Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Iberostar Selection Playa Mita
Velas Resorts vs Iberostar Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Playa Mita |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 452 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 8 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2013 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Playa Mita |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Playa Mita |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 15 |
| Included | 9 | 15 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Playa Mita |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 10 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 6 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Iberostar Selection Playa Mita |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 26 |
| Included | 21 | 15 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 11 |
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 Playa Mita
Pros
- Huichol and Cora cultural integration with 100% locally sourced design materials gives the resort genuine regional character
- Pacific coast conditions enable surfing and bodyboarding unavailable at Caribbean all-inclusives
- Climate-controlled Aqua Fun water park operates comfortably even on the hottest afternoons
- Two-level infinity pool is one of the largest and most distinctive pool designs among Pacific Mexico resorts
Cons
- Some rooms show maintenance issues and signs of age — review specific room categories before booking and request recently refreshed units
- 80 km from Puerto Vallarta airport means a 45-minute minimum transfer — longer than Riviera Maya alternatives for most North American travelers
- Pacific beach conditions are choppier in afternoons than Caribbean equivalents — morning beach time is more reliably swimmable
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Iberostar Selection Playa Mita is the larger property, while Iberostar Selection Playa Mita has more dining venues, while Iberostar Selection Playa Mita offers more activities.