without a taxi.
Cons
- Standard bungalow rooms are 280 sq ft — genuinely small if you're used to standard hotel room sizing.
- Specialty restaurant reservation slots fill on arrival day; late check-ins (after 3 PM) frequently find all four restaurants fully booked for their stay.
- Airport transfer from Cancun takes 45–54 minutes — longer than most Playa del Carmen hotels due to the southern Playacar location.
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Pros
- AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star simultaneously — one of the most decorated all-inclusive resorts in Mexico
- Suites start at 1,000 sq ft with private terraces, ocean views, and 24-hour butler concierge — the entry level here exceeds most competitors' premium categories
- Premium spirits, wines, and 24-hour room service are fully included — not standard at most all-inclusives, even premium ones
- Banderas Bay is swimmable — actual ocean swimming possible, unlike Los Cabos Pacific corridor properties
Cons
- Pool lounger competition peaks by 8 AM in high season (December through March) — early rising is required for preferred positions
- Some ocean view suites have partial obstructions from palm trees or the Selva del Mar restaurant building — ask at booking about specific suite positioning
- Piaf and Frida fill up during high season — book before arrival rather than assuming walk-in availability
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Allegro Playacar is the larger property, while Allegro Playacar has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.