Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Royal Decameron Salinitas - All Inclusive
Velas Resorts vs Royal Decameron — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Royal Decameron Salinitas - All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 6.5 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 3.5 |
| Room Count | 539 | 552 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 6 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 1999 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Royal Decameron Salinitas - 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 | Royal Decameron Salinitas - All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 18 |
| Included | 15 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Royal Decameron Salinitas - All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 9 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 0 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Royal Decameron Salinitas - All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 26 |
| Included | 17 | 23 |
| 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
Royal Decameron Salinitas - All Inclusive
Pros
- Ocean-fed saltwater pool is a genuine rarity among all-inclusive resorts globally — the distinct swimming experience is the property's most memorable feature
- Archery and paintball included in the standard package — unusual at this price point and popular with families and groups
- Six pool configurations mean adults and children can separate without conflict
Cons
- Check-in consistently gets flagged for long waits and poor communication — arrive with patience and confirmed documentation
- Some room blocks show significant age and wear — request updated room sections and confirm before arrival if possible
- 2-hour drive from San Salvador international airport is the main logistical burden for most visitors
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more restaurants, while Royal Decameron Salinitas - All Inclusive is the larger property, while Royal Decameron Salinitas - All Inclusive has more dining venues, while Royal Decameron Salinitas - All Inclusive offers more activities.