Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Hotel Creta Princess Aquapark & Spa
Velas Resorts vs Alua Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Creta Princess Aquapark & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 420 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 3 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2019 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Creta Princess Aquapark & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Nayarit | Hotel Creta Princess Aquapark & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 8 |
| Included | 9 | 7 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Creta Princess Aquapark & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 4 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 0 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Creta Princess Aquapark & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 23 |
| Included | 21 | 19 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 4 |
Pros & Cons
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Pros
- AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star simultaneously — one of the most decorated all-inclusive resorts in Mexico
- Suites start at 1,000 sq ft with private terraces, ocean views, and 24-hour butler concierge — the entry level here exceeds most competitors' premium categories
- Premium spirits, wines, and 24-hour room service are fully included — not standard at most all-inclusives, even premium ones
- Banderas Bay is swimmable — actual ocean swimming possible, unlike Los Cabos Pacific corridor properties
Cons
- Pool lounger competition peaks by 8 AM in high season (December through March) — early rising is required for preferred positions
- Some ocean view suites have partial obstructions from palm trees or the Selva del Mar restaurant building — ask at booking about specific suite positioning
- Piaf and Frida fill up during high season — book before arrival rather than assuming walk-in availability
Hotel Creta Princess Aquapark & Spa
Pros
- Five waterslides across two separate pool complexes make this one of the best-equipped family aquapark resorts at the 4-star level in Crete
- Greek nights with live bouzouki music and traditional dance are a genuine cultural addition to the standard all-inclusive entertainment program
- 32 minutes from Chania airport — a quick transfer and close enough to Chania old town for a worthwhile half-day excursion
Cons
- Maleme beach is pebble and rocky at the water entry — bring water shoes; guests expecting soft Mediterranean sand will be disappointed
- Room balconies on some categories are smaller than photographs suggest — manage expectations relative to the room size overall
- Beach water sports options are limited compared to larger resorts
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Hotel Creta Princess Aquapark & Spa is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues.