All 756 rooms are suites — even the entry-level Junior Suite at 484 sq ft is more space than a standard room at any other property in the Grand Resort complex
The 2023-2024 partial renovation means rooms, AC systems, and pool areas are more recently updated than anywhere else in the four-hotel complex
Sea turtle sightings at the Palace beach section are noted specifically in multiple guest reviews — the reef proximity at this end of the complex is genuinely different from the other sections
Cons
The 90-minute transfer from Cancún Airport is the longest of any Barceló Maya property — factor this into arrival and departure planning
Rodizio (Brazilian) and Brasserie (French) specialty restaurant slots fill on check-in day — guests who don't book immediately regularly report being unable to get their preferred venues
The resort complex's scale means navigating to Colonial's Strikers bar or Caribe's main pool requires a 15-20 minute walk or the shuttle bus — convenience depends heavily on your section
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 Barceló Maya Palace is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Sandals Royal Barbados offers more activities.
