Club Med Alpe d'Huez vs Grand Velas Los Cabos
Club Med vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Club Med Alpe d'Huez | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.0 | 9.7 |
| Star Rating | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 441 | 307 |
| Restaurants | 2 | 7 |
| Pools | 2 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2019 | 2016 |
| Year Renovated | 2019 | — |
Features
| Metric | Club Med Alpe d'Huez | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | No | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Alpe d'Huez | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 7 | 11 |
| Included | 6 | 11 |
| Extra Charge | 1 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Alpe d'Huez | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 10 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 1 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Alpe d'Huez | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 24 | 27 |
| Included | 20 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 4 | 9 |
Pros & Cons
Club Med Alpe d'Huez
Pros
- Genuine ski-in/ski-out access — step from the boot room onto the slopes without any transport.
- G.O. ski instructors are consistently rated highly — professional, patient, and multilingual.
- Complimentary afternoon tea (cakes and sandwiches) after skiing is a practical included perk that competitors rarely offer.
- Kids' clubs (4+) included in the all-inclusive rate — genuine free time for skiing parents.
Cons
- Bar queue times are the most common service complaint, particularly during French school holidays.
- French school holiday periods (especially February) are extremely crowded — avoid if possible.
- Warmer late-season conditions can reduce ski-in/ski-out convenience when base snow melts.
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 Club Med Alpe d'Huez is the larger property, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.