Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Hotel Riu Cancun
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Cancun |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Room Count | 267 | 569 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 6 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2014 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Cancun |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Cancun |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 13 |
| Included | 9 | 13 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Cancun |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 4 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 2 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Cancun |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 25 |
| Included | 21 | 22 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 3 |
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 Cancun
Pros
- Pacha discotheque entry and drinks are included — rare for this price tier in Cancun.
- Exchange privileges with other Riu Cancun properties and Riu Party access with transportation expands the entertainment options significantly.
- Three pools including a swim-up infinity pool with Caribbean views.
- Diverse specialty restaurant lineup (Asian, Italian, Gourmet, Steakhouse) included in the all-inclusive.
- Adults-only since late 2024 — the party atmosphere now has a cleaner, more consistent audience.
Cons
- Sunbed reservation culture is endemic and not policed — plan early mornings or use the beach.
- Main buffet quality is variable — some guests report inconsistent freshness, especially at dinner.
- Formal dress codes at specialty restaurants require planning ahead when you only packed casual clothes.
- An environmental tax is charged separately at check-in — it's not large but confirm the amount.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Cancun is the larger property, while Hotel Riu Cancun has more dining venues, while Hotel Riu Cancun offers more activities.