Grand Decameron Complex Bucerías, A Trademark All-Inclusive
Sandals Royal Barbados
Our Rating
7.2
8.2
Star Rating
3.0
5.0
Room Count
620
222
Restaurants
8
21
Pools
5
11
Year Opened
1985
2017
Year Renovated
2009
2021
Features
Metric
Grand Decameron Complex Bucerías, A Trademark All-Inclusive
Sandals Royal Barbados
All-Inclusive
Yes
Yes
Adults Only
No
Yes
Beach Access
Yes
Yes
Spa
Yes
Yes
Kids Club
Yes
No
Dining Comparison
Metric
Grand Decameron Complex Bucerías, A Trademark All-Inclusive
Sandals Royal Barbados
Total Venues
21
26
Included
21
26
Extra Charge
0
0
Room Comparison
Metric
Grand Decameron Complex Bucerías, A Trademark All-Inclusive
Sandals Royal Barbados
Room Categories
4
12
Suite Categories
1
12
Activities Comparison
Metric
Grand Decameron Complex Bucerías, A Trademark All-Inclusive
Sandals Royal Barbados
Total Activities
28
24
Included
25
18
Extra Charge
3
6
Pros & Cons
Grand Decameron Complex Bucerías, A Trademark All-Inclusive
Pros
Playa Bucerías and the town itself are walkable from the resort — you can explore local restaurants and shops without a taxi, which few Puerto Vallarta all-inclusives offer.
Five specialty à la carte restaurants with genuine cuisine diversity (Italian, Mexican fusion, Japanese, Thai, Brazilian) — the food quality at these venues is above the all-inclusive average.
The Bay of Banderas creates calmer beach swimming conditions than the exposed Pacific coast alternatives.
Cons
Built in 1991 with a last major renovation in 2009 — visible wear in common areas and some room categories is the most frequent guest complaint.
Four children's pools versus one adults-only pool — this is an unambiguously family-oriented property; couples expecting a quiet resort atmosphere should look elsewhere.
Specialty restaurant reservations are limited and fill on arrival day during high season — guests who arrive late may miss preferred venues for their entire stay.
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 Grand Decameron Complex Bucerías, A Trademark All-Inclusive is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Grand Decameron Complex Bucerías, A Trademark All-Inclusive offers more activities.
