Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Hotel Riu Palace Tres Islas
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Palace Tres Islas |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Room Count | 267 | 362 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 3 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Palace Tres Islas |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Tres Islas |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 5 |
| Included | 9 | 5 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Palace Tres Islas |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 4 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 2 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Palace Tres Islas |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 17 |
| Included | 21 | 11 |
| 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 Palace Tres Islas
Pros
- Direct position within Corralejo Natural Park means the dune landscape and beach cannot be built out — the setting is permanent.
- Piano Bar with live music most evenings is a quieter, more atmospheric alternative to animation-heavy all-inclusive entertainment.
- Sparkling wine at breakfast is a Palace-tier inclusion that differentiates the dining program at a 4-star property.
- Four tennis courts for 372 rooms is an unusually generous ratio.
- Lobos Island and Lanzarote views from the beach and dunes are a specific and scenically valuable feature.
Cons
- Some room interiors show age — no confirmed major renovation date available. Manage expectations for room condition.
- Mini club for children only operates in August — families visiting other months get no supervised kids' program.
- Fuerteventura's consistent trade winds make the beach experience breezy rather than sheltered — not ideal for everyone.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Palace Tres Islas is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.