Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Iberostar Costa Dorada
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Costa Dorada |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 516 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 5 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 1999 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2011 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Costa Dorada |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Costa Dorada |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 12 |
| Included | 9 | 12 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Costa Dorada |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 7 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Costa Dorada |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 23 |
| Included | 21 | 19 |
| 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 Costa Dorada
Pros
- Sakura's teppanyaki dinner is genuinely unusual for a Dominican Republic all-inclusive and consistently the most-praised dining experience on property.
- Costa Dorada beach is one of the better quality stretches on the North Coast — significantly less developed and crowded than Punta Cana.
- Star Camp covers ages 4–17 in distinct tiers — better than most competitors' two-tier programs.
- 20–25 minutes from Puerto Plata Airport — one of the shorter transfer times for North Coast resorts.
Cons
- All specialty restaurants require reservations AND have dress code requirements — men need collared shirts and pants at dinner, including the buffet. Pack accordingly or plan to be turned away.
- Pool renovation scheduled August–October 2026 — avoid this window if pool access matters.
- Some guests report beverage limitations — certain international spirits carry charges beyond the base all-inclusive. Clarify inclusions at check-in.
- The Star Camp teen program (13–17) receives more variable reviews than the younger age groups — less structured activities.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Iberostar Costa Dorada is the larger property, while Iberostar Costa Dorada has more dining venues.