Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Hotel Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 694 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 6 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2016 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 18 |
| Included | 9 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 6 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 5 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 30 |
| Included | 21 | 14 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 16 |
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 Palace Cabo San Lucas
Pros
- Bombay Indian restaurant is genuinely unusual in the Cabo all-inclusive market and well-executed.
- Land's End Arch views from El Medano Beach — one of the most photographed landmarks in Mexico.
- Swim-up junior suites for adults provide private pool access without the crowds.
- Complimentary Splash Water World compensates for the non-swimmable beach situation.
- Six specialty restaurants provides dinner variety across a week-long stay.
Cons
- El Medano Beach is non-swimmable — strong Pacific surf prohibits ocean swimming directly from the resort. This needs to be understood before booking.
- 40–50 minute transfer from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD).
- 692 rooms means peak-period crowds at pools and buffet.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas is the larger property, while Hotel Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas has more dining venues, while Hotel Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas offers more activities.