Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Tropical Deluxe Princess - All Inclusive
Velas Resorts vs Princess Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Tropical Deluxe Princess - All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Room Count | 539 | 310 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 7 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 2000 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2021 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Tropical Deluxe Princess - 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 | Tropical Deluxe Princess - All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 22 |
| Included | 15 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 4 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Tropical Deluxe Princess - All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 3 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Tropical Deluxe Princess - All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 22 |
| Included | 17 | 16 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 6 |
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
Tropical Deluxe Princess - All Inclusive
Pros
- Cross-property access to Caribe Deluxe Princess and shuttle to Grand Bávaro extends the campus experience without paying for a larger resort.
- Six à la carte restaurants included at a mid-tier price point is more than most Bavaro Beach competitors offer.
- The family room two-bathroom configuration is a thoughtful design that makes the tight square footage more practical.
- The animation team is the property's standout feature — Kids and Teen Clubs receive more consistent praise here than at comparable properties.
Cons
- Club Concierge timeshare-style presentations are persistent — some guests report multiple approaches over a single stay.
- Drinks at the Areito Discotheque are charged after midnight — not covered by the all-inclusive plan, which guests sometimes discover unexpectedly.
- Platinum Package spa and exclusive restaurant access is visible enough to feel segmented for guests on the standard plan.
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 Tropical Deluxe Princess - All Inclusive has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers more activities.