The private beach offers an amazing coral reef, consistently praised for snorkeling and swimming ease.
Many staff members, particularly in the main restaurant and pool area, are exceptionally friendly and attentive.
The hotel features multiple large, well-maintained outdoor pools, including a heated children's pool.
The buffet provides good food variety and quality, including multiple salad and dessert options, and fresh pasta/omelette stations.
Rooms are often described as spacious, large, and offer great sea or garden views from balconies.
An on-site dive centre is available, with guests reporting positive experiences with instructors.
The hotel provides a lovely and relaxing atmosphere, appreciated by guests seeking tranquility.
Cons
The hotel, especially bathrooms and some exterior features, is frequently noted as needing renovation and updating.
Inconsistent staff attitudes are reported, with some staff described as rude or less pleasant in specific areas.
Food can be repetitive, and occasional concerns about quality or storage have led to stomach issues for some guests.
A significant and recurring complaint is the lack of consistently cold drinks and ice, particularly in hot weather.
Free Wi-Fi is generally limited to the lobby area and often unreliable or non-existent in rooms, requiring guests to buy local SIM cards.
Some private pools are unheated, rendering them unusable during cooler periods for guests with these room types.
Certain rooms can be noisy due to external factors like air conditioning systems from nearby restaurants.
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
Outstanding check-in experience with complimentary massage, welcome drink, and cool towel
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Barceló Tiran Sharm has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.