Sandals Montego Bay vs Royal Caribbean
Two of the Sandals resorts in Jamaica, Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean have quite a few similarities, but they also have some key differences. If you’re trying to choose between the two, our comparison of Sandals Montego Bay vs. Royal Caribbean will help!
Sandals Montego Bay vs. Royal Caribbean: Overview
These two luxurious adults-only all-inclusive resorts are both in Montego Bay, Jamaica. They are located pretty close to the airport so you can get your vacation started quickly, but Montego Bay is close enough to hear noise from the planes during the day.
The main difference between the two is that Sandals Royal Caribbean is more quiet, and has a private island that features the romantic overwater bungalows. Sandals Montego Bay is more lively and has more restaurants.
However, you can access all the facilities and amenities of both resorts regardless of which one you choose, with a free shuttle between them that takes just about 10 minutes.
They are relatively affordable Sandals resorts and tend to cost around the same, although Montego Bay can be a bit higher. Ratings are also very similar, at 4.5 for Sandals Montego Bay and 4.4 for Sandals Royal Caribbean on Google.
Sandals Montego Bay vs. Royal Caribbean: Location and Getting There
Both of these resorts are in Montego Bay, Jamaica, and it takes just about 10 minutes to get to them from the airport via the Sandals complimentary transfer.
Sandals Montego Bay is slightly closer. This means that you can hear noise from the planes; it’s pretty loud, but only happens during the day between about 10 am and 4 pm. If you think this might bother you, you’ll want to choose Royal Caribbean.
Sandals Montego Bay vs Royal Caribbean: Rooms
A big difference in this area is that only Sandals Royal Caribbean has overwater bungalows. These spectacular suites are set over the water off of the private island, and they offer direct water access and incredible views. These come with 24-hour butler service and some of them have private pools.
Other great choices at Sandals Royal Caribbean include beachfront walkout butler suites and Crystal Lagoon swim-up butler suites, as well as beachfront and swim-up club level suites.
At Sandals Montego Bay, top accommodations include beachfront swim-up butler suites, beachfront honeymoon butler suites, Crystal Lagoon swim-up rooms, and beachfront honeymoon walkout club suites.
There is a huge variety to choose from here, as the resort is large and has been added to over the years. The oceanfront swim-up suites are our favorite.
At both resorts, all of the rooms and suites have private furnished balconies or terraces, many with oversized soaking tubs.
Sandals Montego Bay vs. Royal Caribbean: Dining and Drinks
There are 12 restaurants at Sandals Montego Bay, serving Jamaican, French, Italian, seafood, Pan-Asian, steak, sushi, pizza, and more. Many of them overlook the water. Our favorite choices at Montego Bay are Oleander’s for the delicious Caribbean dishes and great sunset views, and Butch’s for the surf and turf.
Sandals Montego Bay has 6 bars including swim-up bars and a piano bar.
Top restaurants at Royal Caribbean are Royal Thai, which is on the private island, and the Indian restaurant Bombay Club. The rest of the 9 restaurants serve French, Caribbean, Italian, British, pizza, and grilled specialties.
Sandals Montego Bay has 5 bars including a swim-up bar.
Sandals Montego Bay vs. Royal Caribbean: Activities
While both of these resorts have beautiful beaches and a wide range of complimentary watersports and land activities, you’ll find more to do at Sandals Montego Bay. Watersports include snorkeling, scuba diving, paddleboarding, kayaking, Hobie Cat sailing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, and tubing. Land activities include tennis, bocce ball, and beach volleyball.
The coolest amenity at Sandals Royal Caribbean is the private offshore island, which you reach by a quick boat trip. It has restaurants, a gorgeous beach with cabanas, a pool with a swim-up bar, and a jacuzzi. There are often bonfires and dancing there at night. You can enjoy all the nonmotorized watersports here as well as beach volleyball, pool, and bocce ball.
At both resorts, you’ll have multiple pools to enjoy plus access to a fitness center with exercise classes (included) and a luxurious spa (extra). You can also book area excursions for an extra cost.
At night, both have entertainment but Sandals Montego Bay is livelier. They are also close to Montego Bay’s nightlife scene.
Sandals Montego Bay vs Royal Caribbean: Cost
Sandals Montego Bay is slightly more expensive than Sandals Royal Caribbean, with rates currently starting at $268 per person per night. Sandals Royal Caribbean’s rates currently start at $259 per person per night.
Sandals Montego Bay vs Royal Caribbean: The Verdict
While both of these resorts have a lot to offer and are conveniently located, there are some key differences. Sandals Montego Bay has more going on, while Royal Caribbean is quieter. Only Royal Caribbean has overwater bungalows and a private island. We liked them both but enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere at Royal Caribbean. Which one would you choose?
