Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs TRS Cap Cana Waterfront & Marina Hotel
Velas Resorts vs TRS Hotels — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | TRS Cap Cana Waterfront & Marina Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.7 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 267 | 115 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 5 |
| Pools | 4 | 2 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2018 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | TRS Cap Cana Waterfront & Marina Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | TRS Cap Cana Waterfront & Marina Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 8 |
| Included | 9 | 8 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | TRS Cap Cana Waterfront & Marina Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 6 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 6 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | TRS Cap Cana Waterfront & Marina Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 20 |
| Included | 21 | 13 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 7 |
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
TRS Cap Cana Waterfront & Marina Hotel
Pros
- At 115 suites, the butler-to-guest ratio means 24-hour service is genuinely personal — your butler will know your name and preferences by day two.
- Zentropia Spa hydrotherapy is included for TRS guests — at comparable properties this circuit runs $30–60 extra per person per use.
- 10-minute airport transfer is the shortest of any luxury Cap Cana property — relevant for guests who value minimal travel time.
- The Chic Cabaret dinner at TRS Turquesa (included, shuttle provided) is one of the most unique dining experiences in the Caribbean.
Cons
- The on-site beach is small and periodically affected by sargassum — guests who prioritize daily beach time need to plan around the twice-daily shuttle schedule to Juanillo.
- At 115 suites, the dining rotation is five restaurants total — long-stay guests will cycle through all of them within three or four nights.
- Cap Cana is a gated development with limited walkability outside the resort — you are dependent on transport for anything beyond the property.
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers more activities.