Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs JW Marriott All-Inclusive Resort Costa Rica
Velas Resorts vs JW Marriott All-Inclusive — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | JW Marriott All-Inclusive Resort Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 7.9 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 415 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 11 |
| Pools | 4 | 17 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2026 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | JW Marriott All-Inclusive Resort Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | JW Marriott All-Inclusive Resort Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 15 |
| Included | 9 | 14 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | JW Marriott All-Inclusive Resort Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 6 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 4 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | JW Marriott All-Inclusive Resort Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 21 |
| Included | 21 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 12 |
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
JW Marriott All-Inclusive Resort Costa Rica
Pros
- First JW Marriott all-inclusive property — Marriott Bonvoy points and status apply, which is a real differentiator for frequent Marriott travelers.
- Guanacaste's dry season (January–April) offers weather reliability that Caribbean properties during their winter seasons cannot guarantee.
- 17 pools for 415 rooms is an exceptional ratio — meaningful pool availability even during peak occupancy.
- The whale watching and eco-adventure excursion program is unique to Guanacaste and has no equivalent at Caribbean all-inclusives.
Cons
- The resort has not yet opened at time of writing — all details are pre-opening announcements. Opening timelines shift; verify status before booking.
- LIR airport is approximately 49 miles away — longer and more expensive airport transfer than most Caribbean all-inclusive alternatives.
- Pacific coast conditions (surf, tides, wind) are more variable than protected Caribbean bays — research seasonal conditions for your travel dates.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while JW Marriott All-Inclusive Resort Costa Rica has more restaurants, while JW Marriott All-Inclusive Resort Costa Rica is the larger property, while JW Marriott All-Inclusive Resort Costa Rica has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.