Exceptional staff service provides friendly, helpful, and attentive assistance to guests, often going above and beyond.
The resort boasts a prime beachfront location with direct access to El Palmar beach, offering beautiful views and convenient enjoyment.
Multiple outdoor swimming pools, including a children's pool with a water park-like feel, cater to diverse preferences.
The Kids Club for ages 5-12 and supervised activities are highly appreciated by families.
Many guests enjoy the daily entertainment programs and nightly shows featuring live music and professional dancers.
Overall cleanliness of the hotel, especially housekeeping services, is consistently highlighted.
The resort is conveniently located within walking distance of local shops and restaurants.
Cons
Food quality is frequently described as basic, repetitive, low quality, and sometimes served cold across all restaurants.
Many guests find the alcoholic beverages to be of low quality or made with generic syrups.
Rooms are often dated, featuring old decor, rattan furniture, potentially uncomfortable beds, and maintenance issues.
Guests report specific room problems like broken door locks, unpleasant smells (e.g., sewer), or air conditioning malfunctions.
Limited a la carte dining options for standard guests, with difficult reservation processes often resulting in late dining times.
Guests must compete for pool loungers, as many are reserved early in the morning.
Some front desk interactions are reported as negative, citing rudeness or a focus on selling upgrades over assisting guests.
Wi-Fi can be unreliable or restricted to public areas or Premium Club guests.
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Pros
AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star rated — one of Mexico's most awarded all-inclusive resorts
Every room is a suite starting at 1,000 sq ft with private terrace and ocean or pool views
Truly all-inclusive: premium spirits, wines, 24-hour room service, and stocked minibar included
Exceptional dining with Michelin-recognized chefs and three AAA Four Diamond restaurants
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Barceló Ixtapa - All Inclusive has more dining venues, while Barceló Ixtapa - All Inclusive offers more activities.
