Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Hotel Riu Montego Bay
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Montego Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 6.6 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Room Count | 267 | 681 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 5 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2020 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Montego Bay |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Montego Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 11 |
| Included | 9 | 10 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Montego Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 5 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Montego Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 26 |
| Included | 21 | 20 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 6 |
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 Montego Bay
Pros
- 5–15 minute transfer from Sangster International Airport (MBJ) — the most airport-convenient all-inclusive in Montego Bay
- The beach Jerk Station at lunch is authentic and consistently the most-praised individual food experience at the property
- Pacha disco and drinks included at night — no additional entry fees or drink minimums
- Splash Water World on-site and included in the rate
Cons
- This is a party resort with a clear identity — the Pacha disco, Riu Party events, and animated pool programming are central, not peripheral; guests seeking quiet should look at the more relaxed Riu Palace Jamaica instead
- Aircraft noise is a factor depending on wind direction and flight schedules given the 2–5 km proximity to MBJ
- Late-night food options are limited after specialty restaurants close — the 24-hour Sports Bar snack menu is the fallback
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Montego Bay is the larger property, while Hotel Riu Montego Bay has more dining venues, while Hotel Riu Montego Bay offers more activities.