Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs La Casa de la Playa
Velas Resorts vs Xcaret Hotel— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | La Casa de la Playa |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 7.9 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 63 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 4 |
| Pools | 4 | 2 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2021 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | La Casa de la Playa |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | La Casa de la Playa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 12 |
| Included | 9 | 12 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | La Casa de la Playa |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 8 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 8 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | La Casa de la Playa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 24 |
| Included | 21 | 22 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 2 |
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
La Casa de la Playa
Pros
- Every suite includes a private heated plunge pool and a volcanic rock bathtub — these are not upgrades, they are standard across all 63 suites.
- Unlimited daily access with chauffeured transfers to all Xcaret parks is included — at retail, these parks cost $100+ per person per visit.
- The daily hydrotherapy circuit access at Muluk Spa is complimentary for all guests — meaningful savings versus a pay-per-use model.
- Chef-driven restaurants by internationally recognized figures (Aduriz, Martínez, Ortiz) deliver food quality that has no peer at an all-inclusive in Mexico.
Cons
- Poolside casual dining doesn't match the quality of the signature restaurants — if you eat every meal at the buffet or pool bar, you're missing what you paid for.
- A $1,000 USD credit card hold is applied at check-in and held until after departure — notify your bank before travel to avoid card limit issues.
- 45 to 60 minutes from Cancun airport — longer transfer than many Riviera Maya alternatives.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is the larger property, while La Casa de la Playa has more dining venues, while La Casa de la Playa offers more activities.