Spacious and comfortable all-suite accommodations often feature balconies or terraces with ocean or jungle views.
The resort offers multiple pools, including an adults-only option and a popular swim-up bar in the main pool.
Attentive and friendly staff, particularly in restaurants and by the pool, consistently receive high praise.
The picturesque, secluded Mismaloya Bay location amidst lush mountains provides a sense of disconnection.
Guests enjoy a variety of engaging activities and diverse nightly entertainment options.
The mini-fridges in suites are replenished daily with beer, soda, and snacks.
Direct access to a calm Mismaloya Beach is available, complete with loungers and towel service.
The à la carte Spanish and Italian restaurants are generally well-regarded for their food quality.
Cons
A significant number of guests report experiencing sickness, including vomiting and diarrhea, raising hygiene concerns.
Food quality at the buffet often receives mixed reviews for limited choices and inconsistent temperature.
Securing timely reservations for à la carte restaurants is frequently difficult, leading to late dining times or unavailability.
The resort's distance from downtown Puerto Vallarta is inconvenient for spontaneous excursions.
The Mismaloya beach area directly in front of the resort is often described as small and lacking sufficient lounge chairs or palapas.
Some guests note inconsistent service at the pool, resort stores, and issues with room upkeep like musty smells.
Watered-down fruit juices and outdated music in dining areas were also noted by some guests.
The resort is frequently perceived as a solid 4-star rather than the advertised 5-star, leading to unmet expectations for some.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Pros
Every room is a suite starting at 1,184 sq ft with private terrace, jacuzzi, and daily-restocked minibar — among the largest entry-level suites in the Riviera Maya
Cocina de Autor is the first all-inclusive restaurant in the world to earn both a MICHELIN star and AAA Five Diamond award
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more dining venues, while Barceló Puerto Vallarta offers more activities.
SE Spa spans 90,000+ sq ft with 40+ treatment suites and a Forbes Five-Star rating — one of Mexico's largest and most awarded resort spas
Three distinct ambiances let couples, families, and groups each find their ideal setting within one property
Genuinely premium all-inclusive — eight restaurants, seven bars, premium spirits, 24-hour suite service, and non-motorized water sports all included
Exceptional kids and teens programming with recently renovated, screen-free Kids' Club and tech-forward Teens' Club with PS5 and golf simulator
Water Ceremony hydrotherapy journey with eight unique experiences is complimentary with any 50-minute spa treatment
Personal concierge assigned to every suite across all three ambiances, with butler service in Grand Class and Presidential suites
Direct Caribbean beach access with white sand, lounger service, and marina center for kayaking and snorkeling
Multiple pools across three zones means you always find a spot — including an adults-only infinity pool at Grand Class
Cons
Zen Grand suites are located three-quarters of a mile from the beach — requires shuttle or a 15-minute walk, which some guests find inconvenient for quick beach visits
Popular restaurants like Cocina de Autor and Piaf book up fast — guests report needing to reserve 6 months in advance during high season or risk missing out
Premium price point — one of the most expensive all-inclusives in the Riviera Maya, with rates significantly above competitors
Sargassum seaweed can affect the beach seasonally (typically May–October), and protective barriers, while effective, are not aesthetically pleasing
The resort's large footprint (80 acres) means significant walking or shuttle-waiting between ambiances, restaurants, and facilities
Lunch options can be underwhelming compared to dinner — pool snacks and buffet quality receive mixed reviews from guests
Some guests note the property shows its age in certain Zen Grand areas, despite ongoing renovations
Restaurants have age restrictions that limit family dining options — Cocina de Autor, Piaf, and Bistro are 16+ (12+ between 6–7 PM only)
