Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Iberostar Selection Cancún
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Cancún |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 426 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 6 |
| Pools | 4 | 10 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 1992 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2023 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Cancún |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Selection Cancún |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 18 |
| Included | 9 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Cancún |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 3 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Cancún |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 34 |
| Included | 21 | 30 |
| 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 Selection Cancún
Pros
- On-site 18-hole golf is a meaningful advantage in the Hotel Zone — other all-inclusives require excursion transfers that take a half-day
- The Coral Level adults-only tower functions as a hotel within a hotel, giving couples a quieter environment without losing access to the full resort facilities
- The late-night snack service at Antiguo Laguito until 1 AM is genuinely useful for guests who stay out and don't want to rely on room service
Cons
- With 18 dining venues and a large property, quality is uneven — some specialty restaurants are notably better than others, and the gaps are significant
- The resort's convention center means you may share the property with business groups, which changes the atmosphere during corporate events
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Iberostar Selection Cancún is the larger property, while Iberostar Selection Cancún has more dining venues, while Iberostar Selection Cancún offers more activities.