Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Room Count | 267 | 372 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 2 |
| Pools | 4 | 7 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 1987 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2016 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Lanzarote Park |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 9 |
| Included | 9 | 8 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 6 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 20 |
| Included | 21 | 16 |
| 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 Lanzarote Park
Pros
- 8-slide splash park makes this one of the strongest family-activity properties in Lanzarote
- 50-meter walk to Flamingo Beach is the most direct beach access in Playa Blanca
- 7 pools including indoor heated option for shoulder-season visitors
- César Manrique-inspired design creates a more architecturally interesting property than typical resort blocks
- Star Prestige separation is effective — adults and families coexist without significant overlap
Cons
- Playa Blanca is the quietest Lanzarote resort zone — guests who want nightlife or a busy town should base in Puerto del Carmen instead
- Dining variety is limited compared to properties with multiple specialty à la carte restaurants — Star Prestige Restaurant is the only alternative to the main buffet
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.