Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Hotel Riu Tequila
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Tequila |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 664 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 5 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2018 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Tequila |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Tequila |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 16 |
| Included | 9 | 16 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Tequila |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 2 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Tequila |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 25 |
| Included | 21 | 20 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 5 |
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 Tequila
Pros
- The Stay at One, Play at Four program is the best practical perk in the Playa del Carmen Riu cluster — daytime access to Riu Yucatan and Riu Playacar meaningfully increases dining and pool options for longer stays.
- The adults-only infinity pool at 800 sq m with ocean views and waiter service is one of the better pool experiences in Riviera Maya — rarely crowded.
- The in-room liquor dispenser with gin, tequila, vodka, and rum (restocked daily) is a legitimately useful amenity for guests who drink moderately.
- Playacar Beach is one of the better accessible Riviera Maya beaches — calm water and wide white sand.
Cons
- The beach is not on-site — the 800-meter walk or shuttle requirement is a real inconvenience on multiple daily visits, especially in July–August heat.
- The main pool area is extremely active — if you need quiet pool time, the 12,200 sq m main pool is not it.
- The evening show program repeats within a week — guests staying 7+ nights will see repeated acts.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Tequila is the larger property, while Hotel Riu Tequila has more dining venues, while Hotel Riu Tequila offers more activities.