Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Tropical Deluxe Princess - All Inclusive
Velas Resorts vs Princess Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Tropical Deluxe Princess - All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Room Count | 267 | 310 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 7 |
| Pools | 4 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2000 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | 2021 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Tropical Deluxe Princess - 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 | Tropical Deluxe Princess - All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 22 |
| Included | 9 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 4 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Tropical Deluxe Princess - All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 3 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 1 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Tropical Deluxe Princess - All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 22 |
| Included | 21 | 16 |
| 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
Tropical Deluxe Princess - All Inclusive
Pros
- Cross-property access to Caribe Deluxe Princess and shuttle to Grand Bávaro extends the campus experience without paying for a larger resort.
- Six à la carte restaurants included at a mid-tier price point is more than most Bavaro Beach competitors offer.
- The family room two-bathroom configuration is a thoughtful design that makes the tight square footage more practical.
- The animation team is the property's standout feature — Kids and Teen Clubs receive more consistent praise here than at comparable properties.
Cons
- Club Concierge timeshare-style presentations are persistent — some guests report multiple approaches over a single stay.
- Drinks at the Areito Discotheque are charged after midnight — not covered by the all-inclusive plan, which guests sometimes discover unexpectedly.
- Platinum Package spa and exclusive restaurant access is visible enough to feel segmented for guests on the standard plan.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Tropical Deluxe Princess - All Inclusive is the larger property, while Tropical Deluxe Princess - All Inclusive has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.