Grand Decameron Panama, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Our Rating
6.8
9.2
Star Rating
4.0
5.0
Room Count
1,170
539
Restaurants
9
8
Pools
6
4
Year Opened
2001
2008
Year Renovated
2020
2021
Features
Metric
Grand Decameron Panama, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort
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 Decameron Panama, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Total Venues
25
15
Included
23
15
Extra Charge
2
0
Room Comparison
Metric
Grand Decameron Panama, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Room Categories
4
11
Suite Categories
0
11
Activities Comparison
Metric
Grand Decameron Panama, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Total Activities
24
23
Included
17
17
Extra Charge
7
6
Pros & Cons
Grand Decameron Panama, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort
Pros
The only all-inclusive in Panama with an on-site 18-hole golf course — if you play golf, this is the only resort in the country where you can walk from your room to the course.
Cuzco (Peruvian) and El Pilón (Panamanian beachfront) are the most distinctive specialty restaurants at any all-inclusive in Central America — both worth specifically booking.
The open-air cinema provides an experience that doesn't exist at most Caribbean or Mexican all-inclusives.
Rio Hato airport is 10 minutes away for guests on charter flights — the shortest airport transfer of any major Panama resort.
Cons
Guests flying via Panama City (Tocumen Airport) face a 90-minute, 90 km transfer — plan accordingly for your arrival and departure days.
At 852 rooms, the reservation system for à la carte restaurants fills quickly — guests who don't book within their first hours may not get into their preferred venues.
Panama City — a genuinely interesting destination with the Canal and Old Town — is 90 minutes away, which makes it a committed day trip rather than a casual excursion.
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
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Grand Decameron Panama, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort has more restaurants, while Grand Decameron Panama, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort is the larger property, while Grand Decameron Panama, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort has more dining venues, while Grand Decameron Panama, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort offers more activities.
