Alua Suites Las Rocas vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Alua Hotels & Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Alua Suites Las Rocas | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 6.6 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 192 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 2 | 8 |
| Pools | 3 | 4 |
| Year Opened | — | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | 2020 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Alua Suites Las Rocas | 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 | Alua Suites Las Rocas | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 7 | 9 |
| Included | 7 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Alua Suites Las Rocas | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 6 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 4 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Alua Suites Las Rocas | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 22 | 23 |
| Included | 14 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 8 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Alua Suites Las Rocas
Pros
- Studios starting at 376 sq ft are meaningfully larger than standard hotel room categories at comparable properties.
- The Astro Club covers ages 4–17 with twice-daily sessions — among the broader age coverage in the all-inclusive segment.
- Three sandy beaches within 500 meters on foot mean the rocky on-site seafront is not the only option.
- The adults-only pool provides a genuine escape from the family zone, not just a sign on a fence.
- Biosphere sustainable certification reflects actual operational practice rather than marketing language.
Cons
- All-inclusive spirits and cocktail quality consistently described as low-grade — beer is the best-regarded included drink.
- Room cleaning is inconsistent — guests report superficial service and missed areas.
- Wi-Fi is weak and unreliable, particularly in rooms away from the reception block.
- Sun lounger reservation battles begin early; late risers regularly find all poolside spots taken by 09:00.
- Palma Airport is 60–62km away — a 55–70 minute transfer, one of the longer journeys from a major Mallorca airport.
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 Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.