Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Princess Grand Jamaica
Velas Resorts vs Princess Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Princess Grand Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 590 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 9 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2024 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2026 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Princess Grand Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Grand Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 18 |
| Included | 9 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Princess Grand Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 7 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 7 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Princess Grand Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 24 |
| Included | 21 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 7 |
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 Grand Jamaica
Pros
- Aquatic Park with four water slides is a genuine differentiator — most Jamaica all-inclusives don't have on-site water parks
- The dual-resort access arrangement with Princess Senses The Mangrove is useful for groups mixing families and adults-only travelers
- No reservation required at any restaurant — guests can decide where to eat without daily advance planning
- Jamaican food truck receives the strongest food reviews in the complex — a locally-flavored option most Caribbean resorts don't include
Cons
- Green Island location means 1–2+ hour airport transfer from Montego Bay depending on traffic — factor this into day-of-travel planning
- Resort was renovated in 2026 after hurricane closure — expect the property to still be establishing consistent service patterns as it rebuilds its team
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Princess Grand Jamaica has more restaurants, while Princess Grand Jamaica is the larger property, while Princess Grand Jamaica has more dining venues, while Princess Grand Jamaica offers more activities.