Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Iberostar Selection Creta Marine
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Creta Marine |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 361 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 9 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 1989 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2024 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Creta Marine |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Creta Marine |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 14 |
| Included | 9 | 13 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Creta Marine |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 15 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Creta Marine |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 23 |
| Included | 21 | 15 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 8 |
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 Creta Marine
Pros
- The 2024 full rebuild means everything is genuinely new — rooms, restaurants, and common areas all rebuilt from scratch rather than incrementally updated
- Three private coves give a varied and secluded beach experience that open-access beach properties cannot replicate
- The Vegghera Cretan Tavern with locally sourced ingredients is a legitimate reason to eat there — especially if the Irini Tzortzoglou guest menu is running during your stay
Cons
- All-inclusive guests have limited complimentary visits to the specialty restaurants — this limit is not prominently advertised and surprises guests who expect unlimited access
- Cove beaches are smaller and more varied in terrain than many guests expect; if flat wide sandy beach is non-negotiable, this is not the right property
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Iberostar Selection Creta Marine has more restaurants, while Iberostar Selection Creta Marine is the larger property, while Iberostar Selection Creta Marine has more dining venues.