Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Hotel Riu Cancun
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hotel Riu Cancun |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Room Count | 539 | 569 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 6 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2014 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hotel Riu Cancun |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Hotel Riu Cancun |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 13 |
| Included | 15 | 13 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hotel Riu Cancun |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 4 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 2 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hotel Riu Cancun |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 25 |
| Included | 17 | 22 |
| 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
Hotel Riu Cancun
Pros
- Pacha discotheque entry and drinks are included — rare for this price tier in Cancun.
- Exchange privileges with other Riu Cancun properties and Riu Party access with transportation expands the entertainment options significantly.
- Three pools including a swim-up infinity pool with Caribbean views.
- Diverse specialty restaurant lineup (Asian, Italian, Gourmet, Steakhouse) included in the all-inclusive.
- Adults-only since late 2024 — the party atmosphere now has a cleaner, more consistent audience.
Cons
- Sunbed reservation culture is endemic and not policed — plan early mornings or use the beach.
- Main buffet quality is variable — some guests report inconsistent freshness, especially at dinner.
- Formal dress codes at specialty restaurants require planning ahead when you only packed casual clothes.
- An environmental tax is charged separately at check-in — it's not large but confirm the amount.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Cancun is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more dining venues, while Hotel Riu Cancun offers more activities.