Barceló Puerto Vallarta vs Grand Velas Los Cabos
Barceló Hotels vs Velas Resorts— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Barceló Puerto Vallarta | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.1 | 9.7 |
| Star Rating | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 316 | 307 |
| Restaurants | 5 | 7 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 1990 | 2016 |
| Year Renovated | 2008 | — |
Features
| Metric | Barceló Puerto Vallarta | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Barceló Puerto Vallarta | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 10 | 11 |
| Included | 9 | 11 |
| Extra Charge | 1 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Barceló Puerto Vallarta | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 7 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 5 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Barceló Puerto Vallarta | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 25 | 27 |
| Included | 21 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 4 | 9 |
Pros & Cons
Barceló Puerto Vallarta
Pros
- All-suite accommodations starting at 732 sq ft — double the space of a standard all-inclusive room without paying premium boutique prices.
- Mismaloya Beach is a sheltered cove with calm, swimmable Pacific water — rare on Mexico's Pacific coast where most beaches have strong surf.
- Four specialty restaurants carry Mexico's H Award for culinary standards — verified food quality above the typical all-inclusive level.
- The Mismaloya location gives access to Sierra Madre zip-lining and Banderas Bay whale watching that Hotel Zone properties can't match in proximity.
- Los Arcos grill restaurant on the ocean's edge at sunset is one of the more atmospheric dinner experiences in Puerto Vallarta's resort corridor.
Cons
- The property last received major renovations in 2008 — 15+ years on, some rooms and common areas show their age despite cosmetic updates.
- Non-Premium Level guests have specialty restaurant access restricted by length of stay — short trips of 3–4 nights may not get full use of all four H Award restaurants.
- The location 14 miles south of Puerto Vallarta means the city's dining and nightlife require a taxi, making spontaneous evenings out impractical.
- U-Spa is small for a property this size — one couples' treatment room and two singles means limited availability, especially on weekends.
- Premium spirits and better cocktail quality require upgrading to Premium Level — standard all-inclusive alcohol is basic.
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Pros
- The only all-inclusive in the world simultaneously holding Forbes Five Stars, AAA Five Diamonds, and a MICHELIN-starred restaurant — a genuine distinction, not a marketing claim
- Cocina de Autor's 8-10 course tasting menu with wine pairing is fully included in the all-inclusive rate — at a standalone restaurant this would cost hundreds per person
- Every suite starts at 1,081 sq ft with ocean views, private terrace jacuzzi, and 24-hour butler concierge — the entry suite here exceeds most competitors' top categories
- Three-tier infinity pools naturally segregate family, activity, and adult-only zones without restricting access — practical design rather than strict policy
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more restaurants, while Barceló Puerto Vallarta is the larger property, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.