Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort
Velas Resorts vs Marriott Hotels All-Inclusive — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 9.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Room Count | 267 | 450 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 1,013 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2024 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2024 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | No |
| Kids Club | Yes | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 17 |
| Included | 9 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 7 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 3 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 22 |
| Included | 21 | 20 |
| 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
Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort
Pros
- Marriott Bonvoy points earned and redeemable on this stay — a genuine differentiator for loyalty program members who would otherwise lose points value at non-Marriott all-inclusives.
- The Camp Club by Marriott with ziplining and wall climbing is meaningfully more substantive than standard kids' club programming.
- The 2024 renovation means all 450 rooms are in contemporary condition — no room-condition lottery unlike older unrenovated competitors.
- The adults-only infinity pool with its own swim-up bar provides genuine separation from the family pool activity.
Cons
- No full-service on-site spa — guests seeking body treatments and facials must walk to the adjacent JW Marriott's Sens Yah spa.
- Specialty restaurant dinner reservations fill quickly — book up to 5 days ahead via the resort app.
- Some standard rooms are noted as slightly small despite the renovation — confirm room category dimensions if size matters.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort has more restaurants, while Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort is the larger property, while Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.