Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Iberostar Herceg Novi
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Herceg Novi |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.3 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 170 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 1 |
| Pools | 4 | 1 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 1970 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2018 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Herceg Novi |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Herceg Novi |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 6 |
| Included | 9 | 5 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Herceg Novi |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 13 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 3 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Herceg Novi |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 21 |
| Included | 21 | 15 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 6 |
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 Herceg Novi
Pros
- Bay of Kotor hillside position provides genuinely dramatic views rarely found at this price point
- Private shingle beach with free loungers and sea platforms is well-maintained and consistently praised for water quality
- Staff receive some of the strongest service reviews of any Iberostar property in the portfolio
- Boat shuttle to Herceg Novi Old Town is a practical convenience that makes the location genuinely explorable without a car
- Food quality and variety at the main buffet is routinely praised above expectations for a single-restaurant all-inclusive
Cons
- Terraced hillside layout requires navigating stairs — not suitable for guests with limited mobility
- No specialty à la carte restaurants — guests eating dinner every night at the same buffet for a week may find it repetitive
- Sky Bar and some beach amenities are high-season only — off-season visits lose some of the atmosphere
- Airport transfers from Dubrovnik involve a border crossing with unpredictable wait times
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.