Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Iberostar Grand Paraíso
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Grand Paraíso |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.3 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 310 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 7 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 2007 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Grand Paraíso |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Grand Paraíso |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 12 |
| Included | 15 | 12 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Grand Paraíso |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 10 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 10 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Grand Paraíso |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 24 |
| Included | 17 | 20 |
| 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 Grand Paraíso
Pros
- Butler service at every room category — not just suites — is a genuine operational differentiator
- Unlimited golf with green fees and cart included is unusually generous for an all-inclusive program
- The hydrotherapy spa pool is consistently underutilized and quieter than the outdoor pool areas
- Bella Vista buffet consistently ranks among the top all-inclusive buffets in Mexico — the seafood nights specifically
- Access to the full Iberostar Paraíso complex adds restaurants, activities, and beach areas without leaving the property
Cons
- ATM fees on-site are high — bring sufficient local currency or use a fee-free card
- Venecia Italian restaurant receives more mixed reviews than the other five specialty restaurants
- Some beach sections have rocky entry points that make ocean access awkward
- The buffet, while excellent, may feel repetitive for stays over five nights
- No on-site renovation of the entire property has been completed — some areas show their 2007 construction age
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 Grand Paraíso offers more activities.