Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Hotel Riu Palace Aruba
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Palace Aruba |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 7.9 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | 450 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 5 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | — |
| Year Renovated | — | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Palace Aruba |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Palace Aruba |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 15 |
| Included | 11 | 14 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Palace Aruba |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 7 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 7 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Palace Aruba |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Aruba
Pros
- Direct Palm Beach access — calm water and white sand without reef or wave complications.
- Five specialty restaurants covering fusion, Japanese, Italian, steakhouse, and American — one of the broadest lineups in Aruba all-inclusives.
- RiuLand kids' club provides genuine supervised programming for families, not just a babysitting room.
- Exchange privileges at adjacent Riu Palace Antillas double the poolside bar access.
Cons
- A major closure-level renovation is scheduled from April 2025 to August 2026 — verify exact dates and operational status before booking.
- Specialty restaurant reservation process has been described as cumbersome in reviews — book on arrival day as a first priority.
- The 2015 renovation, while significant, means some common areas are approaching a decade of use.
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Palace Aruba is the larger property, while Hotel Riu Palace Aruba has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.