Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Ocean Riviera Paradise
Velas Resorts vs Ocean by H10 Hotels — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Ocean Riviera Paradise |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 974 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 10 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2016 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2023 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Ocean Riviera Paradise |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Ocean Riviera Paradise |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 29 |
| Included | 9 | 29 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Ocean Riviera Paradise |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Ocean Riviera Paradise |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 17 |
| Included | 21 | 12 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 5 |
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 Riviera Paradise
Pros
- El Beso adults-only section delivers a genuinely separate atmosphere within the same property—useful for couples who want quieter pools without paying boutique resort prices.
- Teppanyaki at Sakura and live show cooking at La Terraza are above-average specialty dining for an all-inclusive.
- Rooftop suites with private Jacuzzis and ocean views are a good value for special occasions compared to equivalent rooms at smaller luxury properties.
- Bowling, casino, and a teen club cover age groups that most all-inclusives ignore.
Cons
- At 974 suites, specialty restaurant reservations (especially teppanyaki) fill fast—plan on booking the moment you check in.
- Smart casual dress codes are strictly enforced at dinner restaurants; pack accordingly or face being turned away.
- Sargassum can affect the beach May through October—check current conditions for your travel dates.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Ocean Riviera Paradise has more restaurants, while Ocean Riviera Paradise is the larger property, while Ocean Riviera Paradise has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.