Catalonia Santo Domingo vs Grand Velas Los Cabos
Catalonia Hotels & Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Catalonia Santo Domingo | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.3 | 9.7 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 228 | 307 |
| Restaurants | 3 | 7 |
| Pools | 1 | 4 |
| Year Opened | — | 2016 |
| Year Renovated | 2023 | — |
Features
| Metric | Catalonia Santo Domingo | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | No | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Catalonia Santo Domingo | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 8 | 11 |
| Included | 2 | 11 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Catalonia Santo Domingo | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 14 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 5 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Catalonia Santo Domingo | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 25 | 27 |
| Included | 18 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 7 | 9 |
Pros & Cons
Catalonia Santo Domingo
Pros
- Panoramic Caribbean Sea views from a 21-story tower on the Malecón — among the best ocean views of any hotel in Santo Domingo
- Walking distance to the Colonial Zone — the most compelling reason to stay in this part of the city rather than a suburban hotel
- Las Américas Airport (SDQ) is 15 minutes away — among the shortest airport transfers in the country
- Breakfast quality consistently earns strong reviews — the best meal period at this property
Cons
- Two elevators for a 21-story conference hotel is genuinely problematic — budget 10+ minutes for elevator waits during conferences or peak hours
- Traffic noise from the Malecón is audible from lower-floor rooms — request floors 12+ if noise sensitivity matters
- The rooftop pool closes early and is cool in temperature — not an adequate substitute for a beach for guests wanting serious water time
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
Cons
- Beach is not swimmable — Los Cabos Pacific currents make ocean swimming dangerous; the infinity pools are where guests actually swim
- Cocina de Autor is restricted to adults and guests 18+ — families with younger children can't access the MICHELIN-starred restaurant during their stay
- Rates start around $1,600/night in low season and $1,800+ in peak winter — a significant commitment that requires being genuinely invested in the Five Diamond experience to justify
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Los Cabos is the larger property, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.