Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Hotel Riu Costa del Sol
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Costa del Sol |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | 500 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 3 |
| Pools | 4 | 6 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | — |
| Year Renovated | — | 2017 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Costa del Sol |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Riu Costa del Sol |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 10 |
| Included | 11 | 10 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Costa del Sol |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 6 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 2 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Costa del Sol |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 21 |
| Included | 18 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 3 |
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 Riu Costa del Sol
Pros
- 10-minute transfer from Malaga Airport — among the shortest in the Riu portfolio
- Heated indoor pool extends the season meaningfully for winter visits
- Direct promenade access to Playamar Beach with no road to cross
- 24-hour all-inclusive with a working sports bar and midnight snacks
Cons
- Main buffet gets repetitive on stays longer than 5 nights — specialty restaurants require reservations that fill quickly
- Playamar is a dark-sand urban beach, not the white-sand experience of more westerly Costa del Sol resorts
- 621 rooms means high-season pool areas are crowded — lounger-saving with towels starts early
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Costa del Sol is the larger property, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.