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  4. /Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort

Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort

Velas Resorts vs Royalton Luxury Resorts— Side-by-side resort comparison

Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Grand Velas Riviera MayaVelas Resorts
Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive ResortRoyalton Luxury Resorts

Key Metrics

MetricGrand Velas Riviera MayaPlanet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
Our Rating9.28.0
Star Rating5.05.0
Room Count539292
Restaurants87
Pools44
Year Opened20082018
Year Renovated20212018

Features

MetricGrand Velas Riviera MayaPlanet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
All-InclusiveYesYes
Adults OnlyNoNo
Beach AccessYesYes
SpaYesYes
Kids ClubYesYes

Dining Comparison

MetricGrand Velas Riviera MayaPlanet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
Total Venues1515
Included1515
Extra Charge00

Room Comparison

MetricGrand Velas Riviera MayaPlanet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
Room Categories115
Suite Categories115

Activities Comparison

MetricGrand Velas Riviera MayaPlanet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
Total Activities2331
Included1719
Extra Charge612

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

Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort

Pros

  • All specialty restaurants are reservation-free and included — no daily scramble to book tables at check-in
  • Star Kids Club runs 9am–5pm daily, giving parents a genuine multi-hour break
  • Guy's! Burger Joint runs until 6pm — a reliable option when the buffet doesn't appeal
  • STAR Class butler service handles excursion bookings, restaurant logistics, and room requests proactively
  • The bay beach has almost no waves, making it safer for toddlers than most Caribbean beaches

Cons

  • The hillside layout means every trip to a restaurant or pool involves elevation change — expect 10-15 minute walks or golf cart waits
  • Black sand beach reaches scalding temperatures midday — water shoes are necessary, not optional
  • The So Cal buffet receives consistently average reviews; plan most dinners at the specialty restaurants
  • Noise from slamming corridor doors is a recurring complaint; request upper floors away from the main entertainment venue if you're a light sleeper

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 Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort offers more activities.

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View full Grand Velas Riviera Maya profileView full Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort profileAbout Velas ResortsAbout Royalton Luxury ResortsCompare other resorts
  • Kids Club activities skew younger than the stated 4–12 range — children over 9 often find the structured activities limited