Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Rixos The Palm Hotel & Suites
Velas Resorts vs Rixos Hotels — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Rixos The Palm Hotel & Suites |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.3 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 315 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 7 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2011 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2025 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Rixos The Palm Hotel & Suites |
|---|---|---|
| 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 The Palm Hotel & Suites |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 17 |
| Included | 9 | 15 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 2 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Rixos The Palm Hotel & Suites |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 15 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 10 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Rixos The Palm Hotel & Suites |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 21 |
| Included | 21 | 16 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 5 |
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 The Palm Hotel & Suites
Pros
- The ultra all-inclusive includes premium international alcohol at a Palm Jumeirah beach resort—a combination that does not exist elsewhere on the Palm, making drink costs genuinely predictable.
- L'Olivo's awards recognition is legitimate—the kitchen produces restaurant-quality Italian in a format that most all-inclusive properties cannot match.
- The 1 km East Crescent beach faces east, which means sunrise swimmers have ideal light and afternoon beach users get natural shade as the sun moves west.
Cons
- 39 km from Dubai International Airport is a 40+ minute transfer in normal conditions; add 15–30 minutes for peak-hour traffic which is common on the Dubai-Palm route.
- Smart casual dress for both headline dinner restaurants means packing formal evening clothes for a beach holiday—sandals not permitted at L'Olivo or Toro Loco.
- No teens club for 13–17 year olds—this demographic has to navigate the general activities program.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Rixos The Palm Hotel & Suites is the larger property, while Rixos The Palm Hotel & Suites has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.