Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs ÓLEO Cancún Playa
Velas Resorts vs Atelier de Hoteles — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | ÓLEO Cancún Playa |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Room Count | 267 | 166 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 5 |
| Pools | 4 | 2 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2017 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | ÓLEO Cancún Playa |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ÓLEO Cancún Playa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 8 |
| Included | 9 | 8 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | ÓLEO Cancún Playa |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 7 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 3 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | ÓLEO Cancún Playa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 18 |
| Included | 21 | 16 |
| 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
ÓLEO Cancún Playa
Pros
- The Sun & Treats® personalized beach waiter service functions well at this scale — 168 rooms keeps the ratio workable.
- Brown Bag Coffee Corner earns 'Starbucks-quality' mentions from guests — a meaningful standard in an all-inclusive context.
- Adult painting classes are a genuine differentiator aligned with the ÓLEO artistic brand — not just a standard resort activity.
- 10–15 minutes from the airport makes this the most convenient Hotel Zone property for guests with tight connections or late-night arrivals.
Cons
- Cocktail strength is a consistent complaint — the weak drink program appears to be deliberate rather than a variable bartender issue.
- Pool chair availability is competitive even at 168 rooms — chairs are claimed by 8 AM on busy days.
- Almar (Mediterranean) receives mixed consistency reviews — the view is reliable, the food is not.
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 Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.