Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Hotel Riu Playa Blanca
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Playa Blanca |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 7.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Room Count | 267 | 573 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 4 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Playa Blanca |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Playa Blanca |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 10 |
| Included | 9 | 10 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Playa Blanca |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 6 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Playa Blanca |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 26 |
| Included | 21 | 20 |
| 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 Playa Blanca
Pros
- Pacific beach setting is genuinely uncrowded compared to Caribbean equivalents — Playa Blanca sees a fraction of the tourist density.
- Scarlett Martinez Airport is 10–15 minutes away — one of the fastest airport-to-resort transfers of any all-inclusive.
- Xian Asian restaurant consistently outperforms the food expectations for a mid-range all-inclusive.
- Good value compared to equivalent Cancun or Punta Cana properties — the Panama location means less price inflation from peak demand.
Cons
- Pacific ocean temperatures run significantly cooler than Caribbean — this matters if swimming is central to your trip.
- 573 rooms is a large property and the main buffet at peak hours reflects it — loud and crowded.
- Panama City is 2–3 hours away — combining this stay with a city break requires proper planning for the transfer.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Playa Blanca is the larger property, while Hotel Riu Playa Blanca has more dining venues, while Hotel Riu Playa Blanca offers more activities.