Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Hotel Xcaret México
Velas Resorts vs Xcaret Hotel — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Xcaret México |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 900 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 20 |
| Pools | 4 | 16 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2017 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2025 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Xcaret México |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Xcaret México |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 27 |
| Included | 9 | 24 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 3 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Xcaret México |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 13 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hotel Xcaret México |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 28 |
| Included | 21 | 26 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 2 |
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 Xcaret México
Pros
- Nine included parks is the most comprehensive adventure programming of any resort in the Riviera Maya — and the ferry service to Cozumel and Isla Mujeres extends that further.
- The seaweed-free beach management is an operational reality, not marketing — guests who've been to the Riviera Maya during sargassum season understand how much this matters.
- The Ha' restaurant (Michelin-starred) plus Teatro del Río dinner show offer genuinely exceptional dining moments, not just resort-category food.
- Multi-generational travel works here: dedicated teens' club, kids' club, adults-only section, and family zones all coexist without feeling crowded.
Cons
- The campus is large and complex enough that first-time guests spend the first half day just orienting — request a property map and orientation walk at check-in.
- Park transfers take 30–60 minutes each way; days split between a park and the resort don't work well.
- Ha' restaurant is extra cost — the most distinctive culinary experience on property isn't actually included.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Hotel Xcaret México has more restaurants, while Hotel Xcaret México is the larger property, while Hotel Xcaret México has more dining venues, while Hotel Xcaret México offers more activities.