Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Hotel Riu Palace Oasis
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Palace Oasis |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.5 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 310 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 3 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2018 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Palace Oasis |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Oasis |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 8 |
| Included | 9 | 6 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 2 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Palace Oasis |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 9 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 2 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Palace Oasis |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 27 |
| Included | 21 | 16 |
| 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 Oasis
Pros
- 1,000+ palm trees provide real shade across the property — this materially changes the outdoor comfort level in summer
- Direct Maspalomas Beach access with no dune walk required — better beach logistics than nearby competing properties
- Full rebuild in 2018 means the physical condition of rooms and infrastructure is better than older Canary Island competitors
- Adults-only swim-up rooms with private pools are a genuine premium option, not just a marketing tier
Cons
- Half-board means drinks and lunch are extra charges — full-day pool guests face significant additional costs
- Mixed family and adults environment despite adults-only room categories — not a clean adults-only hotel
- Specialty restaurants (Krystal, Botánico) open select evenings only — limited booking windows for short stays
- Poolside snack bar charges separately — most snacking outside meal periods adds to the bill
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Palace Oasis is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Hotel Riu Palace Oasis offers more activities.