AluaSun Doblemar vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Alua Hotels & Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | AluaSun Doblemar | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 6.0 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 497 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 3 | 8 |
| Pools | 2 | 4 |
| Year Opened | — | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | 2017 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | AluaSun Doblemar | 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 | AluaSun Doblemar | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 5 | 9 |
| Included | 5 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | AluaSun Doblemar | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 5 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 0 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | AluaSun Doblemar | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 24 | 23 |
| Included | 15 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 2 |
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 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 AluaSun Doblemar is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while AluaSun Doblemar offers more activities.