St. Thomas or Grand Cayman?
Jan 6th, 2007, 10:32 AM
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St. Thomas or Grand Cayman?
we are taking a last minute trip next month, using marriott points, and wonder if grand cayman or st. thomas would be better? i know both are fairly commercial, and not all that quaint, but they would be free with our points. we have spent some time in the bvi's, but not on st. thomas or grand cayman - any suggestions???
Jan 6th, 2007, 10:52 AM
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We've been to both. For us, Grand Cayman hands down. 7 Mile Beach is gorgeus and plenty of things to do on the Island. Sting Ray City is a must. We also did a Island tour to many of the touristy spots. Grand Cayman has some of the best snorkeling of any Island we've been to.
We stayed at the Courtyard by Marriot and liked it fine. Which one you are considering?
We stayed at the Courtyard by Marriot and liked it fine. Which one you are considering?
Jan 6th, 2007, 12:44 PM
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Agree, GC over ST. The Marriott Beach Resort is nice, have stayed there a few times, the last time about 4 yrs ago. Spa was small but adequate. Red Sail Sports is on the premise for snorkle and wave runner rentals. Food is fine.
Only potential negative is the beach.....there is a slight curve in the shore where the hotel is located and storms can either wash away a portion of the sand and leave a narrow strip of beach OR can dump add'l sand on the shore and add depth. We just moved chairs up to the pool level overlooking the ocean as needed.
Only potential negative is the beach.....there is a slight curve in the shore where the hotel is located and storms can either wash away a portion of the sand and leave a narrow strip of beach OR can dump add'l sand on the shore and add depth. We just moved chairs up to the pool level overlooking the ocean as needed.
Jan 6th, 2007, 01:23 PM
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new timeshare construction on st thomas marriott.......avoid !
Marriott Frenchman's St. Thomas is very overated compared to GC.
I would go to the sister property at Morningstar...not sure if your points apply..
THAT is the property to stay at.
Marriott Frenchman's St. Thomas is very overated compared to GC.
I would go to the sister property at Morningstar...not sure if your points apply..
THAT is the property to stay at.
Jan 6th, 2007, 05:30 PM
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We've stayed at both Marriott properties. I think that the beach at GC marriott is probably nicer - although there is less of it. The property at STT is HUGE. The propery line in GC is significantly smaller.
If you plan on staying at the hotel and exclusively sunning at the beach then I'd choose GC.
However, I think you have to ask yourself what you intend to do, besides sun yourself at the beach.
GC has a few more attractions (turtles & stingrays & water activities) while both have shopping and incredible beaches.
The east end of GC gives you the old world - deserted island type of feel (but you'll need a car) and I'm not sure you'll find that in STT. But not to cut STT short, there is Meagans bay, which is not to be missed if you enjoy sunning and beach (which I'm assuming you do.)
Both have expensive Cab fares. In STT you are charged per person (VERY Expensive) in GC at least they charge one price for the first 3 people....
In STT you have tons of options for day trips -- STJ, Croix, Jost Van Dyke etc etc. via ferry for less than $20. In GC it is $138 and a jet ride away to get to the Brac, or Little Cayman. (Which are just charming!)
If you dive, then it is Cayman, without any question. If you sail, it is STT without any question.
Another consideration is the exchange rate. In GC it is quite expensive. The dollar is only worth 80 cents. The dinning in GC is superb and there is a LOT of it... but its expensive. Everything (and I mean everything -- except for the rum cakes) come in via barge. At least on STT you can run to Kmart and buy Rum for $4 a bottle. In Cayman it is $20 bottle.
There are a few good restaurants in STT -- one of our fav's is in Frenchtown - Craig and Sally's. If you go there - don't miss it.
Safety is also an issue. Crime in GC is nearly non-existant. Crime in STT is frequent. The guide books say to be careful walking around Charlotte Amalie after dark. There are some tough areas on STT and you will need to be careful. In GC random strangers would probably ask you if you needed a ride if you were walking in the dark....
Hopefully I'm providing insight into your decision.... We've enjoyed both. I'm pretty partial to STJ and Jost so if offered, I might stay on STT - just so I could visit STJ and Jost again... However, in 36 days I'm getting married in GC....
Either way - enjoy your trip!
If you plan on staying at the hotel and exclusively sunning at the beach then I'd choose GC.
However, I think you have to ask yourself what you intend to do, besides sun yourself at the beach.
GC has a few more attractions (turtles & stingrays & water activities) while both have shopping and incredible beaches.
The east end of GC gives you the old world - deserted island type of feel (but you'll need a car) and I'm not sure you'll find that in STT. But not to cut STT short, there is Meagans bay, which is not to be missed if you enjoy sunning and beach (which I'm assuming you do.)
