Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Ocean Maya Royale
Velas Resorts vs Ocean by H10 Hotels — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Ocean Maya Royale |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Room Count | 539 | 320 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 6 |
| Pools | 4 | 2 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 2005 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2010 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Ocean Maya Royale |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Ocean Maya Royale |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 14 |
| Included | 15 | 14 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Ocean Maya Royale |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 6 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 2 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Ocean Maya Royale |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 24 |
| Included | 17 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 7 |
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
Ocean Maya Royale
Pros
- Four distinct à la carte restaurants included nightly with no reservation requirement at most.
- Sports Bar open until 6am—genuinely rare for this market.
- Biosphere sustainability certification verified by third party.
- Teppanyaki at Yookoso is one of the better specialty dining experiences at this price point in Playa del Carmen.
Cons
- Beach has erosion barriers in sections—check current conditions before booking if beach quality is a priority.
- Room finishes date from the 2010 renovation and are showing their age.
- Privilege upgrades gate some of the best amenities (butler service, 24-hour room service) behind a meaningful price increase.
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 Ocean Maya Royale offers more activities.