Decameron Isleño - All Inclusive vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Decameron All Inclusive vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Decameron Isleño - All Inclusive | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 6.4 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 250 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 3 | 8 |
| Pools | 5 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2013 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Decameron Isleño - 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 Isleño - All Inclusive | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 10 | 9 |
| Included | 10 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Decameron Isleño - All Inclusive | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 3 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 0 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Decameron Isleño - All Inclusive | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 20 | 23 |
| Included | 14 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 2 |
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 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 Isleño - All Inclusive has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.