El Cid El Moro Beach Hotel vs Grand Velas Los Cabos
El Cid Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | El Cid El Moro Beach Hotel | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 7.4 | 9.7 |
| Star Rating | 3.5 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 390 | 307 |
| Restaurants | 3 | 7 |
| Pools | 5 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 1989 | 2016 |
| Year Renovated | 2014 | — |
Features
| Metric | El Cid El Moro Beach Hotel | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | El Cid El Moro Beach Hotel | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 7 | 11 |
| Included | 6 | 11 |
| Extra Charge | 1 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | El Cid El Moro Beach Hotel | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 5 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 4 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | El Cid El Moro Beach Hotel | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 25 | 27 |
| Included | 15 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 10 | 9 |
Pros & Cons
El Cid El Moro Beach Hotel
Pros
- Suite inventory with kitchenettes is unusual at this price tier — two-bedroom suites at 2,232 sq ft are genuinely spacious for families
- Ban Thai is one of few Thai restaurants in Mazatlán's all-inclusive circuit — book it on your first available night
- Shuttle to sister properties provides meaningful dining variety beyond the three on-site restaurants
Cons
- Food quality at the buffet and snack bars receives mixed reviews — the à la carte restaurants are significantly better than the buffet
- Beach crowding and vendor approaches are consistent complaints — Playa Gaviotas is a public beach shared with other hotels
- Elite plan benefits are not consistently honored — verify your specific inclusions at check-in
- Mandatory daily resort fee of approximately $15 per room is charged at check-in — budget accordingly
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Pros
- The only all-inclusive in the world simultaneously holding Forbes Five Stars, AAA Five Diamonds, and a MICHELIN-starred restaurant — a genuine distinction, not a marketing claim
- Cocina de Autor's 8-10 course tasting menu with wine pairing is fully included in the all-inclusive rate — at a standalone restaurant this would cost hundreds per person
- Every suite starts at 1,081 sq ft with ocean views, private terrace jacuzzi, and 24-hour butler concierge — the entry suite here exceeds most competitors' top categories
- Three-tier infinity pools naturally segregate family, activity, and adult-only zones without restricting access — practical design rather than strict policy
Cons
- Beach is not swimmable — Los Cabos Pacific currents make ocean swimming dangerous; the infinity pools are where guests actually swim
- Cocina de Autor is restricted to adults and guests 18+ — families with younger children can't access the MICHELIN-starred restaurant during their stay
- Rates start around $1,600/night in low season and $1,800+ in peak winter — a significant commitment that requires being genuinely invested in the Five Diamond experience to justify
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more restaurants, while El Cid El Moro Beach Hotel is the larger property, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.