Grand Bavaro Princess - All Inclusive vs Grand Velas Los Cabos
Princess Hotels & Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Bavaro Princess - All Inclusive | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.2 | 9.7 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 1,126 | 307 |
| Restaurants | 17 | 7 |
| Pools | 6 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 1991 | 2016 |
| Year Renovated | 2019 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Bavaro Princess - All Inclusive | 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 | Grand Bavaro Princess - All Inclusive | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 30 | 11 |
| Included | 28 | 11 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Bavaro Princess - All Inclusive | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 6 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 6 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Bavaro Princess - All Inclusive | Grand Velas Los Cabos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 28 | 27 |
| Included | 21 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 7 | 9 |
Pros & Cons
Grand Bavaro Princess - All Inclusive
Pros
- The 96-acre ecological reserve with preserved native vegetation and local wildlife is genuinely unusual for a large Caribbean all-inclusive — bikes make it navigable
- Post-2019 renovation quality is evident across most areas of the property — it feels newer than its 1992 origin suggests
- 14 total dining venues means variety doesn't run out even on long stays — 11 themed à la carte restaurants span a genuine range of cuisines
Cons
- At 1,290 rooms, service consistency varies — an off-night at one restaurant or an older room wing doesn't reflect the whole property, but it does happen
- 6 treatment rooms in the spa is insufficient for 1,290 rooms of guests — high season spa booking requires same-day or advance planning
- Property navigation is a genuine consideration — the 96 acres mean the farthest rooms from the beach require a bike ride or shuttle, not a short walk
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 Bavaro Princess - All Inclusive has more restaurants, while Grand Bavaro Princess - All Inclusive is the larger property, while Grand Bavaro Princess - All Inclusive has more dining venues, while Grand Bavaro Princess - All Inclusive offers more activities.