Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Moon Palace Cancun
Velas Resorts vs Palace Hotels — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Moon Palace Cancun |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 2,404 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 18 |
| Pools | 4 | 16 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 1996 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2017 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Moon Palace Cancun |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Moon Palace Cancun |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 30 |
| Included | 9 | 30 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Moon Palace Cancun |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 9 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 5 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Moon Palace Cancun |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 24 |
| Included | 21 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 6 |
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
Moon Palace Cancun
Pros
- The FlowRider Double Wave Simulator and ice skating rink are included — genuinely unusual amenities for a Cancun all-inclusive.
- Reciprocity access to other Palace Resorts (excluding Le Blanc) extends dining options across the brand portfolio without additional charge.
- The Awe Spa at The Grand is one of the largest resort spa facilities in the Cancun Hotel Zone.
Cons
- The beach water is consistently described as dark and unsuitable for swimming — the pools are the de facto water experience at this property.
- Golf cart waits between sections can run long during peak periods — book dinner reservations at the correct section's restaurants to avoid unnecessary transit.
- Service quality varies significantly across a property this large — expect inconsistency rather than uniform standards.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Moon Palace Cancun has more restaurants, while Moon Palace Cancun is the larger property, while Moon Palace Cancun has more dining venues, while Moon Palace Cancun offers more activities.