Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun
Velas Resorts vs Hyatt Ziva— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 7.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 438 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 17 |
| Pools | 4 | 9 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2021 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2021 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 18 |
| Included | 9 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 8 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 8 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 22 |
| Included | 21 | 15 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 7 |
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
Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun
Pros
- The oceanfront water park is genuinely fun for adults, not just kids — and rarely overcrowded despite the resort's 438-suite capacity.
- All-suite property means even the entry-level rooms start at 668 sq ft with a jetted tub, balcony, and stocked minibar.
- Staff-to-guest ratio gets consistent praise — bartenders and beach attendants learn guest preferences within the first day.
- Lunch dining is a standout: Habaneros beachfront ceviche and La Parrilla grill draw strong reviews, better than most comparable Cancun properties.
Cons
- Specialty dinner restaurants operate without advance reservations and fill fast — expect 30–45 minute waits at Miyako and Rue de Rivoli if you show up after opening.
- The beach is narrow by Cancun-area standards, and sargassum seaweed is a real presence May through September.
- The resort is isolated enough in Puerto Morelos that leaving for evening entertainment requires a 20–30 minute taxi ride with no walkable alternatives.
- Pool cabanas must be reserved on arrival day — they go quickly, and the main pool has limited natural shade without one.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun has more restaurants, while Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun is the larger property, while Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.