Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Hotel Riu Santa Fe
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 6.9 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 902 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 8 |
| Pools | 4 | 10 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2022 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 17 |
| Included | 9 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 9 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 2 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 23 |
| Included | 21 | 15 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 8 |
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 Santa Fe
Pros
- Ten pools with five swim-up bars is more aquatic infrastructure than any other all-inclusive in Los Cabos — you'll never wait long for a poolside drink or a swim spot.
- Splash Water World is included for all ages — a genuine family differentiator in a destination that typically charges extra for water park access.
- Complimentary RIU airport shuttle from SJD cuts the typical taxi/transfer cost of $40–60 USD each way.
- The 2022 refurbishment means rooms are in good condition compared to older Cabo properties in the same price tier.
Cons
- The beach directly in front of the resort has documented strong undertow — safe swimming requires a 5-minute walk east. This is a significant issue for guests who booked specifically for ocean swimming.
- No elevators in most four-story buildings — a real inconvenience for guests with mobility limitations or heavy luggage.
- Room service is extra charge, which is unusual for a resort positioning itself as premium all-inclusive.
- Persistent beach vendors outside the resort's private section require assertive boundary-setting.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Hotel Riu Santa Fe is the larger property, while Hotel Riu Santa Fe has more dining venues.