Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Hotel Riu Arecas
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Arecas |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.3 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 327 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 2 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2015 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Arecas |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Nayarit | Hotel Riu Arecas |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 7 |
| Included | 9 | 6 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Arecas |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 5 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 0 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Arecas |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 19 |
| Included | 21 | 5 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 14 |
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 Riu Arecas
Pros
- Adults-only (18+) creates a genuinely quiet atmosphere — one of the calmer options in the Costa Adeje market
- Cleanliness and staff friendliness are consistently the highest-rated attributes — the service quality punches above the price category
- Siam Park ticket access is a genuine perk — the water theme park is among the best in Europe and the inclusion adds real value
Cons
- Evening dinner buffet quality is inconsistent relative to breakfast — the Olé Spanish restaurant is worth booking specifically to avoid a mediocre buffet dinner
- Balcony rooms typically come with only one chair — request a second on arrival rather than waiting
- Half-board is the primary program and the all-inclusive upgrade cost should be compared against simply buying drinks at bar rates
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Arecas is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.