Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Princess Family Club Riviera - All Inclusive
Velas Resorts vs Princess Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Princess Family Club Riviera - All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 144 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 12 |
| Pools | 4 | 12 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Princess Family Club Riviera - All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Princess Family Club Riviera - All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 40 |
| Included | 15 | 39 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Princess Family Club Riviera - All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 2 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 2 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Princess Family Club Riviera - All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 24 |
| Included | 17 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 3 |
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
Princess Family Club Riviera - All Inclusive
Pros
- 40 swim-out suites give children direct room-to-pool access — the most practical room feature for families with active young children
- Family Club-exclusive pirate restaurant and ice cream parlor mean there's always a child-friendly option that doesn't require dress codes or advance reservations
- 12 restaurants and 20+ bars across the complex gives real variety without leaving the all-inclusive program
- Cribs, strollers, and bottle warmers are available on request — a facility most all-inclusives don't publicize
Cons
- The complex is large and requires transit between the Family Club section and many restaurants and the beach — add 10–15 minutes to everything
- La Fleur and other popular specialty restaurants require reservations; don't assume you can walk in on the night you want
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Princess Family Club Riviera - All Inclusive has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Princess Family Club Riviera - All Inclusive has more dining venues, while Princess Family Club Riviera - All Inclusive offers more activities.