Marriott Puerto Vallarta, An All-Inclusive Resort vs Sandals Royal Barbados
Marriott Hotels All-Inclusive vs Sandals Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Marriott Puerto Vallarta, An All-Inclusive Resort | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.2 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 327 | 222 |
| Restaurants | 6 | 21 |
| Pools | 4 | 11 |
| Year Opened | 2024 | 2017 |
| Year Renovated | 2018 | 2021 |
Features
| Metric | Marriott Puerto Vallarta, An All-Inclusive Resort | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Marriott Puerto Vallarta, An All-Inclusive Resort | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 12 | 26 |
| Included | 11 | 26 |
| Extra Charge | 1 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Marriott Puerto Vallarta, An All-Inclusive Resort | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 9 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 6 | 12 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Marriott Puerto Vallarta, An All-Inclusive Resort | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 25 | 24 |
| Included | 19 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 6 |
Pros & Cons
Marriott Puerto Vallarta, An All-Inclusive Resort
Pros
- Under 10 minutes from Puerto Vallarta airport — the most convenient transfer time of any Marriott all-inclusive in Mexico.
- The Sea Turtle Rescue Program participation is a culturally and ecologically specific activity available only during nesting season.
- The Ceviche & Tequila Bar with 180+ tequilas is a serious regional spirits program, not a decorative bar feature.
- Walking distance to Marina Vallarta's restaurants, marina, and Thursday farmer's market provides genuine off-property options without a taxi.
Cons
- A daily resort fee is charged on top of the all-inclusive rate — confirm the full daily cost at booking.
- Pickleball courts now carry a separate daily fee beyond the resort fee — bring your own rackets and expect the extra charge.
- Additional work planned through late 2025 — some areas may be in renovation during your stay.
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 more restaurants, while Marriott Puerto Vallarta, An All-Inclusive Resort is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Marriott Puerto Vallarta, An All-Inclusive Resort offers more activities.