Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Hotel Riu Palace Pacifico
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Palace Pacifico |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.3 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | 445 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 9 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | — |
| Year Renovated | — | 2023 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Palace Pacifico |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Pacifico |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 17 |
| Included | 11 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Palace Pacifico |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 6 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 6 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Palace Pacifico |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 18 |
| Included | 18 | 14 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 4 |
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 Pacifico
Pros
- Fully rebuilt December 2023 — rooms, kitchens, pools, and restaurants are all new
- Playa de Flamingos is consistently seaweed-free and has calm, swimmable Pacific surf
- Pepe's Food burritos and Tiki Taco taquería are legitimately the best casual food on the property and frequently recommended over the specialty restaurants
- 8-mile (12.8 km) airport transfer from PVR — one of the shortest all-inclusive resort transfers in Mexico
Cons
- No-reservation specialty restaurant policy means arriving at opening time is necessary on busy weeks
- Adults-only means families with children under 18 cannot stay here at all
- The Pacific side of Mexico is less visited by international tourists than Cancun — flight options may require a connection
- Elite Club access adds a meaningful premium — evaluate whether you'll use the exclusive restaurant and beach daily
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Hotel Riu Palace Pacifico has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Palace Pacifico is the larger property, while Hotel Riu Palace Pacifico has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.