Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Princess Family Club Riviera - All Inclusive
Velas Resorts vs Princess Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Princess Family Club Riviera - All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 144 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 12 |
| Pools | 4 | 12 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Princess Family Club Riviera - All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Princess Family Club Riviera - All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 40 |
| Included | 9 | 39 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Princess Family Club Riviera - All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 2 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 2 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Princess Family Club Riviera - All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 24 |
| Included | 21 | 21 |
| 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
Princess Family Club Riviera - All Inclusive
Pros
- 40 swim-out suites give children direct room-to-pool access — the most practical room feature for families with active young children
- Family Club-exclusive pirate restaurant and ice cream parlor mean there's always a child-friendly option that doesn't require dress codes or advance reservations
- 12 restaurants and 20+ bars across the complex gives real variety without leaving the all-inclusive program
- Cribs, strollers, and bottle warmers are available on request — a facility most all-inclusives don't publicize
Cons
- The complex is large and requires transit between the Family Club section and many restaurants and the beach — add 10–15 minutes to everything
- La Fleur and other popular specialty restaurants require reservations; don't assume you can walk in on the night you want
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Princess Family Club Riviera - All Inclusive has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is the larger property, while Princess Family Club Riviera - All Inclusive has more dining venues, while Princess Family Club Riviera - All Inclusive offers more activities.