Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Iberostar Grand Rose Hall
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Grand Rose Hall |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 295 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 7 |
| Pools | 4 | 34 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2008 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2026 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Grand Rose Hall |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Grand Rose Hall |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 15 |
| Included | 9 | 15 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Grand Rose Hall |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 4 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 4 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Grand Rose Hall |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 26 |
| Included | 21 | 19 |
| 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
Iberostar Grand Rose Hall
Pros
- One-way access policy keeps the Grand genuinely quieter than most adults-only sections of larger resorts
- Butler service and dining program quality are consistently the top-rated aspects of the property
- Free range of all three Iberostar Rose Hall properties adds significant dining and beach variety
- Jerk chicken at the Beach Grill & Jerk Shack is one of the best versions of the dish at any Jamaican resort
Cons
- Room decor is noticeably dated — furnishings show their 2008 age despite the service level around them
- Restaurant reservation system is an operational weak point — guests report difficulty securing tables
- Beach area feels small relative to some comparable Caribbean resorts
- Timeshare or spa service pitch pressure has been reported by some guests during stays
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Iberostar Grand Rose Hall is the larger property, while Iberostar Grand Rose Hall has more dining venues, while Iberostar Grand Rose Hall offers more activities.