El Cid El Moro Beach Hotel vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
El Cid Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | El Cid El Moro Beach Hotel | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 7.4 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 3.5 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 390 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 3 | 8 |
| Pools | 5 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 1989 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | 2014 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | El Cid El Moro Beach Hotel | 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 | El Cid El Moro Beach Hotel | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 7 | 9 |
| Included | 6 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 1 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | El Cid El Moro Beach Hotel | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 5 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 4 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | El Cid El Moro Beach Hotel | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 25 | 23 |
| Included | 15 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 10 | 2 |
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 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 El Cid El Moro Beach Hotel is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while El Cid El Moro Beach Hotel offers more activities.