Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Hotel Riu Gran Canaria
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hotel Riu Gran Canaria |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 658 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 6 |
| Pools | 4 | 6 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2023 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hotel Riu Gran Canaria |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Hotel Riu Gran Canaria |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 13 |
| Included | 15 | 13 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hotel Riu Gran Canaria |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 8 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 2 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hotel Riu Gran Canaria |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 25 |
| Included | 17 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 7 |
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 Gran Canaria
Pros
- Adults-only infinity pool with promenade and ocean views is the standout physical feature of the post-2023 refurbishment
- Riu4U teen program (ages 13–17) runs several times weekly — genuinely unusual and fills a gap most all-inclusives ignore
- Heated pool (winter) makes the resort comfortable year-round when the Atlantic water temperature drops
- Suite with Private Pool category gives complete privacy — no sunbed competition if you're paying for that category
- Maspalomas sand dunes are 15 minutes on foot — one of the best free day-trips from any Canary Islands resort
Cons
- All-inclusive cocktails are consistently described in reviews as overly sweet with weak spirit pours
- Specialty restaurant reservations fill quickly in peak season; guests who don't book on arrival day often end up at the buffet most evenings
- At 639 rooms the property is large enough that good sun lounger positions at the main pools require early arrival
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Gran Canaria is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more dining venues, while Hotel Riu Gran Canaria offers more activities.