Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Playacar Palace
Velas Resorts vs Palace Hotels — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Playacar Palace |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 208 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 4 |
| Pools | 4 | 1 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 1991 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2018 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Playacar Palace |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Playacar Palace |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 13 |
| Included | 9 | 13 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Playacar Palace |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 6 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 4 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Playacar Palace |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 25 |
| Included | 21 | 22 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 3 |
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
Playacar Palace
Pros
- Walking distance to 5th Avenue and the Cozumel ferry terminal — the resort doesn't trap you inside the way larger complexes do
- The Lahná Mayan tasting menu is genuinely unusual for an all-inclusive and a culinary highlight worth planning around
- Every suite includes an in-room double whirlpool tub and liquor dispenser as standard — not a paid upgrade
- Breakfast buffet at Café Del Mar earns consistently strong guest reviews, the best meal period at the resort
- The Awe Spa's 11,000 sq ft with 6 treatment rooms is well-scaled for a 201-room property
Cons
- One pool for 201 rooms gets crowded by mid-morning on peak days — reserve loungers before 9am
- Some rooms show their pre-2018 bones in closet layout and bathroom aesthetics despite the renovation
- Occasional guest reports of an ambient humidity smell in rooms near the garden level
- Beach varies significantly with sargassum season — June through October carries real risk of seaweed presence
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 Playacar Palace has more dining venues, while Playacar Palace offers more activities.