BlueBay Villas Doradas vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
BlueBay Hotels & Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | BlueBay Villas Doradas | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 7.8 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 245 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 4 | 8 |
| Pools | 3 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 1984 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | 2006 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | BlueBay Villas Doradas | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | Yes | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | No | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | BlueBay Villas Doradas | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 12 | 9 |
| Included | 11 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 1 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | BlueBay Villas Doradas | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 3 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 2 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | BlueBay Villas Doradas | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 20 | 23 |
| Included | 15 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 5 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
BlueBay Villas Doradas
Pros
- Walking distance from an 18-hole Robert Trent Jones golf course — the closest any resort in Puerto Plata gets to on-site golf.
- Small property size means staff learns guest names and drink orders within two days — a genuine service advantage over larger resorts.
- Playa Dorada beach is one of the calmer, more swimmable stretches on Puerto Plata's coast.
- The bachata and merengue dance program is genuinely taught — not just a five-minute demonstration — and guests frequently list it as a trip highlight.
Cons
- Rooms last renovated in 2006: hard mattresses, worn furnishings, and inconsistent Wi-Fi are recurring complaints. This isn't a premium property.
- Buffet food is consistently rated poorly — bland and repetitive by day three. Lean on the four à la carte restaurants.
- Premium liquor costs extra; the all-inclusive package covers national spirits, which guests describe as bottom-shelf.
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 Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is the larger property, while BlueBay Villas Doradas has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.