Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Iberostar Bellevue
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.3 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 578 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 3 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 1973 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2023 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Iberostar Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 10 |
| Included | 9 | 7 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 3 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 8 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 20 |
| Included | 21 | 16 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 4 |
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
Iberostar Bellevue
Pros
- Bečići Beach direct access is the strongest asset — one of the Adriatic's better beaches at this category.
- Both buffet restaurants integrate genuine Montenegrin cuisine (fish, shopska salad, lamb) rather than just international food with a regional themed night once a week.
- The indoor heated pool makes shoulder-season stays (April–May, September–October) viable when outdoor pools are closed.
- Budva Old Town is 15 minutes walk — genuinely worth visiting and more interesting than many Adriatic coastal towns.
Cons
- Standard rooms at 20–22 sq m are small — guests in standard categories report feeling cramped, especially for multi-week stays.
- Air conditioning is seasonal (June–August) with no resort heating — shoulder season stays will be cool rooms.
- Beach sunbeds and umbrellas cost extra through an external company — not included in the all-inclusive rate.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Iberostar Bellevue is the larger property, while Iberostar Bellevue has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.