Grand Velas Los Cabos vs Rixos Tersane Istanbul
Velas Resorts vs Rixos Hotels — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Rixos Tersane Istanbul |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.7 | 8.3 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 307 | 432 |
| Restaurants | 7 | 3 |
| Pools | 4 | 1 |
| Year Opened | 2016 | 2024 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2024 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Rixos Tersane Istanbul |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | No |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Rixos Tersane Istanbul |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 11 | 11 |
| Included | 11 | 3 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 8 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Rixos Tersane Istanbul |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 15 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 7 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Los Cabos | Rixos Tersane Istanbul |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 26 |
| Included | 18 | 23 |
| Extra Charge | 9 | 3 |
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
Rixos Tersane Istanbul
Pros
- The Ottoman shipyard heritage gives this hotel a physical character that new-build Istanbul hotels cannot replicate—the 600-year-old structure is visually distinctive.
- The heated infinity pool overlooking the Golden Horn operates year-round—an outdoor pool that's actually usable in Istanbul's winter is unusual.
- Josephine Istanbul's 'Welcome to Haliç' palamut dish is a genuine local food connection—the Golden Horn's bonito is historically significant to Istanbul's food culture.
Cons
- No beach access at all—guests who want sea swimming need to plan separately. The Golden Horn is not swimmable.
- Most restaurants here carry extra charges—the included-meals model is different from Rixos's resort all-inclusives. Confirm exactly what your rate covers before arriving.
- Istanbul Airport is 35+ minutes away—factor in traffic, which can double transfer times during peak commute hours.
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Los Cabos has more restaurants, while Rixos Tersane Istanbul is the larger property, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.