Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Sandos Benidorm Suites
Velas Resorts vs Sandos Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Sandos Benidorm Suites |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 3.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 200 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 2 |
| Pools | 4 | 2 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 1975 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2017 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Sandos Benidorm Suites |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Sandos Benidorm Suites |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 7 |
| Included | 15 | 7 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Sandos Benidorm Suites |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 4 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 4 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Sandos Benidorm Suites |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 21 |
| Included | 17 | 16 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 5 |
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
Sandos Benidorm Suites
Pros
- All-suite format means every room has a separate living area — a practical upgrade over standard hotel rooms at the same price point.
- The 70s/80s/90s music entertainment is the most consistent and well-executed theme in the building — guests who like this era find the evenings genuinely fun.
- Khas Mahal Indian restaurant is one of the better specialty dining options among Benidorm all-inclusives.
Cons
- Neither main pool is heated — visiting October–April means cold pool water unless you use the Sandos Monaco spa circuit.
- The 15-minute walk to the main Levante Beach area is slightly uphill on return — a minor but recurring mention in guest reviews.
- Food variety becomes repetitive on longer stays; guests staying over 5 nights consistently note this.
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 Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers more activities.