Platinum Yucatan Princess All Suites & Spa Resort - All Inclusive vs Sandals Royal Barbados
Princess Hotels & Resorts vs Sandals Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Platinum Yucatan Princess All Suites & Spa Resort - All Inclusive | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.1 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 470 | 222 |
| Restaurants | 6 | 21 |
| Pools | 13 | 11 |
| Year Opened | — | 2017 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2021 |
Features
| Metric | Platinum Yucatan Princess All Suites & Spa Resort - All Inclusive | 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 | Platinum Yucatan Princess All Suites & Spa Resort - All Inclusive | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 17 | 26 |
| Included | 15 | 26 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Platinum Yucatan Princess All Suites & Spa Resort - All Inclusive | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 10 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 7 | 12 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Platinum Yucatan Princess All Suites & Spa Resort - All Inclusive | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 30 | 24 |
| Included | 26 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 4 | 6 |
Pros & Cons
Platinum Yucatan Princess All Suites & Spa Resort - All Inclusive
Pros
- Sister-property access to Grand Riviera and Grand Sunset Princess gives dining variety that most 472-room adults-only resorts can't match
- 13 pools across the property mean there's almost always a quieter spot to retreat to
- Adults-only (18+) policy is consistently enforced — the atmosphere is genuinely calmer than family-inclusive alternatives nearby
- Walk-Out Oceanfront Suites offer direct beach access that most Riviera Maya properties don't provide at the suite level
Cons
- Property opened 2014 with no documented major renovation — some guest reviews mention fixtures and soft furnishings that show age
- The main buffet receives weaker reviews than the à la carte restaurants — plan most dinners at specialty venues
- Sargassum seaweed on the beach is a seasonal reality; June–October carries the highest risk
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 Platinum Yucatan Princess All Suites & Spa Resort - All Inclusive is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Platinum Yucatan Princess All Suites & Spa Resort - All Inclusive offers more activities.