Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Hotel Riu Palace Antillas
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Palace Antillas |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | 482 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 5 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | — |
| Year Renovated | — | 2021 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Palace Antillas |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Palace Antillas |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 16 |
| Included | 11 | 15 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Palace Antillas |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 10 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 10 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Palace Antillas |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 24 |
| Included | 18 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 6 |
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 Palace Antillas
Pros
- Direct Palm Beach access — Aruba's most reliably calm Caribbean swimming beach.
- Malmok restaurant offers Arubian cuisine, which is genuinely unusual for an international resort and adds local context.
- 2021 renovation with glass-railed balconies — rooms feel current rather than dated.
- Exchange privileges at adjacent Riu Palace Aruba double available bar and poolside space.
- 10–15 minutes from the airport — shortest transfer in the Caribbean for most Aruba arrivals.
Cons
- All specialty restaurants require reservations at fixed sittings — book on arrival day or lose the option.
- Formal dress code applies every evening at specialty restaurants — pack accordingly.
- Adults-only (18+) — completely unsuitable for families with children.
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Palace Antillas is the larger property, while Hotel Riu Palace Antillas has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.