Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs La Palma Princess
Velas Resorts vs Princess Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | La Palma Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 484 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 5 |
| Pools | 4 | 10 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | La Palma Princess |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | La Palma Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 10 |
| Included | 9 | 8 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 2 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | La Palma Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 8 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | La Palma Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 32 |
| Included | 21 | 22 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 10 |
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 Palma Princess
Pros
- The 500m² gym with 50+ TECHNOGYM machines is a legitimate resort fitness facility — not a hotel gym with 8 treadmills.
- The Esencia de La Palma adults-only section provides physical separation from the main property with exclusive pools, bar, and restaurant.
- El Mirador restaurant for breakfast offers sea views and table service — significantly better than the main buffet hall experience.
- La Palma's volcanic landscape, dark skies, and proximity to the Roque de los Muchachos observatory make off-property excursions genuinely distinctive — don't stay on property every day.
Cons
- No walkable beach — the nearest black sand coves are 1.5 km minimum, and the better beaches are 6 to 35 km away. A rental car is non-optional.
- Lifts across the hilly campus are unreliable — mobility-limited guests or those with young children in strollers should ask about room placement near access routes.
- The Aqua Princess Spa thermal circuit carries an additional charge beyond the all-inclusive rate.
- Quality of included alcoholic drinks beyond beer and cava has drawn repeated criticism — premium spirits may disappoint.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while La Palma Princess is the larger property, while La Palma Princess has more dining venues, while La Palma Princess offers more activities.