Barceló Lanzarote Active Resort vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Barceló Hotels vs Velas Resorts— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Barceló Lanzarote Active Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.1 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | — | 267 |
| Restaurants | 4 | 8 |
| Pools | 9 | 4 |
| Year Opened | — | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | 2022 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Barceló Lanzarote Active Resort | 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 | Barceló Lanzarote Active Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 10 | 9 |
| Included | 6 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 4 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Barceló Lanzarote Active Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 10 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 4 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Barceló Lanzarote Active Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 24 | 23 |
| Included | 15 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Barceló Lanzarote Active Resort
Pros
- The Hypoxia Room and professional cycling center are genuinely unique — no other all-inclusive in the Canary Islands offers comparable training infrastructure for serious athletes
- La Dolce Vita's wood-fired pizza is one of the better specialty restaurant offerings in the Barceló Canaries portfolio
- Lanzarote's consistent 20-25°C year-round climate makes this the most practical base for cold-weather training camps in January-February
Cons
- The 10-lane Olympic pool costs €3.50 per session even for all-inclusive guests — a minor irritant at a resort that markets itself as sports-focused
- Cala del Ancla is a small pebbly cove, not a sandy beach — guests expecting a Canaries beach holiday should check beach photos before booking
- Sunlounger towel-reservation starts before 8 AM in peak season and there is minimal enforcement — a frustration repeatedly noted in summer reviews
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 Barceló Lanzarote Active Resort has more dining venues, while Barceló Lanzarote Active Resort offers more activities.