Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana
Velas Resorts vs Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 7.8 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 460 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 9 |
| Pools | 4 | 9 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2016 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2016 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 18 |
| Included | 9 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 10 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 35 |
| Included | 21 | 29 |
| 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
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana
Pros
- Gourmet Inclusive® dining quality is measurably better than standard all-inclusive — the Sugarcane buffet and specialty restaurants get consistent praise across years of reviews, not just from recent guests.
- Club Nick runs until 11 PM, which gives parents a genuine evening window for adult dining or spa time.
- The Spacewalker restaurant is genuinely fun as a family dinner experience — the theatrical format holds the attention of both kids and adults.
Cons
- Uvero Alto Beach has strong waves — not safe for young children swimming independently. This is not a beach-swimming resort.
- The 40–45 minute airport transfer from PUJ is longer than most Punta Cana properties and adds cost and time on both ends of the trip.
- Kitchen 23 by Le Chique, the best food on the property, costs extra and is adults-only — a bit at odds with a family resort.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana has more restaurants, while Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana is the larger property, while Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana has more dining venues, while Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana offers more activities.