Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Marriott Puerto Vallarta, An All-Inclusive Resort
Velas Resorts vs Marriott Hotels All-Inclusive — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Marriott Puerto Vallarta, An All-Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 327 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 6 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 2024 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2018 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Marriott Puerto Vallarta, An All-Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Marriott Puerto Vallarta, An All-Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 12 |
| Included | 15 | 11 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Marriott Puerto Vallarta, An All-Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 9 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 6 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Marriott Puerto Vallarta, An All-Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 25 |
| Included | 17 | 19 |
| 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
Marriott Puerto Vallarta, An All-Inclusive Resort
Pros
- Under 10 minutes from Puerto Vallarta airport — the most convenient transfer time of any Marriott all-inclusive in Mexico.
- The Sea Turtle Rescue Program participation is a culturally and ecologically specific activity available only during nesting season.
- The Ceviche & Tequila Bar with 180+ tequilas is a serious regional spirits program, not a decorative bar feature.
- Walking distance to Marina Vallarta's restaurants, marina, and Thursday farmer's market provides genuine off-property options without a taxi.
Cons
- A daily resort fee is charged on top of the all-inclusive rate — confirm the full daily cost at booking.
- Pickleball courts now carry a separate daily fee beyond the resort fee — bring your own rackets and expect the extra charge.
- Additional work planned through late 2025 — some areas may be in renovation during your stay.
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 Marriott Puerto Vallarta, An All-Inclusive Resort offers more activities.