Catalonia Bavaro Beach Golf & Casino Resort vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Catalonia Hotels & Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Catalonia Bavaro Beach Golf & Casino Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.0 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 711 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 9 | 8 |
| Pools | 5 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2006 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | 2023 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Catalonia Bavaro Beach Golf & Casino Resort | 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 | Catalonia Bavaro Beach Golf & Casino Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 21 | 9 |
| Included | 20 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 1 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Catalonia Bavaro Beach Golf & Casino Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 7 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 7 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Catalonia Bavaro Beach Golf & Casino Resort | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 25 | 23 |
| Included | 17 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 8 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Catalonia Bavaro Beach Golf & Casino Resort
Pros
- Free green fees at two on-site golf courses — removes a significant daily expense for golfers.
- The renovated lagoon pool with Jacuzzis is one of the better pool setups on Punta Cana's Bávaro strip.
- Natural palm tree shade at the beach is genuinely better here than at most neighboring properties.
- Wood-oven pizzeria is a reliable quality option when the buffet disappoints.
Cons
- Standard zone rooms are notably dated and draw consistent complaints — the upgrade to Privileged is almost necessary for a comfortable experience.
- Rooms near the Pearl Beach Club are affected by loud music late into the night.
- Timeshare solicitations are a recurring complaint — decline any 'exclusive presentation' invitations.
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 Catalonia Bavaro Beach Golf & Casino Resort has more restaurants, while Catalonia Bavaro Beach Golf & Casino Resort is the larger property, while Catalonia Bavaro Beach Golf & Casino Resort has more dining venues, while Catalonia Bavaro Beach Golf & Casino Resort offers more activities.