Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa vs Sandos Playacar All Inclusive
Sandals Resorts vs Sandos Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa | Sandos Playacar All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.1 | 7.8 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 257 | 438 |
| Restaurants | 10 | 9 |
| Pools | 5 | 10 |
| Year Opened | 2013 | 1999 |
| Year Renovated | 2013 | 2012 |
Features
| Metric | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa | Sandos Playacar All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | Yes | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | No | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa | Sandos Playacar All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 18 | 23 |
| Included | 17 | 23 |
| Extra Charge | 1 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa | Sandos Playacar All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 10 | 8 |
| Suite Categories | 6 | 6 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa | Sandos Playacar All Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 25 | 23 |
| Included | 22 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 3 | 5 |
Pros & Cons
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.
- 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.
Sandos Playacar All Inclusive
Pros
- The beach is one of the better resort beaches in the Riviera Maya — the calm, clear water protected by Cozumel Island is a genuine advantage over Cancun Hotel Zone properties that battle rough waves.
- The Playacar location puts Fifth Avenue and Playa del Carmen's independent restaurants and nightlife within walking distance of the resort gate — more built-in off-resort access than most all-inclusives this size.
- The Lite Teen Club running until midnight and the Kids Club running until 10 PM give parents meaningful free time in the evenings without external childcare arrangements.
Summary
Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has more restaurants, while Sandos Playacar All Inclusive is the larger property, while Sandos Playacar All Inclusive has more dining venues, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa offers more activities.