Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Hotel Riu Buenavista
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hotel Riu Buenavista |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 530 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 5 |
| Pools | 4 | 6 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2020 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hotel Riu Buenavista |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | No |
| Kids Club | Yes | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hotel Riu Buenavista |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 10 |
| Included | 15 | 10 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hotel Riu Buenavista |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 4 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 0 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hotel Riu Buenavista |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 24 |
| Included | 17 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 6 |
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
Hotel Riu Buenavista
Pros
- Six pools including an infinity pool and adults-only option — unusual combination at this price tier in Tenerife.
- Renovation in 2020 means rooms and public spaces are genuinely fresh-feeling, not just touched-up.
- RiuLand kids' club is well-run with age-separated programs for 4–7 and 8–12.
- 24-hour all-inclusive including a round-the-clock bar reduces any stress about meal timing.
- Main buffet at Atlantico is consistently praised for variety and live cooking stations.
Cons
- Beach is 500m away — the resort markets itself as beachfront but the sandy area requires a walk or shuttle.
- Pool loungers are widely reported as uncomfortable, even post-renovation.
- Specialty restaurants are popular and require reservations; guests who miss the booking window are stuck with the buffet.
- Evening entertainment skews toward a European (primarily British and German) audience.
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 Hotel Riu Buenavista offers more activities.