uslegend

These are my only options with availability in late JULY for me to redeem my USAir miles. <BR>- St. Martin/ Maarten<BR>- Grand Cayman<BR>- Bermuda<BR>- San Juan<BR>It will be a family vacation: me, wife &amp; 3 sons (ages 3, 9 &amp; 12). We are looking to spend most of our time on the beach/ in the water. We want a place directly on the beach (villa/ condo)so the kids can come in &amp; out as they please. We don't want the crowds so large resorts are out. <BR><BR>Any input on WHICH ISLAND and WHERE TO STAY is GREATLY APPRECITED for this 1st trip to the Carribean!<BR>

susan1

From what I hear, Grand Cayman is the best for what you are looking for.<BR><BR>We will be going there for our first time.<BR><BR>Of all the islands you are suggesting, Grand Cayman is supposed to be the safest (also Bermuda is safe), very clean and lots of families.<BR><BR>If you want the Hyatt, you can bid on priceline and get the Hyatt. Otherwise, condos in Grand Cayman should have lower rates in July.<BR><BR>Let us know what you decide on.

susan1

Also, I forgot to mention, look up caymanvacations.com for condo packages.<BR><BR>

Knowing

Since you are mentioning beach and water, I would suggest GC. I need to warn you however that with three kids you will spend a lot of money on food if you are eating out a lot. If you are all happy eating sandwiches, etc. you can go to the grocery store and buy what you want for your refrigerator.

mels

Bermuda !!!!! The best beaches, restaurants. I gave my kids summer vacations at the shore, my husband and used to escape to the Islands alone so I can really not advise what to do with three kids in Bermuda. Sorry, but I am someone brought must have there kids to Bermuda.

scs

My vote goes to Grand Cayman. We have taken our children to GC (twice in the summer) and Bermuda and love both places, but GC is off season in the summer and it is prime time in Bermuda. There are lots of condos along the beach in GC. The food is very expensive as stated by another poster, but the beach is gorgeous! You won't find as many crowds in the summer in GC either.

Jamie

Temperature-wise, You're better off choosing Bermuda for late July. The other 3 places are going to be unbearably hot (careful with sunburn). Second, I would choose St.Martin/Maarten; interesting to see French AND Dutch. Third, probably San Juan, esp if you like the big city feel. A New Yorker I know LOVES it down there, esp. the 2 Hyatt hotels west of San Juan. I believe one is Dorado and the other Cerromar. One seems more for children but I don't remember which.<BR><BR>Last, Cayman. Because there's so little to do there. 3 young children probably want more than sting rays and turtles. <BR><BR>Have you been to Disney World? You would have a crowd but the children would be thrilled with all the activities ... definitely lifetime memories. Something there for everybody.

cruisenboy2

Choose St. Martin. Its great for SKINNY DIPPIN'....Plus its legal! And feels oh sooooo good!<BR><BR>Cruisenboy2

ParrotMom

Bermuda, Bermuda, Bermuda...beautiful beaches and wonderful people..they actually like tourists.

Barbara1

I live in st. maarten. it is a great island to visit. great beaches, lots to do for the kids,and the most fabulous restuarants ever. you can eat on this island like no other island. plus you can take day trips to other islands like Anguilla or St. Barths<BR>I have been to bermuda many times and I love it. the beaches there are also beautiful<BR>Grand Caymamn to me is rather boring<BR>Puerto Rico is nice depending on where you go.. There are better beaches outside the san Juan area. it is a big island and there is lots to do<BR>hard decision to make<BR>good luck!<BR>