Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Moon Palace The Grand - Cancun
Velas Resorts vs Palace Hotels — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Moon Palace The Grand - Cancun |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | 1,304 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 12 |
| Pools | 4 | 19 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | 2017 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2017 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Moon Palace The Grand - Cancun |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Moon Palace The Grand - Cancun |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 28 |
| Included | 11 | 28 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Moon Palace The Grand - Cancun |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 6 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 5 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Moon Palace The Grand - Cancun |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 25 |
| Included | 18 | 20 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 5 |
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
Moon Palace The Grand - Cancun
Pros
- Guests who book Grand-tier access get into adults-only restaurants and pools that standard Moon Palace guests cannot enter — the access separation is real and consistent.
- Water park with 14 heated pools means rainy or cooler days in winter don't shut down the main family activity.
- Le Château holds a Wine Spectator award — unusual for an all-inclusive and worth using if you care about wine pairings.
Cons
- Sargassum on the beach is not a occasional problem — it's a persistent seasonal reality from roughly April through October, documented across years of guest reviews.
- The resort is large enough that getting from your room to certain restaurants can require 10–15 minutes of walking or waiting for internal transport.
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Moon Palace The Grand - Cancun has more restaurants, while Moon Palace The Grand - Cancun is the larger property, while Moon Palace The Grand - Cancun has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.