Excellence Riviera Cancun vs Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Excellence Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Excellence Riviera Cancun | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.2 | 9.8 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 440 | 267 |
| Restaurants | 12 | 8 |
| Pools | 6 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2004 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | 2024 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Excellence Riviera Cancun | 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 Riviera Cancun | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 27 | 9 |
| Included | 26 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 1 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Excellence Riviera Cancun | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 12 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Excellence Riviera Cancun | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 25 | 23 |
| Included | 17 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 8 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Excellence Riviera Cancun
Pros
- 2022–23 full renovation plus 2024 rooftop pool additions make this the most recently updated Excellence property.
- No wristband policy and no reservation requirement at most restaurants are genuine daily-life advantages.
- Unlimited lobster included in the rate, along with premium alcohol throughout.
- Six winding pools with meandering hacienda design create naturally private corners throughout the property.
- Complimentary calls to USA and Canada included — a genuinely useful operational perk.
Cons
- Building 6 and areas near activity hubs generate consistent noise complaints — room selection matters.
- Some suites have semi-open bathroom layouts (shared with bedroom) that not all couples prefer.
- Seaweed on the beach is seasonally variable despite active maintenance.
- Competition for palapas around the main pool requires early morning setup.
- The price point is upper-luxury — not a value all-inclusive even within the Excellence brand.
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 Riviera Cancun has more restaurants, while Excellence Riviera Cancun is the larger property, while Excellence Riviera Cancun has more dining venues, while Excellence Riviera Cancun offers more activities.