Excellence El Carmen vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Excellence Resorts vs Velas Resorts— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Excellence El Carmen | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.2 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 492 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 12 | 8 |
| Pools | 23 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Excellence El Carmen | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | Yes | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | No | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Excellence El Carmen | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 30 | 9 |
| Included | 30 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Excellence El Carmen | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 15 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 15 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Excellence El Carmen | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 19 | 23 |
| Included | 16 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 3 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Excellence El Carmen
Pros
- 23 pools eliminate the chair-scramble dynamic at single-pool resorts
- Lobster included in the all-inclusive rate — a specific value point worth noting
- No reservation policy at most restaurants gives genuine flexibility vs. pre-planned weeks
- Uvero Alto location is quieter than Bavaro with calmer beach conditions
Cons
- Uvero Alto is 25–45 minutes from Punta Cana airport — longer transfer than Bavaro properties
- Nightlife ends early — guests wanting late-night entertainment will find limited options after 11pm
- Humidity levels in rooms can be uncomfortable — request a dehumidifier if this affects your sleep
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 Excellence El Carmen has more restaurants, while Excellence El Carmen is the larger property, while Excellence El Carmen has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.