Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Iberostar Bellevue
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Iberostar Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.3 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | 578 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 3 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | 1973 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2023 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Iberostar Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Iberostar Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 10 |
| Included | 11 | 7 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 3 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Iberostar Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 8 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Iberostar Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 20 |
| Included | 18 | 16 |
| 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
Iberostar Bellevue
Pros
- Bečići Beach direct access is the strongest asset — one of the Adriatic's better beaches at this category.
- Both buffet restaurants integrate genuine Montenegrin cuisine (fish, shopska salad, lamb) rather than just international food with a regional themed night once a week.
- The indoor heated pool makes shoulder-season stays (April–May, September–October) viable when outdoor pools are closed.
- Budva Old Town is 15 minutes walk — genuinely worth visiting and more interesting than many Adriatic coastal towns.
Cons
- Standard rooms at 20–22 sq m are small — guests in standard categories report feeling cramped, especially for multi-week stays.
- Air conditioning is seasonal (June–August) with no resort heating — shoulder season stays will be cool rooms.
- Beach sunbeds and umbrellas cost extra through an external company — not included in the all-inclusive rate.
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more restaurants, while Iberostar Bellevue is the larger property, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.