Grand Decameron Panama, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Our Rating
6.8
9.8
Star Rating
4.0
5.0
Room Count
1,170
267
Restaurants
9
8
Pools
6
4
Year Opened
2001
2003
Year Renovated
2020
2015
Features
Metric
Grand Decameron Panama, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
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 Nayarit
Total Venues
25
9
Included
23
9
Extra Charge
2
0
Room Comparison
Metric
Grand Decameron Panama, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Room Categories
4
12
Suite Categories
0
11
Activities Comparison
Metric
Grand Decameron Panama, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Total Activities
24
23
Included
17
21
Extra Charge
7
2
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 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
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit 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.