Barceló Maya Colonial vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Barceló Hotels vs Velas Resorts— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Barceló Maya Colonial | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.1 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | — | 267 |
| Restaurants | 4 | 8 |
| Pools | 6 | 4 |
| Year Opened | — | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Barceló Maya Colonial | 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 Maya Colonial | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 18 | 9 |
| Included | 16 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Barceló Maya Colonial | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 4 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 2 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Barceló Maya Colonial | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 23 |
| Included | 16 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 7 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Barceló Maya Colonial
Pros
- Colonial has the densest concentration of specialty restaurants in the Grand Resort complex — guests who prioritize dinner variety over everything else are best served by being in this section
- La Cantina Cigar Lounge (premium tequilas, Havana cigars) and the Noble Beach Prize-winning Strikers Sports Bar are in this section — two of the most distinctive evening venues in the complex
- The Family Room category (732 sq ft) with separate sleeping areas is genuinely practical for families with young children in ways that single-room configurations aren't
Cons
- Some Superior Room units in older Colonial buildings have dated finishes and occasional maintenance issues — the entry-level accommodation tier needs attention in specific blocks
- The specialty restaurant dress code enforcement is strict — men cannot wear shorts or sandals, which can be inconvenient at a beach resort if you didn't pack accordingly
- Mexican buffet options are often cited as better quality than the general international rotation, but the overall buffet gets the standard 'repetitive by day 4' review pattern
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 Maya Colonial has more dining venues.