Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Iberostar Selection Cancún
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Iberostar Selection Cancún |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | 426 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 6 |
| Pools | 4 | 10 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | 1992 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2023 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Iberostar Selection Cancún |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Selection Cancún |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 18 |
| Included | 11 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Iberostar Selection Cancún |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 3 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Iberostar Selection Cancún |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 34 |
| Included | 18 | 30 |
| 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 Selection Cancún
Pros
- On-site 18-hole golf is a meaningful advantage in the Hotel Zone — other all-inclusives require excursion transfers that take a half-day
- The Coral Level adults-only tower functions as a hotel within a hotel, giving couples a quieter environment without losing access to the full resort facilities
- The late-night snack service at Antiguo Laguito until 1 AM is genuinely useful for guests who stay out and don't want to rely on room service
Cons
- With 18 dining venues and a large property, quality is uneven — some specialty restaurants are notably better than others, and the gaps are significant
- The resort's convention center means you may share the property with business groups, which changes the atmosphere during corporate events
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more restaurants, while Iberostar Selection Cancún is the larger property, while Iberostar Selection Cancún has more dining venues, while Iberostar Selection Cancún offers more activities.