Decameron Galeon - All Inclusive vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Decameron All Inclusive vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Decameron Galeon - All Inclusive | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 6.7 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 3.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 244 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 5 | 8 |
| Pools | 2 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 1980 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Decameron Galeon - All Inclusive | 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 | Decameron Galeon - All Inclusive | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 12 | 9 |
| Included | 11 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 1 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Decameron Galeon - All Inclusive | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 3 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 1 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Decameron Galeon - All Inclusive | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 19 | 23 |
| Included | 18 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 1 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Decameron Galeon - All Inclusive
Pros
- Pirate galleon complex houses two distinct specialty restaurants — a legitimate differentiator at this price tier.
- Pozos Colorados Beach is genuinely calm and swimmable, not just marketing copy.
- 10–15 minute transfer from SMR airport is among the shortest on the Colombian coast.
- Nightly entertainment production quality is consistently above average for a 3-star property.
- Strong position for Tayrona day trips — the park is under an hour away.
Cons
- Only one massage room in the spa, with no additional wellness facilities.
- À la carte dinner reservations are competitive — guests who don't book on day one often miss out.
- Gym hours cap at 5 PM, inconvenient for guests who prefer evening workouts.
- Room décor and fixtures are dated across all categories; renovations are overdue.
- English proficiency among staff is limited — relevant for international travelers without Spanish.
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 Decameron Galeon - All Inclusive has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.