Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Hotel Riu Playa Blanca
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Playa Blanca |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 7.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Room Count | 307 | 573 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 4 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | — |
| Year Renovated | — | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Playa Blanca |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Playa Blanca |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 10 |
| Included | 11 | 10 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Playa Blanca |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 6 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Hotel Riu Playa Blanca |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Playa Blanca
Pros
- Pacific beach setting is genuinely uncrowded compared to Caribbean equivalents — Playa Blanca sees a fraction of the tourist density.
- Scarlett Martinez Airport is 10–15 minutes away — one of the fastest airport-to-resort transfers of any all-inclusive.
- Xian Asian restaurant consistently outperforms the food expectations for a mid-range all-inclusive.
- Good value compared to equivalent Cancun or Punta Cana properties — the Panama location means less price inflation from peak demand.
Cons
- Pacific ocean temperatures run significantly cooler than Caribbean — this matters if swimming is central to your trip.
- 573 rooms is a large property and the main buffet at peak hours reflects it — loud and crowded.
- Panama City is 2–3 hours away — combining this stay with a city break requires proper planning for the transfer.
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Playa Blanca is the larger property, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.