Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Iberostar Bellevue
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.3 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 578 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 3 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 1973 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2023 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 10 |
| Included | 15 | 7 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 3 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 8 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Iberostar Bellevue
Pros
- Bečići Beach direct access is the strongest asset — one of the Adriatic's better beaches at this category.
- Both buffet restaurants integrate genuine Montenegrin cuisine (fish, shopska salad, lamb) rather than just international food with a regional themed night once a week.
- The indoor heated pool makes shoulder-season stays (April–May, September–October) viable when outdoor pools are closed.
- Budva Old Town is 15 minutes walk — genuinely worth visiting and more interesting than many Adriatic coastal towns.
Cons
- Standard rooms at 20–22 sq m are small — guests in standard categories report feeling cramped, especially for multi-week stays.
- Air conditioning is seasonal (June–August) with no resort heating — shoulder season stays will be cool rooms.
- Beach sunbeds and umbrellas cost extra through an external company — not included in the all-inclusive rate.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more restaurants, while Iberostar Bellevue is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers more activities.