Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Maspalomas Princess
Velas Resorts vs Princess Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Maspalomas Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | 389 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 5 |
| Pools | 4 | 6 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | — |
| Year Renovated | — | 2023 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Maspalomas Princess |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Maspalomas Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 10 |
| Included | 11 | 10 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Maspalomas Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 6 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 3 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Maspalomas Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 25 |
| Included | 18 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 8 |
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
Maspalomas Princess
Pros
- The adults-only pool is heated in winter with massage jets — one of the better cold-season pools in the Maspalomas zone.
- The five-nights-per-stay free specialty restaurant dinner (Il Peccato or Kokoro) is the most straightforwardly good food available — plan your stay to use it.
- The shared pool complex with Tabaiba Princess creates a large pool area with over-water bridges and proper scale.
Cons
- The standard all-inclusive has real limitations — post-11 PM drinks, fresh juice, premium spirits, and certain ice creams/desserts are excluded. The All-Inclusive Plus upgrade addresses this.
- Room condition varies significantly across the 389 rooms — the Prestige Suite has been recently renovated; other categories may not have been.
- Evening entertainment noise can carry to nearby rooms — request a room away from the main entertainment stage if you're a light sleeper.
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more restaurants, while Maspalomas Princess is the larger property, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.