Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana vs Sandals Montego Bay
Hyatt Zilara vs Sandals Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana | Sandals Montego Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.1 | 8.6 |
| Star Rating | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 249 | 264 |
| Restaurants | 6 | 12 |
| Pools | 3 | 7 |
| Year Opened | 2019 | 1981 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2019 |
Features
| Metric | Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana | Sandals Montego Bay |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | Yes | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | No | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana | Sandals Montego Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 28 | 19 |
| Included | 27 | 19 |
| Extra Charge | 1 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana | Sandals Montego Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 9 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 9 | 8 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana | Sandals Montego Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 22 | 25 |
| Included | 18 | 20 |
| Extra Charge | 4 | 5 |
Pros & Cons
Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana
Pros
- Exceptional and attentive staff, often going "above and beyond" for guests.
- High-quality and diverse gourmet dining options, including French-Polynesian and Indian cuisines.
- Beautifully maintained, immaculate property with modern design and stunning beaches.
- Tranquil and refined adults-only atmosphere, ideal for relaxation.
- Full access to the family-friendly Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana's facilities, including its water park.
- Premium top-shelf wines and liquors are included in the all-inclusive rate.
- Spacious, modern, and well-equipped suites with comfortable beds and great decor.
- Pristine Juanillo Beach featuring white, powdery sand directly accessible from the resort.
Cons
- Some guests report "ridiculously long" wait times for restaurant seating and at bars.
- Occasional mentions of cold pools and dirty hot tubs.
- While generally praised, food quality can sometimes be average or inconsistent for certain dishes.
- Some guests felt pressured by upselling attempts for Club Level or specialty dining.
- Inconsistent mini-bar refills and in-room supplies were occasionally mentioned.
- Nightlife on the Zilara side is generally quiet or non-existent, with most bars closing by 11 p.m.
Sandals Montego Bay
Pros
- Exceptional and welcoming service from staff.
- Outstanding water views from nearly every vantage point.
- Beautiful and expansive private white-sand beach with loungers, umbrellas, and natural shade.
- Unique overwater bar with hammocks is a guest favorite.
- Wide variety and high quality of 12 dining options, many offering water views (e.g., Oleander, Butch's, Soy, Tokyo Jo's).
- Extensive range of included motorized and non-motorized water sports and land sports.
- The "Stay at 1, Play at 2" privilege with Sandals Royal Caribbean significantly expands amenities.
- Quick and efficient 10-15 minute airport transfers.
- Recently renovated rooms and luxurious oceanfront and swim-up suites.
Cons
Summary
Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Montego Bay has more restaurants, while Sandals Montego Bay is the larger property, while Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana has more dining venues, while Sandals Montego Bay offers more activities.