Grand Bavaro Princess - All Inclusive vs Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Princess Hotels & Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Bavaro Princess - All Inclusive | Grand Velas Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.2 | 9.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 1,126 | 539 |
| Restaurants | 17 | 8 |
| Pools | 6 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 1991 | 2008 |
| Year Renovated | 2019 | 2021 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Bavaro Princess - All Inclusive | Grand Velas Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 30 | 15 |
| Included | 28 | 15 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Bavaro Princess - All Inclusive | Grand Velas Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 6 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 6 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Bavaro Princess - All Inclusive | Grand Velas Riviera Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 28 | 23 |
| Included | 21 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 7 | 6 |
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 Riviera Maya
Pros
- Cocina de Autor is the first all-inclusive restaurant in the world to earn both a MICHELIN star and AAA Five Diamond — included in the rate
- SE Spa with Forbes Five Stars, 90,000+ square feet, and 40+ treatment suites is one of the largest and most awarded resort spas in Mexico
- Three distinct ambiances mean guests in Zen Grand have a completely different resort experience from guests in Grand Class — useful for multi-room group bookings
- Tulum ruins are 15 minutes away and cenote tours are easy half-day excursions from this location
Cons
- Zen Grand suites are three-quarters of a mile from the beach — the shuttle runs frequently but beach access requires active planning
- Cocina de Autor and Piaf book up as far as 6 months in advance in peak season — call before arrival rather than assuming on-arrival booking
- Premium pricing at the top of the Riviera Maya all-inclusive market — the quality justifies it but the commitment is real
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya 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.