Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Ocean Maya Royale
Velas Resorts vs Ocean by H10 Hotels — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Ocean Maya Royale |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Room Count | 267 | 320 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 6 |
| Pools | 4 | 2 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2005 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2010 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Ocean Maya Royale |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Ocean Maya Royale |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 14 |
| Included | 9 | 14 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Ocean Maya Royale |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 6 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 2 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Ocean Maya Royale |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 24 |
| Included | 21 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 7 |
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
Ocean Maya Royale
Pros
- Four distinct à la carte restaurants included nightly with no reservation requirement at most.
- Sports Bar open until 6am—genuinely rare for this market.
- Biosphere sustainability certification verified by third party.
- Teppanyaki at Yookoso is one of the better specialty dining experiences at this price point in Playa del Carmen.
Cons
- Beach has erosion barriers in sections—check current conditions before booking if beach quality is a priority.
- Room finishes date from the 2010 renovation and are showing their age.
- Privilege upgrades gate some of the best amenities (butler service, 24-hour room service) behind a meaningful price increase.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Ocean Maya Royale is the larger property, while Ocean Maya Royale has more dining venues, while Ocean Maya Royale offers more activities.