Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Platinum Yucatan Princess All Suites & Spa Resort - All Inclusive
Velas Resorts vs Princess Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Platinum Yucatan Princess All Suites & Spa Resort - All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Room Count | 267 | 470 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 6 |
| Pools | 4 | 13 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Platinum Yucatan Princess All Suites & Spa Resort - All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Platinum Yucatan Princess All Suites & Spa Resort - All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 17 |
| Included | 9 | 15 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 2 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Platinum Yucatan Princess All Suites & Spa Resort - All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 10 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 7 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Platinum Yucatan Princess All Suites & Spa Resort - All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 30 |
| Included | 21 | 26 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 4 |
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
Platinum Yucatan Princess All Suites & Spa Resort - All Inclusive
Pros
- Sister-property access to Grand Riviera and Grand Sunset Princess gives dining variety that most 472-room adults-only resorts can't match
- 13 pools across the property mean there's almost always a quieter spot to retreat to
- Adults-only (18+) policy is consistently enforced — the atmosphere is genuinely calmer than family-inclusive alternatives nearby
- Walk-Out Oceanfront Suites offer direct beach access that most Riviera Maya properties don't provide at the suite level
Cons
- Property opened 2014 with no documented major renovation — some guest reviews mention fixtures and soft furnishings that show age
- The main buffet receives weaker reviews than the à la carte restaurants — plan most dinners at specialty venues
- Sargassum seaweed on the beach is a seasonal reality; June–October carries the highest risk
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Platinum Yucatan Princess All Suites & Spa Resort - All Inclusive is the larger property, while Platinum Yucatan Princess All Suites & Spa Resort - All Inclusive has more dining venues, while Platinum Yucatan Princess All Suites & Spa Resort - All Inclusive offers more activities.