Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Iberostar Grand Amazon
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Grand Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 9.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 75 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 2 |
| Pools | 4 | 2 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 2005 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2024 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Grand Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Grand Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 4 |
| Included | 15 | 4 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Grand Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 4 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Grand Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 21 |
| Included | 17 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 0 |
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 Grand Amazon
Pros
- Excursion guides consistently receive exceptional reviews for knowledge, enthusiasm, and multilingual ability
- All-inclusive program covers meals, drinks, and every guided excursion — no unexpected costs
- Every cabin has a private balcony for watching the jungle pass at any hour
- Food quality, especially Amazonian dinner service, is a genuine highlight for a cruise vessel
- Ability to access places and experiences unreachable by land-based resorts
Cons
- House wine quality is noticeably lower than the rest of the all-inclusive program
- Some balcony doors don't seal or lock securely — a known structural issue on certain cabins
- Gym is genuinely small; serious fitness routines aren't feasible
- Humidity builds up quickly if air conditioning is switched off
- Third-party booking platforms have caused communication issues; book direct
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.