Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Occidental Costa Cancún
Velas Resorts vs Occidental Hotels — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Occidental Costa Cancún |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 3.5 |
| Room Count | 307 | — |
| Restaurants | 7 | 4 |
| Pools | 4 | — |
| Year Opened | 2016 | — |
| Year Renovated | — | 2016 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Occidental Costa 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 | Occidental Costa Cancún |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 9 |
| Included | 11 | 8 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Occidental Costa Cancún |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 3 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Occidental Costa Cancún |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 35 |
| Included | 18 | 26 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 9 |
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
Occidental Costa Cancún
Pros
- The 24-hour snack bar is one of the most practically useful features at any all-inclusive — pizza, sandwiches, and pastries available at 2 AM, which almost no comparable Cancun property offers.
- Linda Beach's calm, enclosed water is genuinely good for families with young children who can't handle the wave action of other Cancun Hotel Zone beaches.
- The sauna, steam bath, and Turkish bath are included in the all-inclusive rate — complimentary hydrotherapy is not standard at this price tier.
Cons
- Linda Beach is small — approximately 30x30 meters of swimming area between two boat docks. Guests who want a long Caribbean beach walk will be disappointed.
- Small rocks in the water entry at Linda Beach require water shoes — this is consistently flagged in guest reviews and easy to address with preparation.
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more dining venues, while Occidental Costa Cancún offers more activities.