Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Royal Decameron Salinitas - All Inclusive
Velas Resorts vs Royal Decameron — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Royal Decameron Salinitas - All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 6.5 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 3.5 |
| Room Count | 267 | 552 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 6 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 1999 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Royal Decameron Salinitas - All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Royal Decameron Salinitas - All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 18 |
| Included | 9 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Royal Decameron Salinitas - All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 9 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 0 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Royal Decameron Salinitas - All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 26 |
| Included | 21 | 23 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 3 |
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
Royal Decameron Salinitas - All Inclusive
Pros
- Ocean-fed saltwater pool is a genuine rarity among all-inclusive resorts globally — the distinct swimming experience is the property's most memorable feature
- Archery and paintball included in the standard package — unusual at this price point and popular with families and groups
- Six pool configurations mean adults and children can separate without conflict
Cons
- Check-in consistently gets flagged for long waits and poor communication — arrive with patience and confirmed documentation
- Some room blocks show significant age and wear — request updated room sections and confirm before arrival if possible
- 2-hour drive from San Salvador international airport is the main logistical burden for most visitors
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Royal Decameron Salinitas - All Inclusive is the larger property, while Royal Decameron Salinitas - All Inclusive has more dining venues, while Royal Decameron Salinitas - All Inclusive offers more activities.