Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Princess Taurito
Velas Resorts vs Princess Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Princess Taurito |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 404 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 2 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2024 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Princess Taurito |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Taurito |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 9 |
| Included | 9 | 7 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 2 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Princess Taurito |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 5 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 2 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Princess Taurito |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 25 |
| Included | 21 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 8 |
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 Taurito
Pros
- Direct beachfront access to Playa Taurito — 20 meters from the hotel entrance, no transit required
- 2024 renovation means rooms are current — not a property maintaining decade-old fixtures
- Daily complimentary shuttle to Puerto de Mogán gives guests a real local option without renting a car
- Atlantic and valley views from many rooms are genuinely scenic — worth specifying high floor at booking
Cons
- Playa Taurito is 160 meters of dark volcanic sand — guests expecting white Caribbean-style beach will be specifically disappointed
- The One restaurant requires the Esencia/Premium rate tier or a supplement — not all guests realize this when booking standard all-inclusive
- The spa is small for a 404-room property — treatment availability can be limited during peak weeks
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Princess Taurito is the larger property, while Princess Taurito offers more activities.