Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Sandos Papagayo Beach Resort
Velas Resorts vs Sandos Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sandos Papagayo Beach Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 485 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 5 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2003 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2012 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sandos Papagayo Beach Resort |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Sandos Papagayo Beach Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 14 |
| Included | 9 | 13 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sandos Papagayo Beach Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 6 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Sandos Papagayo Beach Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 21 |
| Included | 21 | 15 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 6 |
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
Sandos Papagayo Beach Resort
Pros
- The 10-minute coastal walk to Papagayo natural park beaches is the property's strongest asset — guests who make the walk to Playa del Pozo or Playa de la Caleta find some of Lanzarote's finest sand.
- 24-hour snack access via the Snack Grill means late arrivals, early departures, and non-standard meal times are handled without extra cost.
- The heated pool during winter months and the adults-only pool give the property genuine year-round appeal beyond peak summer.
Cons
- The Las Coloradas beach directly in front of the hotel has rocky sections — guests expecting a pristine sandy resort beach should know the Papagayo beaches require a walk rather than being on the doorstep.
- The Maison Jaune and Fusion Restaurant fill within the first day of arrivals each week — guests who don't book on check-in day may miss their preferred specialty dining dates.
- Lanzarote can be windy, particularly in spring — the Atlantic-facing location means some days feel exposed even when temperatures are comfortable.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Sandos Papagayo Beach Resort is the larger property, while Sandos Papagayo Beach Resort has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.