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 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 Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Sandals Royal Barbados offers more activities.
