Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort: Which is Better? (2026) | Resort Flock
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
Velas Resorts vs Royalton Luxury Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
Our Rating
9.8
8.0
Star Rating
5.0
5.0
Room Count
267
292
Restaurants
8
7
Pools
4
4
Year Opened
2003
2018
Year Renovated
2015
2018
Features
Metric
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, 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 Costa Rica by Royalton, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
Total Venues
9
15
Included
9
15
Extra Charge
0
0
Room Comparison
Metric
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
Room Categories
12
5
Suite Categories
11
5
Activities Comparison
Metric
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
Total Activities
23
31
Included
21
19
Extra Charge
2
12
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 Costa Rica by Royalton, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
Pros
All specialty restaurants are reservation-free and included — no daily scramble to book tables at check-in
Star Kids Club runs 9am–5pm daily, giving parents a genuine multi-hour break
Guy's! Burger Joint runs until 6pm — a reliable option when the buffet doesn't appeal
STAR Class butler service handles excursion bookings, restaurant logistics, and room requests proactively
The bay beach has almost no waves, making it safer for toddlers than most Caribbean beaches
Cons
The hillside layout means every trip to a restaurant or pool involves elevation change — expect 10-15 minute walks or golf cart waits
Black sand beach reaches scalding temperatures midday — water shoes are necessary, not optional
The So Cal buffet receives consistently average reviews; plan most dinners at the specialty restaurants
Noise from slamming corridor doors is a recurring complaint; request upper floors away from the main entertainment venue if you're a light sleeper
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort is the larger property, while Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort has more dining venues, while Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort offers more activities.
