Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Guayarmina Princess (Only Adults +16)
Velas Resorts vs Princess Hotels & Resorts— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Guayarmina Princess (Only Adults +16) |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 505 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 3 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 1988 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2018 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Guayarmina Princess (Only Adults +16) |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Guayarmina Princess (Only Adults +16) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 10 |
| Included | 15 | 6 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 4 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Guayarmina Princess (Only Adults +16) |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 6 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 3 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Guayarmina Princess (Only Adults +16) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 29 |
| Included | 17 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 12 |
Pros & Cons
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Pros
- Cocina de Autor is the first all-inclusive restaurant in the world to earn both a MICHELIN star and AAA Five Diamond — included in the rate
- SE Spa with Forbes Five Stars, 90,000+ square feet, and 40+ treatment suites is one of the largest and most awarded resort spas in Mexico
- Three distinct ambiances mean guests in Zen Grand have a completely different resort experience from guests in Grand Class — useful for multi-room group bookings
- Tulum ruins are 15 minutes away and cenote tours are easy half-day excursions from this location
Cons
- Zen Grand suites are three-quarters of a mile from the beach — the shuttle runs frequently but beach access requires active planning
- Cocina de Autor and Piaf book up as far as 6 months in advance in peak season — call before arrival rather than assuming on-arrival booking
- Premium pricing at the top of the Riviera Maya all-inclusive market — the quality justifies it but the commitment is real
Guayarmina Princess (Only Adults +16)
Pros
- Direct Fañabé Beach access and promenade proximity make this the most walkable of Costa Adeje's all-inclusive options — guests can leave the resort easily without organizing an excursion
- Adults-only (16+) creates a genuinely quieter atmosphere than the family-heavy resorts neighboring it on the Tenerife coast
- Year-round Canary Islands climate with clear days and stable temperatures makes seasonal booking less critical than at Mediterranean resorts
Cons
- Buffet hot food temperatures are inconsistently maintained — guest feedback is consistent about this; eat closer to opening time for best results
- Noise from adjacent hotel's cooling installations affects specific room locations — request a room away from the east/northeast side when booking
- Air conditioning quality has been noted as variable across different room categories
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more dining venues, while Guayarmina Princess (Only Adults +16) offers more activities.