El Cid La Ceiba Beach Hotel vs Grand Velas Los Cabos
El Cid Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | El Cid La Ceiba Beach Hotel | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 7.8 | 9.7 |
| Star Rating | 3.5 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 60 | 307 |
| Restaurants | 2 | 7 |
| Pools | 2 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2001 | 2016 |
| Year Renovated | 2006 | — |
Features
| Metric | El Cid La Ceiba 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 La Ceiba Beach Hotel | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 7 | 11 |
| Included | 7 | 11 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | El Cid La Ceiba Beach Hotel | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 5 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 2 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | El Cid La Ceiba Beach Hotel | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 19 | 27 |
| Included | 8 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 11 | 9 |
Pros & Cons
El Cid La Ceiba Beach Hotel
Pros
- Snorkeling from the shore is the primary reason to choose La Ceiba — the sunken airplane wreck is accessible without a boat, which no other Cozumel all-inclusive offers
- Babieca Dive Center on-site with PADI certification makes dive planning simple — no transfers to another operator
- Small resort size (60–76 rooms) means staff knows your name within a day or two
- Temazcal ceremony is a genuine Mayan ritual, not a commercialized version — one of few in Cozumel
Cons
- Cruise ship day-pass visitors crowd the pools on high-traffic ship days — check the Cozumel cruise schedule for your travel dates
- Wi-Fi is unreliable in rooms and typically carries a surcharge — plan accordingly
- Standard Deluxe rooms receive the most maintenance complaints; book Elite or suite categories for more consistent quality
- Time-share presentation solicitation is a recurring guest complaint — decline firmly on arrival
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 Grand Velas Los Cabos is the larger property, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.