Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Princess Grand Jamaica
Velas Resorts vs Princess Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Princess Grand Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 590 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 9 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 2024 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2026 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Princess Grand Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Grand Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 18 |
| Included | 15 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Princess Grand Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 7 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 7 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Princess Grand Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Princess Grand Jamaica
Pros
- Aquatic Park with four water slides is a genuine differentiator — most Jamaica all-inclusives don't have on-site water parks
- The dual-resort access arrangement with Princess Senses The Mangrove is useful for groups mixing families and adults-only travelers
- No reservation required at any restaurant — guests can decide where to eat without daily advance planning
- Jamaican food truck receives the strongest food reviews in the complex — a locally-flavored option most Caribbean resorts don't include
Cons
- Green Island location means 1–2+ hour airport transfer from Montego Bay depending on traffic — factor this into day-of-travel planning
- Resort was renovated in 2026 after hurricane closure — expect the property to still be establishing consistent service patterns as it rebuilds its team
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Princess Grand Jamaica has more restaurants, while Princess Grand Jamaica is the larger property, while Princess Grand Jamaica has more dining venues, while Princess Grand Jamaica offers more activities.