Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Hotel Riu Palace Meloneras
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Palace Meloneras |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 382 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 3 |
| Pools | 4 | 6 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2014 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Palace Meloneras |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Palace Meloneras |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 7 |
| Included | 9 | 6 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Palace Meloneras |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 8 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Palace Meloneras |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 19 |
| Included | 21 | 8 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 11 |
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 Meloneras
Pros
- 40,000 sq m of tropical gardens creates genuine seclusion for a 515-room hotel — rare at this scale
- Two adults-only infinity pools give couples a quieter pool option away from the children's area
- Car-free oceanfront promenade is a genuinely usable daily amenity — flat, scenic, immediately accessible
- Short rib at Krystal and the poolside Ocean's View setting are among the better dining experiences on Gran Canaria's resort strip
Cons
- Half-board means drinks and lunch are at your cost — full-day poolside guests will accumulate a meaningful bar tab
- No on-site beach — Maspalomas requires a 12-minute walk; the promenade is beautiful but not sand
- Families and adults mix in the same property — the children's area is separate but noise from it can reach surrounding rooms
- 30–40 km from LPA airport makes this one of the longer Gran Canaria transfers
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Palace Meloneras is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.