Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Iberostar Grand Amazon
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Grand Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 9.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 75 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 2 |
| Pools | 4 | 2 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2005 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2024 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Grand Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Grand Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 4 |
| Included | 9 | 4 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Grand Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 4 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Grand Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 21 |
| Included | 21 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 0 |
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 Grand Amazon
Pros
- Excursion guides consistently receive exceptional reviews for knowledge, enthusiasm, and multilingual ability
- All-inclusive program covers meals, drinks, and every guided excursion — no unexpected costs
- Every cabin has a private balcony for watching the jungle pass at any hour
- Food quality, especially Amazonian dinner service, is a genuine highlight for a cruise vessel
- Ability to access places and experiences unreachable by land-based resorts
Cons
- House wine quality is noticeably lower than the rest of the all-inclusive program
- Some balcony doors don't seal or lock securely — a known structural issue on certain cabins
- Gym is genuinely small; serious fitness routines aren't feasible
- Humidity builds up quickly if air conditioning is switched off
- Third-party booking platforms have caused communication issues; book direct
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.