Grand Riviera Princess Review: Pools & Value (2025)

Is Grand Riviera Princess located in Playa del Carmen?

Yes, the resort’s postal address is Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, but it sits on the northern edge of the city, along the Riviera Maya corridor. The full address, verified by Yelp and TripAdvisor, is Prolongación 5ta Avenida S/N, Manzana 20 Lote 6, 77710 Playa del Carmen.

Location overview: Riviera Maya vs Playa del Carmen

Riviera Maya is a stretch of Caribbean coastline south of Cancún, while Playa del Carmen is a city within that region. Many travellers assume the resort is in the town centre, but it is actually about 6 km north of the main tourist strip (Quinta Avenida). The property is part of the hotel zone that extends along the coast, giving it direct beach access.

The bottom line: Grand Riviera Princess is in the Riviera Maya, not in downtown Playa del Carmen, but it is still within easy reach of the city’s restaurants and shops.

What is the nicest resort in Playa del Carmen?

“Nicest” depends on what you value. Grand Riviera Princess is a large all-inclusive with 674 rooms, 12 pools, and a 1,700 m² spa. However, its TripAdvisor ranking among 39 all-inclusive properties in Playa del Carmen is #37, which suggests it is not the top-rated option in the city.

Grand Riviera Princess as a top contender

Despite the middling rank, the resort scores well on Booking.com (8.1) and Expedia (8.0). Guests praise the variety of pools, the family-friendly atmosphere, and the beachfront location. The main drawbacks, according to recent reviews, are long buffet lines and inconsistent food quality.

Other notable resorts in the area

Within the same complex, the Princess Family Club Riviera is a dedicated family annex with 136–144 rooms, a kids’ club, and a separate pool area. It is classified as a 4-star property on Trip.com and has a TripAdvisor rating of 4.1/5. For travellers seeking a quieter, adult-focused experience, other all-inclusive resorts along the Riviera Maya corridor may be better suited.

What this means: Grand Riviera Princess is a solid mid-range all-inclusive, but it is not the highest-rated resort in Playa del Carmen. If you prioritise family facilities and a large pool complex, it is worth considering.

Which is better, Riviera Maya or Playa del Carmen?

This question confuses many first-time visitors. Riviera Maya is the broader region that includes Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and other coastal towns. Grand Riviera Princess is located in the Riviera Maya, specifically within the municipality of Solidaridad, which includes Playa del Carmen.

Differences between Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a bustling city with a pedestrianised main street (Quinta Avenida), ferry terminals to Cozumel, and a wide range of restaurants and nightlife. The Riviera Maya region, by contrast, is a long stretch of beach resorts and eco-parks, with fewer urban amenities. Choosing “better” depends on whether you want city convenience or a self-contained resort experience.

Grand Riviera Princess offers the latter: you stay on a large property with multiple pools, restaurants, and a spa, and you can visit Playa del Carmen’s centre by a short taxi ride.

The pattern: If you want a resort that feels separate from the city, Grand Riviera Princess fits the Riviera Maya model. If you prefer stepping out directly into a lively town, look for a property in central Playa del Carmen.

Hotel Grand Riviera Princess reviews

Aggregated reviews from major platforms give a clear picture of the resort’s strengths and weaknesses.

What guests say about Grand Riviera Princess

On Booking.com, the overall score is 8.1, but breakfast is rated only 6.4, indicating that morning meals are a pain point. TripAdvisor’s 4.0/5 rating (over 13,000 reviews) similarly reflects general satisfaction with notable gaps.

“The resort is one of the best all-inclusive family resorts in Riviera Maya. The food was strong, the pools varied, and the entertainment kept our kids happy.”

— Lisa Travel Design blog, 2023 (independent travel review)

However, some guests report long queues at buffets, cold food, and a decline in quality compared with previous stays, especially around 2021. A TripAdvisor feature page notes complaints about “limited and cold food options” and “long lines”.

“The bunk beds in the family rooms were dangerous – not suitable for three children. The room configuration felt unsafe.”

— TripAdvisor guest review, August 2022 (Princess Family Club Riviera)

WestJet Vacations customers describe the Platinum level as “a standard all-inclusive experience” despite the premium label, raising questions about the value of upgrade tiers.

The trade-off: You get a huge pool complex and family-friendly atmosphere, but food quality and evening entertainment may disappoint.

Hotel Grand Riviera Princess all inclusive

The all-inclusive package at Grand Riviera Princess includes all onsite food and beverages, as confirmed by Expedia. There are some restrictions – premium drinks or specialty restaurants may incur extra charges, a common practice in large resorts.

What the all-inclusive package includes

• Unlimited meals at buffet and à la carte restaurants (reservations may be required)
• Domestic and selected international drinks
• Access to 12 swimming pools, including 4 children’s pools
• Use of the 1,700 m² spa (treatment services extra)
• Evening entertainment and kids’ club

The minimum stay is 3 nights, and the price range per night for standard rooms is €157–€394 according to TripAdvisor. Seasonal variation is significant: peak winter months cost more, while summer offers lower rates.

Why this matters: The all-inclusive package covers the basics well, but if you expect top-tier gastronomy or premium drinks, you may need to pay extra or look elsewhere.