Sandals Royal Barbados vs Sun Palace Cancun
Sandals Resorts vs Palace Hotels — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Sandals Royal Barbados | Sun Palace Cancun |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.2 | 9.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 222 | 263 |
| Restaurants | 21 | 4 |
| Pools | 11 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2017 | 1990 |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2020 |
Features
| Metric | Sandals Royal Barbados | Sun Palace Cancun |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | Yes | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | No | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Sandals Royal Barbados | Sun Palace Cancun |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 26 | 10 |
| Included | 26 | 10 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Sandals Royal Barbados | Sun Palace Cancun |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 5 |
| Suite Categories | 12 | 4 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Sandals Royal Barbados | Sun Palace Cancun |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 24 | 33 |
| Included | 18 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 16 |
Pros & Cons
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
Sun Palace Cancun
Pros
- Double whirlpool tubs in every suite as standard — not as a paid upgrade — is a genuine differentiator for the couples-focused market.
- 143 suites keeps the property intimate: no poolside competition for chairs, no crowded buffet lines, no fighting for restaurant tables.
- The 2020 renovation means rooms are in good shape — updated interiors make a meaningful quality difference compared to properties that haven't renovated since opening.
- Fuego breakfast as an à la carte alternative to the buffet is a practical hack that regulars recommend.
Cons
- The international buffet (Aurora) for breakfast and lunch is the weakest dining option — inconsistent temperature and variety.
- Palace Elite sales presentations can be intrusive during the stay — decline politely but firmly if not interested.
- Spa treatments are expensive without resort credits — factor this into the total cost calculation before assuming the spa is a practical option.
Summary
Sun Palace Cancun has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while Sun Palace Cancun is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Sun Palace Cancun offers more activities.