Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Hotel Riu Paraiso Lanzarote
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hotel Riu Paraiso Lanzarote |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 550 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 3 |
| Pools | 4 | 6 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2021 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hotel Riu Paraiso Lanzarote |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Paraiso Lanzarote |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 5 |
| Included | 15 | 5 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hotel Riu Paraiso Lanzarote |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 9 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 3 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hotel Riu Paraiso Lanzarote |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 20 |
| Included | 17 | 16 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 4 |
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 Paraiso Lanzarote
Pros
- The 2021 renovation is thorough — rooms and common areas feel genuinely modern rather than refurbished-over-dated.
- Ten-minute taxi ride from Lanzarote Airport makes this one of the least stressful transfers in the Canaries.
- RiuLand Kids' Club is properly organized with dedicated staff and structured programming — parents get genuine downtime.
- The back gate promenade access to Playa de los Pocillos makes beach access simpler than at resorts requiring a road crossing.
- Six pools means pool deck congestion is manageable even when the resort is near full occupancy.
Cons
- Sunbed claiming starts early and management enforcement is inconsistent — early risers have a significant advantage.
- The main buffet can become loud and crowded during peak lunch and dinner service.
- Beach sunloungers are not included — budget for external rental or claim resort pool chairs instead.
- The specialty restaurants require advance booking and fill up fast, particularly Yaiza.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Paraiso Lanzarote is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers more activities.