Colonial has the densest concentration of specialty restaurants in the Grand Resort complex — guests who prioritize dinner variety over everything else are best served by being in this section
La Cantina Cigar Lounge (premium tequilas, Havana cigars) and the Noble Beach Prize-winning Strikers Sports Bar are in this section — two of the most distinctive evening venues in the complex
The Family Room category (732 sq ft) with separate sleeping areas is genuinely practical for families with young children in ways that single-room configurations aren't
Cons
Some Superior Room units in older Colonial buildings have dated finishes and occasional maintenance issues — the entry-level accommodation tier needs attention in specific blocks
The specialty restaurant dress code enforcement is strict — men cannot wear shorts or sandals, which can be inconvenient at a beach resort if you didn't pack accordingly
Mexican buffet options are often cited as better quality than the general international rotation, but the overall buffet gets the standard 'repetitive by day 4' review pattern
Sandals Royal Barbados
Pros
The rooftop infinity pool is the Caribbean's first — an evening pool experience with ocean views that's unavailable at other Sandals properties
All-suite property means no standard rooms — every guest has suite-level accommodations
'Stay at One, Play at Two' with adjacent Sandals Barbados effectively doubles dining to 20+ restaurants and 10+ bars
15-minute transfer from Grantley Adams International Airport — one of the shortest Sandals arrivals in the Caribbean
Lovers Lanes bowling alley and craft beer bar are genuine novelties within the all-inclusive format
Cons
Maxwell Beach is a public beach — other hotel guests and persistent local vendors are present and regularly cited by guests
Lounge chair competition is consistent: early morning positioning is required for both the main pool and beachfront spots
Service at restaurants and bars is noted as slower than expected given the pricing — allow extra time for meals
Summary
Sandals Royal Barbados has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Sandals Royal Barbados offers more activities.
