Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Planet Hollywood Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
Velas Resorts vs Royalton Luxury Resorts— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Planet Hollywood Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 7.8 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 648 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 11 |
| Pools | 4 | 6 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2020 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Planet Hollywood Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Planet Hollywood Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 22 |
| Included | 9 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Planet Hollywood Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 11 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Planet Hollywood Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 19 |
| Included | 21 | 10 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 9 |
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
Planet Hollywood Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
Pros
- Planet Play indoor park is the most distinctive activity offering among Cancun-area all-inclusives—genuinely useful for families with children during heat or rain.
- Sutra Indian Restaurant with hookah lounge is the only Indian restaurant at a major Cancun-area all-inclusive.
- Guy's! Burger Joint by Guy Fieri consistently earns specific praise from guests—the burgers are better than the usual resort snack bar equivalent.
- No reservation requirement for 10 of 11 included restaurants—unusual freedom at a 648-room resort.
Cons
- Costa Mujeres location means 37–44 km from the airport with transfer times ranging 27–63 minutes—the wide variance is a real logistical factor.
- At 648 rooms, this is a large property; pool chairs and beach loungers can be competitive in peak season despite six pools.
- The Hollywood theme is not for everyone—guests who want an understated luxury experience will find it at odds with the property's personality.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Planet Hollywood Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort has more restaurants, while Planet Hollywood Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort is the larger property, while Planet Hollywood Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.