Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton
Velas Resorts vs Secrets Resorts & Spas — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.4 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 485 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 11 |
| Pools | 4 | 7 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 2022 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 19 |
| Included | 15 | 19 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 6 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 5 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 33 |
| Included | 17 | 26 |
| 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
Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton
Pros
- Three man-made cenotes are a genuinely distinctive pool feature — not replicated at most Riviera Maya all-inclusives.
- The Gypsy speakeasy adds an evening destination with actual character — more interesting than a standard resort nightclub.
- Hilton Honors points earning and the Sip, Savor & See program add value for brand-affiliated travelers.
- The 2022 opening means rooms are still in good condition with contemporary finishes.
Cons
- Drinks are reported as potentially watered down — ask for top-shelf brands by name rather than accepting the default pour.
- Beach quality is limited by anti-algae barriers that are common to the area but disappoint guests expecting open-ocean Caribbean conditions.
- Lounger competition at the main pools is real during peak occupancy — 8 AM arrival is required for preferred positioning.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton has more dining venues, while Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton offers more activities.