Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Hotel Riu Costa del Sol
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Costa del Sol |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 500 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 3 |
| Pools | 4 | 6 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2017 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Costa del Sol |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Costa del Sol |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 10 |
| Included | 9 | 10 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Costa del Sol |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 6 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 2 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Costa del Sol |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 21 |
| Included | 21 | 18 |
| 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 Costa del Sol
Pros
- 10-minute transfer from Malaga Airport — among the shortest in the Riu portfolio
- Heated indoor pool extends the season meaningfully for winter visits
- Direct promenade access to Playamar Beach with no road to cross
- 24-hour all-inclusive with a working sports bar and midnight snacks
Cons
- Main buffet gets repetitive on stays longer than 5 nights — specialty restaurants require reservations that fill quickly
- Playamar is a dark-sand urban beach, not the white-sand experience of more westerly Costa del Sol resorts
- 621 rooms means high-season pool areas are crowded — lounger-saving with towels starts early
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Costa del Sol is the larger property, while Hotel Riu Costa del Sol has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.