Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Rixos Premium Dubrovnik
Velas Resorts vs Rixos Hotels — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Rixos Premium Dubrovnik |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.7 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 310 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 3 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 1971 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2020 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Rixos Premium Dubrovnik |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Premium Dubrovnik |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 8 |
| Included | 9 | 1 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 7 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Rixos Premium Dubrovnik |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 15 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 5 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Rixos Premium Dubrovnik |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Rixos Premium Dubrovnik
Pros
- The Merit Casino Libertas is the only casino in Dubrovnik—if you want casino evenings, there's no other option in the city.
- The 2020 renovation means room quality is uniformly current across all categories, unlike older Dubrovnik hotels where room standards vary significantly.
- Umi Teppanyaki's two Croatia's Best Hotel Restaurant nominations reflect genuine food quality for an all-inclusive property.
- The 15–20 minute walk to Old Town is close enough to be convenient but far enough to escape the high-season crowds when you want to.
Cons
- The beach is entirely rocky—concrete platforms and stone steps to the water. Anyone expecting sand will be disappointed. This applies to all Dubrovnik coastline, but worth knowing before booking.
- The a la carte restaurants (Umi, Libertas Fish, Mykorini) all carry extra charges on top of the premium rates you're already paying.
- Libertas Fish Restaurant and Mykorini are seasonal, operating May–September only. Off-season guests have only Umi and the Turquoise buffet as dinner options.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Rixos Premium Dubrovnik is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Rixos Premium Dubrovnik offers more activities.