Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Hotel Riu Palace Jamaica
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Palace Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | 238 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 5 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | — |
| Year Renovated | — | 2013 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Palace Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 11 |
| Included | 11 | 10 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Palace Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 6 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 6 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Palace Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 23 |
| Included | 18 | 16 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 7 |
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 Jamaica
Pros
- 10-minute airport transfer from MBJ — genuinely the closest RIU Palace to the airport in Jamaica
- Exchange privileges mean three resorts' worth of pools and bars accessible on foot
- Mahoe Bay has calm, swimmable water — gentler than some north coast beaches
- Adults-only keeps pool areas quieter than most Jamaica all-inclusives
Cons
- Renova Spa is at a neighboring property, not on-site — requires a walk for treatments
- Only four specialty restaurants; rotation gets repetitive on stays over 5 nights
- Small resort size (288 rooms) limits amenity variety compared to larger RIU properties
- Formal dress enforcement at all specialty dinners can feel restrictive in the Caribbean heat
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Los Cabos is the larger property, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.