Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Hotel Riu Palace Tres Islas
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hotel Riu Palace Tres Islas |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Room Count | 539 | 362 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 3 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hotel Riu Palace Tres Islas |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Palace Tres Islas |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 5 |
| Included | 15 | 5 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hotel Riu Palace Tres Islas |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 4 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 2 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hotel Riu Palace Tres Islas |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 17 |
| Included | 17 | 11 |
| 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 Palace Tres Islas
Pros
- Direct position within Corralejo Natural Park means the dune landscape and beach cannot be built out — the setting is permanent.
- Piano Bar with live music most evenings is a quieter, more atmospheric alternative to animation-heavy all-inclusive entertainment.
- Sparkling wine at breakfast is a Palace-tier inclusion that differentiates the dining program at a 4-star property.
- Four tennis courts for 372 rooms is an unusually generous ratio.
- Lobos Island and Lanzarote views from the beach and dunes are a specific and scenically valuable feature.
Cons
- Some room interiors show age — no confirmed major renovation date available. Manage expectations for room condition.
- Mini club for children only operates in August — families visiting other months get no supervised kids' program.
- Fuerteventura's consistent trade winds make the beach experience breezy rather than sheltered — not ideal for everyone.
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 Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers more activities.