Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Sandos Cancun Luxury Resort
Velas Resorts vs Sandos Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Sandos Cancun Luxury Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 213 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 5 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 1998 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2017 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Sandos Cancun Luxury Resort |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Sandos Cancun Luxury Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 10 |
| Included | 15 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Sandos Cancun Luxury Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 8 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 5 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Sandos Cancun Luxury Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 25 |
| Included | 17 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 8 |
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 Cancun Luxury Resort
Pros
- Le Meridien-heritage building means marble bathrooms, larger rooms (450+ sq ft), and a 15,000 sq ft spa — all at all-inclusive pricing, not luxury hotel pricing.
- The three tiered infinity pools are among the most visually striking pool setups in the Cancun Hotel Zone.
- Teppanyaki at Gaijin is the best restaurant experience at this property — worth prioritizing over the steakhouse or buffet.
Cons
- Red flag warnings on the beach are common — the waves here are stronger than at calmer Hotel Zone locations and swimming is frequently restricted.
- Pool areas lose direct sun around 3 PM due to building orientation — a consistent limitation mentioned in guest reviews.
- One elevator has been intermittently out of service in recent reviews — request a lower floor room if mobility is a consideration.
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 Sandos Cancun Luxury Resort offers more activities.