Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Iberostar Ciudad Blanca
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Ciudad Blanca |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 7.9 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 295 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 2 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 1986 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2002 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Ciudad Blanca |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Ciudad Blanca |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 6 |
| Included | 15 | 5 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Ciudad Blanca |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 8 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 0 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Ciudad Blanca |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 22 |
| Included | 17 | 16 |
| 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
Iberostar Ciudad Blanca
Pros
- Direct access to Alcudia Beach — one of Mallorca's longest and most family-friendly sandy beaches with calm, shallow water.
- Apartment format with kitchenettes is unusual for an all-inclusive — meaningful flexibility for families who want to manage their own breakfast or snack schedule.
- Sea Soul Beach Club is a genuinely pleasant beachfront lunch included in the all-inclusive rate.
- Children's splash pool with baby-adapted water zone (ages 0-3) and slides stands out in this category.
Cons
- Major renovation planned for September 2025 — verify status before booking. Pre-renovation rooms are described as dated.
- Beach sunbeds cost extra despite paying all-inclusive rates — beach umbrellas are included, but sunbeds are managed separately.
- Some rooms lack a refrigerator and have dated furniture — confirm amenities when booking.
- Tennis and some water sports require paying extra and using off-site providers.
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.