Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit vs Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen
Velas Resorts vs Wyndham Alltra — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.8 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Room Count | 267 | 287 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 6 |
| Pools | 4 | 2 |
| Year Opened | 2003 | 2021 |
| Year Renovated | 2015 | — |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 9 | 12 |
| Included | 9 | 12 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 7 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 6 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit | Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 23 |
| Included | 21 | 20 |
| 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
Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen
Pros
- Walking distance to Fifth Avenue means dinner or drinks outside the resort is a genuine option — not a 20-minute taxi ride
- Green Globe Certification is credible third-party sustainability accreditation for travelers who factor environmental commitments into accommodation choices
- Purpose-built 2022 property means consistent contemporary room finishes without the room-condition lottery that older properties carry
Cons
- The beach is rocky and subject to sargassum seaweed seasonally — the pools are the more reliable swimming option and should factor into booking expectations
- Street-side rooms pick up Fifth Avenue nighttime noise — request a sea-facing room at check-in if you are a light sleeper
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has more restaurants, while Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen is the larger property, while Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen has more dining venues.