Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Iberostar Alcudia Park
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Alcudia Park |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 369 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 3 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 1988 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2018 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Alcudia Park |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Iberostar Alcudia Park |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 9 |
| Included | 15 | 7 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 2 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Alcudia Park |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 8 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 2 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Alcudia Park |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 23 |
| Included | 17 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 5 |
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
Iberostar Alcudia Park
Pros
- Direct access to Playa de Muro — one of Mallorca's best family beaches — with shallow, clear water that stays calm even with children.
- The post-2018 renovation shows in the room quality and common areas — this doesn't feel like an aging 1980s resort.
- Buffet food quality is consistently higher than what you typically find at comparable 4-star all-inclusives in Mallorca.
- Star Prestige rooftop pool with Alcudia Bay views is a genuine adult sanctuary if kids are a concern.
Cons
- Towel reservation on pool loungers is a real and documented issue in peak July-August — if you're not at the pool by 8am you'll be searching for space.
- Beach sun loungers and umbrellas on Playa de Muro are not included in the all-inclusive rate — expect to pay extra every day you use the beach.
- Evening entertainment noise can carry into some rooms, including Star Prestige categories. Request a room away from the amphitheater if this is a concern.
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.