Club Med Alpe d'Huez vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Club Med vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Club Med Alpe d'Huez | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.0 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 441 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 2 | 8 |
| Pools | 2 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2019 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | 2019 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Club Med Alpe d'Huez | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 7 | 9 |
| Included | 6 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 1 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Alpe d'Huez | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 10 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 1 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Club Med Alpe d'Huez | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 24 | 23 |
| Included | 20 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 4 | 2 |
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 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 Club Med Alpe d'Huez is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Club Med Alpe d'Huez offers more activities.