Hotel Riu Palace Baja California vs Sandals Royal Barbados
Riu Hotels & Resorts vs Sandals Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Hotel Riu Palace Baja California | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.1 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 650 | 222 |
| Restaurants | 6 | 21 |
| Pools | 4 | 11 |
| Year Opened | — | 2017 |
| Year Renovated | 2024 | 2021 |
Features
| Metric | Hotel Riu Palace Baja California | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | Yes | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | No | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Hotel Riu Palace Baja California | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 16 | 26 |
| Included | 16 | 26 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Hotel Riu Palace Baja California | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 9 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 9 | 12 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Hotel Riu Palace Baja California | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 22 | 24 |
| Included | 18 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 4 | 6 |
Pros & Cons
Hotel Riu Palace Baja California
Pros
- El Médano is one of the few swimmable beaches in Cabo San Lucas — a genuine geographic advantage over most Cabo all-inclusives.
- Complimentary Splash Water World and Riu Pool Parties at neighboring Riu Santa Fe expand entertainment without adding cost.
- Two swim-up bar pools — unusual generosity for a property of this size.
- Renova Spa with five treatment cabins including two double cabins for couples treatments.
- Elite Club upgrade provides a measurable service tier difference, not just a different room category.
Cons
- 30–45 minute drive from Los Cabos International Airport — longer than some Cabo alternatives.
- Adults-only (18+) — not an option for families.
- Formal dress required at all specialty restaurants every evening.
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
- The scale of the combined Royal Barbados and Sandals Barbados property means it's a larger, more crowded operation than quieter Sandals resorts
Summary
Sandals Royal Barbados has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Palace Baja California is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Sandals Royal Barbados offers more activities.