Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Iberostar Cozumel
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Cozumel |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 306 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 5 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 1999 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Cozumel |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Cozumel |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 10 |
| Included | 15 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Cozumel |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 7 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 2 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Cozumel |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 25 |
| Included | 17 | 20 |
| 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 Cozumel
Pros
- The on-site dive center accessing Palancar reef is the clearest reason to choose this resort over mainland alternatives — Palancar Wall is a world-class dive site.
- Bungalow layout with private patios and hammocks provides genuine seclusion that tower-style resorts can't offer.
- Green Globe certification and single-use plastic ban reflect actual environmental practices, not marketing.
- La Pagoda's dual Japanese/Asian format is the best specialty dining option in the resort's category in Cozumel.
Cons
- Shore entry on the beach can be rocky — the pier helps but guests expecting a swim-straight-in sandy beach may be disappointed.
- The bungalow layout means more walking between facilities — guests who prefer compact resort campuses will find this tiring.
- Room service carries an additional service charge — not a fully included feature.
- Guests who don't dive or snorkel give up the primary reason to choose this property over competitors.
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 Iberostar Cozumel offers more activities.