Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Hotel Creta Princess Aquapark & Spa
Velas Resorts vs Alua Hotels & Resorts— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Creta Princess Aquapark & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | 420 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 3 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | — |
| Year Renovated | — | 2019 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Creta Princess Aquapark & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Creta Princess Aquapark & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 8 |
| Included | 11 | 7 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Creta Princess Aquapark & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 4 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 0 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Creta Princess Aquapark & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 23 |
| Included | 18 | 19 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 4 |
Pros & Cons
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
Hotel Creta Princess Aquapark & Spa
Pros
- Five waterslides across two separate pool complexes make this one of the best-equipped family aquapark resorts at the 4-star level in Crete
- Greek nights with live bouzouki music and traditional dance are a genuine cultural addition to the standard all-inclusive entertainment program
- 32 minutes from Chania airport — a quick transfer and close enough to Chania old town for a worthwhile half-day excursion
Cons
- Maleme beach is pebble and rocky at the water entry — bring water shoes; guests expecting soft Mediterranean sand will be disappointed
- Room balconies on some categories are smaller than photographs suggest — manage expectations relative to the room size overall
- Beach water sports options are limited compared to larger resorts
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more restaurants, while Hotel Creta Princess Aquapark & Spa is the larger property, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.