Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 7.8 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | 538 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 6 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | — |
| Year Renovated | — | 2019 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 13 |
| Included | 11 | 13 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 5 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 5 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 26 |
| Included | 18 | 20 |
| 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 Costa Rica
Pros
- 20-minute transfer from LIR airport — among the shortest Guanacaste resort transfers available.
- Tokio's teppanyaki option is a genuinely distinctive dining experience within the all-inclusive format.
- Complimentary Splash Water World access at Riu Guanacaste is a strong family amenity.
- Two spa relaxation pools (complimentary) are unusual for this property tier.
Cons
- Some rooms and facility areas remain dated despite the 2019 renovation.
- Matapalo Beach has rocky sections in some areas — not uniformly smooth sand entry.
- Four specialty restaurants with no reservation system means early-arrival queuing is necessary.
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica is the larger property, while Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.