Are road bike saddles more comfortable in the drops?
It's not normal. Road bikes are designed for the hoods to be as comfortable/sustainable as possible. 

If your rear is more comfortable when you're in the drops, you should probably try tilting your saddle back a bit.

However... consider the possibility that when you are in the drops:


The discomfort in wrists, neck and back are greater.
Like you said, you spend less time there.


These could reduce your awareness of saddle discomfort.

As with any saddle discomfort, you should pinpoint exactly where you feel pain, and make a change that reduces pressure there.