Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Maspalomas Princess
Velas Resorts vs Princess Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Maspalomas Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 389 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 5 |
| Pools | 4 | 6 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2023 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Maspalomas 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 | Maspalomas Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 10 |
| Included | 9 | 10 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Maspalomas Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 6 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 3 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Maspalomas Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 25 |
| Included | 21 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 8 |
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
Maspalomas Princess
Pros
- The adults-only pool is heated in winter with massage jets — one of the better cold-season pools in the Maspalomas zone.
- The five-nights-per-stay free specialty restaurant dinner (Il Peccato or Kokoro) is the most straightforwardly good food available — plan your stay to use it.
- The shared pool complex with Tabaiba Princess creates a large pool area with over-water bridges and proper scale.
Cons
- The standard all-inclusive has real limitations — post-11 PM drinks, fresh juice, premium spirits, and certain ice creams/desserts are excluded. The All-Inclusive Plus upgrade addresses this.
- Room condition varies significantly across the 389 rooms — the Prestige Suite has been recently renovated; other categories may not have been.
- Evening entertainment noise can carry to nearby rooms — request a room away from the main entertainment stage if you're a light sleeper.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Maspalomas Princess is the larger property, while Maspalomas Princess has more dining venues, while Maspalomas Princess offers more activities.