Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Adults Only Resort
Our Rating
9.2
8.2
Star Rating
5.0
5.0
Room Count
539
356
Restaurants
8
5
Pools
4
4
Year Opened
2008
2018
Year Renovated
2021
2019
Features
Metric
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Adults Only Resort
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
Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Adults Only Resort
Total Venues
15
22
Included
15
22
Extra Charge
0
0
Room Comparison
Metric
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Adults Only Resort
Room Categories
11
11
Suite Categories
11
1
Activities Comparison
Metric
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Adults Only Resort
Total Activities
23
32
Included
17
27
Extra Charge
6
5
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
Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Adults Only Resort
Pros
Chinola restaurant's passion fruit cocktails and grilled fish are genuinely distinctive — the beachfront Dominican-cuisine dining is the best single-restaurant experience on the property.
Bayahibe Bay's Blue Flag beach has calmer and clearer water than the Punta Cana coastline — a meaningful upgrade for guests who prioritize swimming quality.
The Enclave upgrade delivers its clearest value at the pool and beach — a private section with butler service that makes the resort feel substantially smaller and quieter.
The Drift Away Spa at 21,000 sq ft is one of the more substantial spa facilities in the Caribbean all-inclusive sector.
Cons
No elevators in the three-story buildings — a significant inconvenience for guests with mobility limitations or heavy luggage. Request first-floor rooms at booking, not just check-in.
Bookings through third-party sites may not earn Hilton Honors points — the resort operates under Playa Resorts management, which affects the Hilton loyalty program relationship.
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 Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Adults Only Resort has more dining venues, while Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Adults Only Resort offers more activities.
Timeshare sales presentations are reported by multiple guests as aggressive — politely declining at check-in is easier than trying to extract yourself mid-pitch.
Uber and external transport services have restricted access to the resort entrance — arrange official transfers before arrival.
