Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Velas Vallarta Suite Resort - All-Inclusive
Velas Resorts vs Velas Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Velas Vallarta Suite Resort - All-Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 8.8 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 345 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 3 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 1990 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2024 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Velas Vallarta Suite Resort - 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 | Velas Vallarta Suite Resort - All-Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 6 |
| Included | 15 | 6 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Velas Vallarta Suite Resort - All-Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 8 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 7 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Velas Vallarta Suite Resort - All-Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Velas Vallarta Suite Resort - All-Inclusive
Pros
- Five-minute airport transfer from PVR is among the fastest in Mexican resort destinations — minimal transit time is a genuine practical advantage.
- Full kitchens stocked daily with snacks, cereal, and milk change the family stay dynamic — parents with young children gain real flexibility.
- Kids Club operates until 9 PM — extended hours allow adults to plan dinner reservations without the constraint of an early kids' pickup.
- The mature tropical gardens with koi ponds and peacocks create an environment no newly-built resort can replicate.
Cons
- Ameca River estuary nearby means ocean water clarity is variable — the pools are the better aquatic experience.
- Airport proximity creates occasional jet noise in oceanfront rooms — request a garden-facing suite if noise sensitivity matters.
- The rolling renovation means room condition varies — unrenovated units show 35 years of age compared to recently updated ones.
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 Velas Vallarta Suite Resort - All-Inclusive offers more activities.