Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Occidental Tamarindo
Velas Resorts vs Occidental Hotels — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Occidental Tamarindo |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 6.4 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 3.5 |
| Room Count | 539 | — |
| Restaurants | 8 | 4 |
| Pools | 4 | 2 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2010 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Occidental Tamarindo |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Occidental Tamarindo |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 6 |
| Included | 15 | 6 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Occidental Tamarindo |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 3 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 2 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Occidental Tamarindo |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 23 |
| Included | 17 | 13 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 10 |
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
Occidental Tamarindo
Pros
- The only all-inclusive in Tamarindo — you get structured meal convenience in a town with genuine character outside the resort gates
- Playa Langosta is a surf beach with direct access and no vendors — unusually relaxed beach atmosphere
- Live music at La Tortuga Lobby Bar most evenings is a consistent highlight
- Staff service is frequently praised as attentive and friendly
- Duplex and Master Suite room categories offer genuinely spacious two-floor layouts
Cons
- Recurring mildew and musty odors in some rooms — pack a room freshener or request a room change promptly
- Wi-Fi costs approximately USD 12 per day and is not included in the all-inclusive rate — unusual for 2024
- The beach frontage directly in front of the resort is rocky, not suitable for casual swimming
- No swim-up bar despite a large pool — a notable absence for guests expecting one
- Limited shaded areas around the pool — midday sun exposure without shade options
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more dining venues.