Highly praised for friendly, attentive, and helpful staff.
Stunning ocean and sunset views from many vantage points.
Comfortable and well-appointed rooms and suites.
High-quality food, particularly in the specialty à la carte restaurants.
Enjoyable and fun pool areas, including swim-up bars.
Excellent family-friendly amenities and activities, including dedicated kids' and teens' clubs.
Conveniently located very close to the airport and downtown Puerto Vallarta.
"Unlimited-Luxury®" concept with no reservations needed for à la carte dining and no wristbands.
Daily refreshed mini-bar and 24-hour room service are highly valued.
Cons
Nightly entertainment can sometimes be perceived as lacking or limited.
Some guests report cutbacks in Preferred Club mini-bar restocks compared to previous experiences.
Portions of the beach have rocky areas, which may affect swimming comfort.
All room types have a strict occupancy limit of four guests, which can be challenging for larger families.
While satisfactory, dining options for specific diets (e.g., vegan) are not always exceptional.
Some perceive the value for money to be slightly lower compared to other aspects.
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
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa has more dining venues, while Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa offers more activities.
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
