Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Hotel Riu Guanacaste
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Guanacaste |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 6.7 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 701 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 7 |
| Pools | 4 | 6 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2025 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Guanacaste |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Guanacaste |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 15 |
| Included | 9 | 15 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Guanacaste |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 13 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 3 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Guanacaste |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 25 |
| Included | 21 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 4 |
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 Guanacaste
Pros
- Swim-up rooms (18+) added in 2025 are the most distinctive room option at any Riu Guanacaste — direct pool access from the room eliminates sunbed competition entirely
- Matapalo Beach's black sand and Pacific wave action genuinely distinguish this from the majority of Caribbean all-inclusives
- Sea turtle nesting season brings wildlife experiences within reach — ask the concierge about guided nesting tours (typically July–November)
- Two swim-up bar pools plus the main pool give variety across the day without leaving the property
Cons
- Drinks at the Pacha discotheque and casino are NOT included in the all-inclusive wristband — an exception from the standard Riu all-inclusive policy that catches guests off-guard
- Guests flying into San José (SJO) rather than Liberia (LIR) face a 4.5–5.5 hour drive — factor this into flight comparisons; the time difference is significant
- At 1,041 rooms the resort is large enough that specialty restaurant reservations must be made on arrival to avoid spending most evenings at the main buffet
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Guanacaste is the larger property, while Hotel Riu Guanacaste has more dining venues, while Hotel Riu Guanacaste offers more activities.