Resort Details
Guest Reviews
Customer Ratings & Reviews
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
5948 reviews
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May 02, 2025Outstanding Family Getaway
We recently stayed at Grand Velas Riviera Maya with our two young children (an 11-month-old and a 2-year-old), and overall, it was a luxurious and memorable experience. The resort excels in many areas, especially service and dining. 🌟 What We Loved: 1. Service – Truly Top Notch The service was exceptional from start to finish. A heartfelt thank you to Carolina, our concierge, who went above and beyond to meet our family’s needs. Traveling with two little ones isn’t always easy, but Carolina made it feel effortless—she arranged for an extra stroller, found a ball for our toddler to play with, and was always available with thoughtful solutions. Her support helped us avoid more than a few toddler meltdowns! She also arranged for balloons and little treats in our room to celebrate a birthday. 2. Dining – The food was consistently excellent. Every restaurant offered something unique, and the quality and presentation were top-tier. We appreciated the variety, especially with kids in tow. 3. Zen Spa – While the Zen area of the resort was closed, the Zen Spa was still open, and I’m so glad I made time for it. I had the most amazing massage—truly one of the best I’ve ever experienced. 4. Pools – Perfect for Families The pools were absolutely beautiful and well-maintained. We especially loved the kiddie pool, which was perfect for our little ones. It was a great place to relax and play without feeling overwhelmed. The resort felt quite empty and we never had an issue getting a nice shaded spot for the day. 5. Great Value for the Experience Despite being a luxury resort, we did not feel like we overpaid. The quality of service, food, and amenities made it feel well worth the cost. ⚠️ What Could Be Better: 1. Lack of Advance Notice on Closures We were surprised to find that the Kids Club was under construction and the Zen area was closed during our stay. With better communication ahead of time, we could have planned our days differently or even adjusted our travel dates. 2. Late-Night Disturbance One night, we were woken up by a knock at our door and a phone call around midnight—a very unsettling experience, especially with sleeping children. Unfortunately, this was never explained or addressed by management, despite our follow-up. 3. Beach Experience We didn’t spend much time on the beach. It was small and had quite a bit of seaweed, which made it less appealing compared to the amazing pool areas. Final Thoughts: Would we return? Yes, especially for the family-friendly luxury and service!
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May 02, 2025
Exceptional resort!
We recently stayed at this resort to celebrate our anniversary and I must say it was a truly exceptional experience. The property is divided into three experiences (buildings) which cater to different tastes and needs. Each one is spectacular in their own right and you really can’t go wrong in choosing one since transportation is available to shuttle you between buildings. The staff from Concierge, Food & Beverage, Valet, Housekeeping, etc were all very professional and friendly. Always willing to meet to our needs. Highly recommended for those wanting to visit Playa del Carmen. We will definitely return!
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May 01, 2025
Family Vacation
We just returned from our stay here and it was a great first family vacation. The resort has 3 separate areas: Zen, Ambassador, and Grand Class. The Ambassador is the main area that is family friendly. The space is clean with neutral aesthetic that's very inviting when you first arrive. We were assigned to our concierge Carolina who was amazing! She set up a sleeping area for our toddler. I also am vegan and my mini fridge included a non-dairy milk which was such a nice touch. Prior to arrival you book dinners at their restaurants. First night was Frida - the chef Laura did an amazing job preparing vegan options. The drinks were good as well. The second night was Cocina de Autor which recently received a Michelin star. We absolutely loved Juan and Abraham. They were both really passionate about us experiencing nothing but the best. My husband had the regular 9 course option and they surprisingly had a vegan option. The third night was at Lucca an italian restaurant and they have non-dairy options. Ernesto was excellent with the suggestions. Last night, was Sen Lin, an Asian inspired menu. My kid is picky these days the chef made an exception to make a sushi roll. Edgar and Alejandro were great at giving their recommendations and complimented each other's personality and great energy. The restaurants pay attention to dietary restrictions, allergies, and each has a live instrumentalist. Our breakfast/lunch was either at Azul greeted by Hector or Miriam or poolside with Luis and Jose. They all started to remember who we were and some of our favorite things :) The kids club was such a nice touch to the resort. Dana and Ashley were great with our toddler. They have a daily schedule of activities. My kid kept saying she wanted to go back to the kids club! The resort offers babysitting services which is hotel staff. They have a questionnaire and you fill out with as much detail as you want. Sen was great and provided all the details at the end of the evening. The Zen area is beautiful. Luis is really passionate about making sure everyone feels the calming energy. He was great at helping us get these amazing family photos. It was after talking to Luis that I really got the sense of the family vibe of this resort. Everyone looks out for each other and it is really reflected among the staff. Amazing time!
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May 01, 2025
Excellent service all around
We had a wonderful friends trip at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya in mid April. Our rooms were beautiful, clean and spacious. The service was outstanding with a special shout out to our concierge Nora. She went above and beyond on meeting our requests. Great service too in the restaurants.
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Apr 30, 2025
From Zen to the Beach: A Stay Worth Repeating
We recently stayed at Grand Velas Riviera Maya on the Zen side of the resort, and it truly exceeded all our expectations. From the moment we arrived, the service was impeccable—staff went above and beyond to ensure every detail of our stay was perfect. Whether it was the friendly concierge, attentive waitstaff, or the seamless room service, every interaction reflected a high level of professionalism and care. Staying on the Zen side offers a peaceful, lush jungle setting and a more tranquil atmosphere. A shuttle service runs continuously between Zen and the Ambassador section, making it easy to enjoy both worlds. That said, if your main priority is the beach, I’d recommend staying in the Ambassador section, which is steps away from the ocean and more centrally located for beach activities. As for the food—it was absolutely phenomenal. The resort’s gourmet dining options are among the best we’ve experienced at any all-inclusive. Each restaurant offers its own elevated cuisine—from fine French and Mexican gastronomy to exceptional Asian fusion and international buffets. Every dish was beautifully presented and packed with flavor, and we were especially impressed by the rotating daily menus and attention to dietary needs. Even the poolside snacks and room service options felt like something out of a high-end restaurant. The resort amenities were top-tier across the board. The pools were pristine and well-maintained, with attentive staff offering drinks and towels at every turn. The kids' club and teens' lounge kept our children happily entertained, and the SE Spa is a destination in itself—tranquil, luxurious, and incredibly rejuvenating. The beach itself was stunning, offering a peaceful place to relax under cabanas or enjoy beachside service. However, one minor note for families: there were quite a few sharp stones in the shallow waters, which made it a bit tricky for younger kids to enjoy swimming. That said, it didn’t take away from the overall experience, and water shoes helped. We’ve fallen in love with the Grand Velas brand and are already planning our next trip to their Puerto Vallarta location. If you're looking for a luxurious, relaxing, and flawlessly executed vacation experience with exceptional food and hospitality, Grand Velas Riviera Maya is second to none.
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