12th-floor rooftop adults-only pool with Banderas Bay panoramas is one of the most distinctive pool features on the Puerto Vallarta hotel zone
Smaller size (222 rooms) means fewer guests competing for loungers and more attentive service than larger neighboring resorts
Local bus to the Zona Romántica runs for roughly 10 pesos — access to Puerto Vallarta's restaurant scene and Malecón without taxi costs
December to March whale season in Banderas Bay is one of Mexico's best — the resort is well-positioned for excursion access
Cons
Single operational elevator for guests creates notable bottlenecks at busy check-in/out times
Rooms facing the entertainment area or main pool pick up significant evening show noise
Pacific beach waves can be strong — not suitable for young children without careful supervision
Premier Ocean Front room is the only category with included Ekinox Bar access; the surcharge applies to most other guests
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 Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has more restaurants, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has more dining venues, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa offers more activities.
"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.
