Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Hotel Riu Buenavista
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Buenavista |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 530 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 5 |
| Pools | 4 | 6 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2020 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Buenavista |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | No |
| Kids Club | Yes | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Buenavista |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 10 |
| Included | 9 | 10 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Buenavista |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 4 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 0 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Buenavista |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 24 |
| Included | 21 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 6 |
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 Buenavista
Pros
- Six pools including an infinity pool and adults-only option — unusual combination at this price tier in Tenerife.
- Renovation in 2020 means rooms and public spaces are genuinely fresh-feeling, not just touched-up.
- RiuLand kids' club is well-run with age-separated programs for 4–7 and 8–12.
- 24-hour all-inclusive including a round-the-clock bar reduces any stress about meal timing.
- Main buffet at Atlantico is consistently praised for variety and live cooking stations.
Cons
- Beach is 500m away — the resort markets itself as beachfront but the sandy area requires a walk or shuttle.
- Pool loungers are widely reported as uncomfortable, even post-renovation.
- Specialty restaurants are popular and require reservations; guests who miss the booking window are stuck with the buffet.
- Evening entertainment skews toward a European (primarily British and German) audience.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Buenavista is the larger property, while Hotel Riu Buenavista has more dining venues, while Hotel Riu Buenavista offers more activities.