Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Iberostar Paraíso Beach
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Paraíso Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 388 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 7 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 2000 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Paraíso Beach |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Paraíso Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 17 |
| Included | 15 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Paraíso Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 7 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 2 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Paraíso Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 21 |
| Included | 17 | 15 |
| 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 Paraíso Beach
Pros
- Complex exchange program covering five hotels gives the widest selection of restaurants, pools, and beach areas of any Iberostar property in Mexico
- Main pool length is genuinely unusual — families can find uncrowded sections even at peak occupancy
- Star Camp operating hours (9:30 AM to 10:30 PM) give parents substantial independent time
- Spa scale (27,000 sq ft, 28 rooms) is exceptional — one of the largest resort spa complexes in the Mayan Riviera
- Specialty restaurant variety (6 cuisines) is competitive with higher-priced properties
Cons
- Buffet variety can feel repetitive for guests staying 7+ nights despite the complex exchange options
- Specialty restaurant demand means reservations are necessary well in advance — walk-ins are often refused
- Resort scale means longer walks between facilities than more compact properties
- Some guests report buffet selections feeling bland or predictable outside of themed nights
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 Iberostar Paraíso Beach has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers more activities.