AluaSun Doblemar vs Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Alua Hotels & Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | AluaSun Doblemar | Grand Velas Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 6.0 | 9.2 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 497 | 539 |
| Restaurants | 3 | 8 |
| Pools | 2 | 4 |
| Year Opened | — | 2008 |
| Year Renovated | 2017 | 2021 |
Features
| Metric | AluaSun Doblemar | Grand Velas Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 5 | 15 |
| Included | 5 | 15 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | AluaSun Doblemar | Grand Velas Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 5 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 0 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | AluaSun Doblemar | Grand Velas Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 24 | 23 |
| Included | 15 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 6 |
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 Riviera Maya
Pros
- Cocina de Autor is the first all-inclusive restaurant in the world to earn both a MICHELIN star and AAA Five Diamond — included in the rate
- SE Spa with Forbes Five Stars, 90,000+ square feet, and 40+ treatment suites is one of the largest and most awarded resort spas in Mexico
- Three distinct ambiances mean guests in Zen Grand have a completely different resort experience from guests in Grand Class — useful for multi-room group bookings
- Tulum ruins are 15 minutes away and cenote tours are easy half-day excursions from this location
Cons
- Zen Grand suites are three-quarters of a mile from the beach — the shuttle runs frequently but beach access requires active planning
- Cocina de Autor and Piaf book up as far as 6 months in advance in peak season — call before arrival rather than assuming on-arrival booking
- Premium pricing at the top of the Riviera Maya all-inclusive market — the quality justifies it but the commitment is real
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more dining venues, while AluaSun Doblemar offers more activities.