Decameron Isleño - All Inclusive vs Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Decameron All Inclusive vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Decameron Isleño - All Inclusive | Grand Velas Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 6.4 | 9.2 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 250 | 539 |
| Restaurants | 3 | 8 |
| Pools | 5 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2013 | 2008 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2021 |
Features
| Metric | Decameron Isleño - All Inclusive | Grand Velas Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Decameron Isleño - All Inclusive | Grand Velas Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 10 | 15 |
| Included | 10 | 15 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Decameron Isleño - All Inclusive | Grand Velas Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 3 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 0 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Decameron Isleño - All Inclusive | Grand Velas Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 20 | 23 |
| Included | 14 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 6 |
Pros & Cons
Decameron Isleño - All Inclusive
Pros
- Spratt Bight is genuinely San Andrés' finest beach — the barrier reef delivers calm, clear Caribbean water right at the resort's door.
- Included scuba mini-course is rare at this price tier and a clear reason to choose this property over comparable options.
- 3-block walk to the airport is a practical advantage for late arrivals and early departures.
- Inter-hotel plan effectively expands dining and beach options across multiple Decameron properties on the island.
Cons
- Buffet rotates on a weekly theme cycle that guests on 7-night stays will complete — limited variety in the second half of a stay.
- Front desk and check-in service is the most cited problem area; interactions beyond the initial check-in are generally better.
- In-room Wi-Fi is weak; common areas have stronger signal.
- Beach loungers have been reported as a potential extra charge — confirm policy at check-in.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Pros
- Cocina de Autor is the first all-inclusive restaurant in the world to earn both a MICHELIN star and AAA Five Diamond — included in the rate
- SE Spa with Forbes Five Stars, 90,000+ square feet, and 40+ treatment suites is one of the largest and most awarded resort spas in Mexico
- Three distinct ambiances mean guests in Zen Grand have a completely different resort experience from guests in Grand Class — useful for multi-room group bookings
- Tulum ruins are 15 minutes away and cenote tours are easy half-day excursions from this location
Cons
- Zen Grand suites are three-quarters of a mile from the beach — the shuttle runs frequently but beach access requires active planning
- Cocina de Autor and Piaf book up as far as 6 months in advance in peak season — call before arrival rather than assuming on-arrival booking
- Premium pricing at the top of the Riviera Maya all-inclusive market — the quality justifies it but the commitment is real
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers more activities.