August 2024 renovation brings genuinely new rooms, pools, and public spaces — no pre-renovation fatigue.
32 dining venues is the most comprehensive F&B program in any Riu Caribbean property.
11 pools including Elite Club private pool options provide genuine choice at scale.
Complimentary Splash Water World access is included without requiring extra booking.
RiuLand kids' club with cinema and cooking classes is among the better children's programs in Punta Cana.
Cons
994 rooms means peak-hour congestion at the main buffet — specialty restaurants absorb some of this but require reservations.
Scale can feel overwhelming — the resort is large enough that navigating between venues requires planning.
Post-renovation 2024 means early guest reviews still forming; service consistency is not yet fully established.
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.
"Partial ocean view" and even some "ocean view" rooms deliver disappointing sightlines — verify the specific building and floor before booking.
Summary
Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Palace Bavaro is the larger property, while Hotel Riu Palace Bavaro has more dining venues, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa offers more activities.
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.
