AluaSun Doblemar vs Grand Velas Los Cabos
Alua Hotels & Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | AluaSun Doblemar | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 6.0 | 9.7 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 497 | 307 |
| Restaurants | 3 | 7 |
| Pools | 2 | 4 |
| Year Opened | — | 2016 |
| Year Renovated | 2017 | — |
Features
| Metric | AluaSun Doblemar | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | AluaSun Doblemar | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 5 | 11 |
| Included | 5 | 11 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | AluaSun Doblemar | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 5 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 0 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | AluaSun Doblemar | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 24 | 27 |
| Included | 15 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 9 |
Pros & Cons
AluaSun Doblemar
Pros
- Access to both the Mar Menor lagoon (calm, warm, shallow) and the open Mediterranean from a single property — no other all-inclusive on the strip offers this.
- The Mar Menor is genuinely one of the best spots in mainland Spain for beginner water sports; kitesurfing and windsurfing schools operate just off the hotel's beach.
- Fitness class schedule (zumba, pilates, yoga, dance, stretching) is more varied than most comparable Alua properties.
Cons
- Sewerage smells have been reported in bar and pool areas — a recurring enough complaint to be worth noting. Ask at check-in whether the issue has been addressed.
- All-inclusive drinks selection is limited with long bar queues in high season — expect waits of 5–10 minutes.
- Rooms are widely described as dated and worn despite the 2017 renovation; some guests report odors on check-in.
- Parking costs €20 per day — factor into the total cost if arriving by car.
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Pros
- The only all-inclusive in the world simultaneously holding Forbes Five Stars, AAA Five Diamonds, and a MICHELIN-starred restaurant — a genuine distinction, not a marketing claim
- Cocina de Autor's 8-10 course tasting menu with wine pairing is fully included in the all-inclusive rate — at a standalone restaurant this would cost hundreds per person
- Every suite starts at 1,081 sq ft with ocean views, private terrace jacuzzi, and 24-hour butler concierge — the entry suite here exceeds most competitors' top categories
- Three-tier infinity pools naturally segregate family, activity, and adult-only zones without restricting access — practical design rather than strict policy
Cons
- Beach is not swimmable — Los Cabos Pacific currents make ocean swimming dangerous; the infinity pools are where guests actually swim
- Cocina de Autor is restricted to adults and guests 18+ — families with younger children can't access the MICHELIN-starred restaurant during their stay
- Rates start around $1,600/night in low season and $1,800+ in peak winter — a significant commitment that requires being genuinely invested in the Five Diamond experience to justify
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more restaurants, while AluaSun Doblemar is the larger property, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.