Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Hotel Riu Funana
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Funana |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 500 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 4 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2016 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Funana |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Funana |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 12 |
| Included | 9 | 12 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Funana |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 6 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Funana |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 22 |
| Included | 21 | 19 |
| 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 Funana
Pros
- Free access to Splash Water World at the adjacent Riu Palace Santa Maria — gives Funana families water park access without paying Palace-tier prices
- Heated pool is a genuine advantage in the cooler December–March period — makes the resort usable when unheated pools feel cold
- RiuArt Atelier creative workshops are unusual for a mass-market all-inclusive and provide engaging alternatives on windy days
- Kulinarium's Cape Verdean-influenced menu with locally sourced fish and regional dishes is the most distinctive food on the property
Cons
- Some rooms have persistent damp smells and drainage issues that appear consistently across guest reviews — inspect the room on arrival and request a change if the condition is unacceptable
- Sunbed competition at the main pool is intense — towels reserved before 8 a.m. are a standard occurrence
- January and February trade winds can make beach days uncomfortable; the water park and indoor activities become the fallback
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Funana is the larger property, while Hotel Riu Funana has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.