2022–23 full renovation plus 2024 rooftop pool additions make this the most recently updated Excellence property.
No wristband policy and no reservation requirement at most restaurants are genuine daily-life advantages.
Unlimited lobster included in the rate, along with premium alcohol throughout.
Six winding pools with meandering hacienda design create naturally private corners throughout the property.
Complimentary calls to USA and Canada included — a genuinely useful operational perk.
Cons
Building 6 and areas near activity hubs generate consistent noise complaints — room selection matters.
Some suites have semi-open bathroom layouts (shared with bedroom) that not all couples prefer.
Seaweed on the beach is seasonally variable despite active maintenance.
Competition for palapas around the main pool requires early morning setup.
The price point is upper-luxury — not a value all-inclusive even within the Excellence brand.
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.
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.
Summary
Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has a higher guest rating, while Excellence Riviera Cancun has more restaurants, while Excellence Riviera Cancun is the larger property, while Excellence Riviera Cancun has more dining venues.
"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.
