Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Hotel Riu Caribe
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Caribe |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.4 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 506 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 7 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2023 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Caribe |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Caribe |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 13 |
| Included | 9 | 13 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Caribe |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 9 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Caribe |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 25 |
| Included | 21 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 7 |
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 Caribe
Pros
- Full 2023 renovation — genuinely modern rooms and public spaces, not just a refresh.
- Seven restaurant concepts with four specialty venues including an on-theme Mexican restaurant.
- Riu Party pool area adds a distinct adults-social element without making the whole property adults-only.
- Travelife Gold certification is meaningful for sustainability-conscious travelers.
- RiuLand kids' club with dedicated children's pool makes the family-friendly positioning credible.
Cons
- Five hundred-plus rooms post-renovation means peak occupancy brings the logistical realities of scale.
- Formal dress required at all specialty restaurants — pack accordingly or you'll default to the buffet every night.
- The Riu Party pool is loud and social; guests wanting quiet poolside time need to use the main or secondary pools instead.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Caribe is the larger property, while Hotel Riu Caribe has more dining venues, while Hotel Riu Caribe offers more activities.