Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Hilton Playa del Carmen, an All-Inclusive Adults Only Resort
Velas Resorts vs Hilton All-Inclusive Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hilton Playa del Carmen, an All-Inclusive Adults Only Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 500 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 8 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 2018 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2019 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hilton Playa del Carmen, 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 Playa del Carmen, an All-Inclusive Adults Only Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 16 |
| Included | 15 | 16 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hilton Playa del Carmen, an All-Inclusive Adults Only Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 8 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 8 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hilton Playa del Carmen, an All-Inclusive Adults Only Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 29 |
| Included | 17 | 26 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 3 |
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 Playa del Carmen, an All-Inclusive Adults Only Resort
Pros
- All 524 accommodations are suites — the in-room whirlpool tub comes standard at the entry level, not as an upgrade.
- Fifth Avenue is one block away: the best pedestrian shopping, taco spots, and nightlife in Playa del Carmen are genuinely walkable from the resort.
- Booking a single spa treatment unlocks daily hydrotherapy circuit access (sauna, hot/cold plunge, steam) for the length of the stay.
- The $20M renovation was completed in 2019 — rooms and public areas are current, not dated.
Cons
- All specialty dinner restaurants require reservations, with some specifying formal dress. Guests who arrive without reservations are turned away at peak times — book everything at check-in.
- The beach has documented seasonal seaweed and rocky water entry — the pools are the reliable swimming option, and the beach itself is primarily for sunbathing.
- Pool cabanas at the main pools cost extra; beach cabanas are complimentary — the difference is not obvious at booking.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Hilton Playa del Carmen, an All-Inclusive Adults Only Resort has more dining venues, while Hilton Playa del Carmen, an All-Inclusive Adults Only Resort offers more activities.