Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Palladium Hotel Cala Llonga, Trademark Collection
Velas Resorts vs Palladium Hotels— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Palladium Hotel Cala Llonga, Trademark Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 7.9 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 150 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 1 |
| Pools | 4 | 1 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2021 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2011 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Palladium Hotel Cala Llonga, Trademark Collection |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Palladium Hotel Cala Llonga, Trademark Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 4 |
| Included | 9 | 3 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Palladium Hotel Cala Llonga, Trademark Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 6 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Palladium Hotel Cala Llonga, Trademark Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 20 |
| Included | 21 | 15 |
| 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
Palladium Hotel Cala Llonga, Trademark Collection
Pros
- The upper-floor sea view rooms facing Cala Llonga Bay are genuinely good — morning terrace time with bay views is one of the best parts of staying here
- Staff-to-guest ratio is favorable for a mid-range all-inclusive — multiple guests report staff learning their preferences within the first day
- Breakfast is the strongest meal: omelette station, waffles, fresh fruit, and included cava make it worth lingering over
- Cinema Paradiso outdoor film evenings are a distinctive touch that larger chain resorts don't offer
Cons
- Air conditioning in some rooms underperforms during July and August heat — request a fan as backup at check-in
- Bathroom storage (shelving, drawer space) is genuinely limited across most room categories — pack light or expect to leave toiletries on the floor
- Pool bar pre-made cocktails are weak — stick to beer, wine, or order from the lobby bar for a proper drink
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.