For families seeking a premium all-inclusive experience, Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana and Nickelodeon Riviera Maya offer two distinct paths. Nickelodeon is a paradise for younger children, completely themed around beloved characters with slimings, character breakfasts, and a massive Aqua Nick water park, though its beach is underwhelming. Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana balances luxury for parents with fun for kids; it also features an excellent water park but pairs it with an incredible, pristine swimmable beach, superior gourmet dining, and a more sophisticated atmosphere. Choose Nickelodeon for the ultimate kid-centric spectacle, and Hyatt Ziva for a balanced, luxurious family vacation.
Key Metrics
Metric
Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya
Our Rating
8.2
8.3
Star Rating
4.5
5.0
Room Count
375
280
Restaurants
6
6
Pools
6
4
Year Opened
2019
2021
Year Renovated
—
—
Features
Metric
Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya
All-Inclusive
Yes
Yes
Adults Only
No
No
Beach Access
Yes
Yes
Spa
Yes
Yes
Kids Club
Yes
Yes
Dining Comparison
Metric
Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya
Total Venues
17
15
Included
15
12
Extra Charge
2
3
Room Comparison
Metric
Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya
Room Categories
10
9
Suite Categories
10
9
Activities Comparison
Metric
Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya
Total Activities
19
25
Included
13
22
Extra Charge
6
3
Pros & Cons
Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
Pros
Exceptional, attentive, and friendly staff service.
Immaculate, new, and well-maintained modern facilities.
Fantastic on-site water park with lazy river and slides.
High-quality and diverse food, especially the buffet and hibachi.
Spacious, comfortable, and modern all-suite accommodations.
Beautiful, pristine, and swimmable Juanillo Beach.
Dedicated family-friendly environment and activities.
Adults-only access to adjacent Hyatt Zilara amenities.
Quality, well-made drinks that are not watered down.
Cons
Occasional presence of seaweed on Juanillo Beach.
Main pools can be unheated and cold.
Slow service at buffet lines due to staff serving guests.
Inconsistent food quality at some themed à la carte restaurants.
Additional costs for "The Blind Butcher" restaurant and airport transfers.
Limited shade or umbrellas on the beach.
Infrequent reports of an unpleasant odor near the ocean/sand.
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya
Pros
Immersive Nickelodeon theming and 90s nostalgia create a highly engaging atmosphere.
The expansive 6-acre Aqua Nick Water Park is a major highlight with diverse slides and play areas.
Attentive, exceptional, and friendly staff consistently go above and beyond for guests.
Gourmet inclusive dining is highly praised for its quality, variety, and themed options.
The resort maintains very high standards of cleanliness and upkeep throughout the property.
All suites are beautiful, spacious, immaculately themed, oceanfront, and include a private plunge pool.
Complimentary round-trip airport transfers are a convenient and valued inclusion.
Cons
Additional costs for premium experiences (e.g., character breakfasts, private sliming, photos) can add up quickly.
The beach is compact and smaller, not ideal for those seeking a sprawling beach experience.
Summary
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana is the larger property, while Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana has more dining venues, while Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya offers more activities.
