12–20 minutes from PVR airport — one of the closest major all-inclusives to Puerto Vallarta's airport
Bahia de Banderas provides genuinely swimmable beach water, rare for Pacific Mexico coastal resorts
No reservations required for specialty restaurants — a practical advantage over larger Hard Rock properties
In-room hydro spa tubs available in all room categories, not just suites
Zen restaurant is consistently rated above similar all-inclusive Asian dining in the Puerto Vallarta area
Cons
Entry-level rooms have small French-style balconies — not proper terraces for sitting outside
Some rooms show older finishing from the 2014 renovation including dated bathrooms and noise transmission through hallways
Vacation club sales staff are active on property and persistent — expect an approach within the first day
Rock Spa® has only 13 treatment rooms — a small capacity that requires advance booking in peak season
Motorized water sports and most excursions cost extra, including scuba diving and the Flamingos Golf Course
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 Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta is the larger property, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has more dining venues, while Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta 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.
