Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
Velas Resorts vs Autograph Collection All-Inclusive — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 7.9 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Room Count | 539 | 270 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 11 |
| Pools | 4 | 7 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 2000 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2024 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 17 |
| Included | 15 | 12 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 5 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 15 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 6 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 22 |
| Included | 17 | 14 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 8 |
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
Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
Pros
- The only Autograph Collection all-inclusive in Los Cabos — the brand designation brings Marriott Bonvoy points earning and a specific sense of place through the hacienda architecture
- 17 dining and drinking venues including a gourmet Mexican restaurant, cevichería beach club, and wine cave make this one of the more varied dining programs on the Tourist Corridor
- Beach cabana massages with Sea of Cortez views are a specific experience that indoor spa facilities don't replicate
Cons
- Pool loungers are difficult to secure in high season due to early-morning chair reservations — arrive at the pool by 8 AM or accept limited positioning
- Breakfast service receives consistent criticism for slow pacing — plan extra time or arrive right when service starts
- The beach is not swimmable — Los Cabos corridor Pacific currents are standard but worth understanding before booking
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers more activities.