Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Hotel Riu Paraiso Lanzarote
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Paraiso Lanzarote |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 550 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 3 |
| Pools | 4 | 6 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2021 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Paraiso Lanzarote |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Paraiso Lanzarote |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 5 |
| Included | 9 | 5 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Paraiso Lanzarote |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 9 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 3 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Paraiso Lanzarote |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 20 |
| Included | 21 | 16 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 4 |
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 Paraiso Lanzarote
Pros
- The 2021 renovation is thorough — rooms and common areas feel genuinely modern rather than refurbished-over-dated.
- Ten-minute taxi ride from Lanzarote Airport makes this one of the least stressful transfers in the Canaries.
- RiuLand Kids' Club is properly organized with dedicated staff and structured programming — parents get genuine downtime.
- The back gate promenade access to Playa de los Pocillos makes beach access simpler than at resorts requiring a road crossing.
- Six pools means pool deck congestion is manageable even when the resort is near full occupancy.
Cons
- Sunbed claiming starts early and management enforcement is inconsistent — early risers have a significant advantage.
- The main buffet can become loud and crowded during peak lunch and dinner service.
- Beach sunloungers are not included — budget for external rental or claim resort pool chairs instead.
- The specialty restaurants require advance booking and fill up fast, particularly Yaiza.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Paraiso Lanzarote is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.