Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha
Velas Resorts vs Rixos Hotels — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 378 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 7 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2022 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2022 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 11 |
| Included | 9 | 10 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 15 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 7 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 20 |
| Included | 21 | 19 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 1 |
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
Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha
Pros
- Mr. Tailor Steakhouse won Best Steakhouse in Qatar at the FACT Dining Awards 2024—the dining quality here is legitimately award-backed.
- 10–12 minutes from Hamad International Airport—the shortest transfer time of any Rixos Gulf property, and one of the most convenient of any Doha resort.
- Sauna, steam room, hot tub, and plunge pool are included in the all-inclusive rate.
Cons
- Specialty restaurants serve all-inclusive guests a selected set menu, not full à la carte—guests expecting complete menu access on their package will be surprised.
- Main buffet (Farmhouse) can become overcrowded with limited seating during peak meal times.
- Cabanas on the private beach are extra cost and available only 8am–8pm—not included in the all-inclusive rate.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha is the larger property, while Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.