Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Hotel Riu Gran Canaria
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Gran Canaria |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 658 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 6 |
| Pools | 4 | 6 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2023 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Gran Canaria |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Gran Canaria |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 13 |
| Included | 9 | 13 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Gran Canaria |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 8 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 2 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Gran Canaria |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Gran Canaria
Pros
- Adults-only infinity pool with promenade and ocean views is the standout physical feature of the post-2023 refurbishment
- Riu4U teen program (ages 13–17) runs several times weekly — genuinely unusual and fills a gap most all-inclusives ignore
- Heated pool (winter) makes the resort comfortable year-round when the Atlantic water temperature drops
- Suite with Private Pool category gives complete privacy — no sunbed competition if you're paying for that category
- Maspalomas sand dunes are 15 minutes on foot — one of the best free day-trips from any Canary Islands resort
Cons
- All-inclusive cocktails are consistently described in reviews as overly sweet with weak spirit pours
- Specialty restaurant reservations fill quickly in peak season; guests who don't book on arrival day often end up at the buffet most evenings
- At 639 rooms the property is large enough that good sun lounger positions at the main pools require early arrival
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Gran Canaria is the larger property, while Hotel Riu Gran Canaria has more dining venues, while Hotel Riu Gran Canaria offers more activities.