Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Iberostar Paraíso del Mar
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Paraíso del Mar |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 7.9 |
| 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 del Mar |
|---|---|---|
| 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 del Mar |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 16 |
| Included | 15 | 16 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Paraíso del Mar |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 8 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 3 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Iberostar Paraíso del Mar |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 22 |
| Included | 17 | 18 |
| 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 Paraíso del Mar
Pros
- Coatis, flamingos, and peacocks are genuine daily sightings throughout the grounds — rare among Riviera Maya resorts
- The Star Friends entertainment team consistently earns high marks for engagement without being annoying — a difficult balance to strike
- Breakfast buffet with fresh-made churros and live guacamole stations is better than the typical resort spread
- Beach access to Blue Flag Playa Paraíso is direct and the beach is wide enough to not feel crowded even at capacity
Cons
- Specialty restaurant reservations are genuinely difficult — five venues requiring advance booking and limited slots means many guests default to the buffet on multiple nights
- Pool bar drinks are frequently reported as weak; the swim-up bar in particular
- Timeshare sales pitches are aggressive and persistent, starting at check-in — budget your patience
- Room decor is dated; expect clean and functional but not freshly renovated
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 del Mar has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers more activities.