All-suite accommodations starting at 732 sq ft — double the space of a standard all-inclusive room without paying premium boutique prices.
Mismaloya Beach is a sheltered cove with calm, swimmable Pacific water — rare on Mexico's Pacific coast where most beaches have strong surf.
Four specialty restaurants carry Mexico's H Award for culinary standards — verified food quality above the typical all-inclusive level.
The Mismaloya location gives access to Sierra Madre zip-lining and Banderas Bay whale watching that Hotel Zone properties can't match in proximity.
Los Arcos grill restaurant on the ocean's edge at sunset is one of the more atmospheric dinner experiences in Puerto Vallarta's resort corridor.
Cons
The property last received major renovations in 2008 — 15+ years on, some rooms and common areas show their age despite cosmetic updates.
Non-Premium Level guests have specialty restaurant access restricted by length of stay — short trips of 3–4 nights may not get full use of all four H Award restaurants.
The location 14 miles south of Puerto Vallarta means the city's dining and nightlife require a taxi, making spontaneous evenings out impractical.
U-Spa is small for a property this size — one couples' treatment room and two singles means limited availability, especially on weekends.
Premium spirits and better cocktail quality require upgrading to Premium Level — standard all-inclusive alcohol is basic.
Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa
Pros
Pink Gin Beach is genuinely calm and swimmable — sheltered cove geometry prevents the choppy surf that affects more exposed Caribbean beaches.
Ten restaurants for 257 rooms is a high ratio, resulting in shorter waits and more consistent kitchen quality than larger Sandals properties.
Five-minute airport transfer is among the shortest in the Sandals chain — no long bus rides after a redeye.
SkyPool suites with private infinity plunge pools are architecturally distinctive and not replicated at most other properties.
PADI scuba diving up to two dives/day is included — at $80–100 per dive externally, this adds real value for certified divers.
Summary
Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has more restaurants, while Barceló Puerto Vallarta is the larger property, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has more dining venues.
The property's smaller, quieter personality makes it work well for couples who want intimacy over high-energy activity.
Cons
The Sandals app reservation system is unreliable — restaurants show as fully booked while tables are available, and closures go unannounced.
"Partial ocean view" and even some "ocean view" rooms deliver disappointing sightlines — verify the specific building and floor before booking.
Butler Elite categories represent a meaningful price jump; the value is clearest for guests who actually use 24-hour room service and prefer to delegate planning.
Beach lounger availability at the South Seas pool requires early claiming (pre-8:30 AM on busy weeks) — not ideal for late risers.
Older sections of the property show maintenance wear relative to the newer Italian village buildings.
