Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Hotel Riu Bambu
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Bambu |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 6.4 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 550 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 7 |
| Pools | 4 | 7 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2017 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Bambu |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Riu Bambu |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 14 |
| Included | 9 | 14 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Bambu |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 4 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Bambu |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 25 |
| Included | 21 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 8 |
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 Bambu
Pros
- Arena Gorda Beach is one of Punta Cana's better Caribbean beaches — wide, soft sand, calm warm water, and less crowded than some Hotel Zone alternatives
- 24-hour all-inclusive format with the Sports Bar for late-night food means arrival time doesn't affect access to food and drink
- Splash Water World access shared with Riu properties adds a full water park day without leaving the resort complex
Cons
- Room maintenance is inconsistent — guests report non-functional TVs and phones, bad odors in some units — inspect your room and request a change if the first assignment has issues
- Tennis courts are reported to be in poor condition — don't plan your vacation around using them
- The 2017 renovation expanded capacity rather than upgrading quality — the property feels its age in some areas
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Bambu is the larger property, while Hotel Riu Bambu has more dining venues, while Hotel Riu Bambu offers more activities.