Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Hotel Riu Tikida Dunas
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Tikida Dunas |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 300 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 4 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Tikida Dunas |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Tikida Dunas |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 9 |
| Included | 9 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Tikida Dunas |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 3 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Riu Tikida Dunas |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Tikida Dunas
Pros
- The heated indoor pool (November–April) makes this the most functional Agadir beach resort for winter visitors — you swim regardless of the evening chill.
- Direct access to Agadir Beach's 9 km promenade is excellent for morning runs and cycling — one of the most pleasant urban beachfronts in North Africa.
- The Moroccan hammam at the spa is the most culturally appropriate treatment available on property — genuinely good and authentic to the destination.
- Staff service quality consistently ranks among the strongest in Agadir all-inclusive properties.
Cons
- Some areas of the hotel show age — décor in certain rooms and common areas is dated, and guests have noted maintenance items like worn curtains and fixtures.
- Buffet dining becomes repetitive after 5 days — book the Alhambra and Kaori restaurants early to break the monotony.
- Water slides and dedicated aquatic attractions for children are limited compared to resorts with built-in water parks.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Tikida Dunas is the larger property, while Hotel Riu Tikida Dunas offers more activities.