Both have expensive Cab fares. In STT you are charged per person (VERY Expensive) in GC at least they charge one price for the first 3 people....
In STT you have tons of options for day trips -- STJ, Croix, Jost Van Dyke etc etc. via ferry for less than $20. In GC it is $138 and a jet ride away to get to the Brac, or Little Cayman. (Which are just charming!)
If you dive, then it is Cayman, without any question. If you sail, it is STT without any question.
Another consideration is the exchange rate. In GC it is quite expensive. The dollar is only worth 80 cents. The dinning in GC is superb and there is a LOT of it... but its expensive. Everything (and I mean everything -- except for the rum cakes) come in via barge. At least on STT you can run to Kmart and buy Rum for $4 a bottle. In Cayman it is $20 bottle.
There are a few good restaurants in STT -- one of our fav's is in Frenchtown - Craig and Sally's. If you go there - don't miss it.
Safety is also an issue. Crime in GC is nearly non-existant. Crime in STT is frequent. The guide books say to be careful walking around Charlotte Amalie after dark. There are some tough areas on STT and you will need to be careful. In GC random strangers would probably ask you if you needed a ride if you were walking in the dark....
Hopefully I'm providing insight into your decision.... We've enjoyed both. I'm pretty partial to STJ and Jost so if offered, I might stay on STT - just so I could visit STJ and Jost again... However, in 36 days I'm getting married in GC....
Either way - enjoy your trip!
Jan 7th, 2007, 08:59 AM
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We've stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott pre-Ivan in Nov., 2003. It was a Holiday Inn then and they offered an AI plan, which we throughly enjoyed. Since their 2 resturants are open to the public for profit, their food was the best we've ever eaten for AI. I think that they still offer some type of meal plan. It would be worth asking. I would also ask if they have exchange privledges.
Even though their beach is across the street from the Courtyard, it was gorgeus. The best beach we've seen next to Grace Bay in T & C. They offer a beach bar, resturant, restrooms and Red Sail Sports for water activities. I do agree that food and drink are quite expensive on Grand Cayman. There are 2 small, quaint AI properties on the Island that we would stay at next time. Since you are getting your hotel free, that should cover the cost of food/drink. There is a bus stop right in front of the Courtyard. It was $2.50 p/p to go into Georgetown. The next time we go I will rent a car. The roads are decent and very easy to get around. We thought Grand Cayman was quite and relaxing. However, I would suggest to stay away from Georgetown or Sting Ray City when multiple cruise ships are in port.
The topography of St. Thomas was nice. Beaches and snorkling OK (IOHO) I agree we were concerned with the amount of crime reported, but did not have any issues during our stay. We were very cautious and used known tour compaines instead of roaming around by ourselves. We stayed at the Wyndham Sugar Bay. The hotel was huge and there were many, many steps to get to the beach/pool/bar/resturants. Wouldn't stay at that hotel again just because of that. We didn't care for the roller coaster type roads and the crazy drivers. We got head up by a wreck going ack to the airport. The Island was not kept up well. We saw many junk cars and used applicances scattered all over. We are glad we went since we also got to go to St. John and some of the BVI's, but we would not return. We would definatley go back to Grand Cayman.
If your interested, we have pictures of both Islands at:
http://community.webshots.com/user/kvrlvn
Even though their beach is across the street from the Courtyard, it was gorgeus. The best beach we've seen next to Grace Bay in T & C. They offer a beach bar, resturant, restrooms and Red Sail Sports for water activities. I do agree that food and drink are quite expensive on Grand Cayman. There are 2 small, quaint AI properties on the Island that we would stay at next time. Since you are getting your hotel free, that should cover the cost of food/drink. There is a bus stop right in front of the Courtyard. It was $2.50 p/p to go into Georgetown. The next time we go I will rent a car. The roads are decent and very easy to get around. We thought Grand Cayman was quite and relaxing. However, I would suggest to stay away from Georgetown or Sting Ray City when multiple cruise ships are in port.
The topography of St. Thomas was nice. Beaches and snorkling OK (IOHO) I agree we were concerned with the amount of crime reported, but did not have any issues during our stay. We were very cautious and used known tour compaines instead of roaming around by ourselves. We stayed at the Wyndham Sugar Bay. The hotel was huge and there were many, many steps to get to the beach/pool/bar/resturants. Wouldn't stay at that hotel again just because of that. We didn't care for the roller coaster type roads and the crazy drivers. We got head up by a wreck going ack to the airport. The Island was not kept up well. We saw many junk cars and used applicances scattered all over. We are glad we went since we also got to go to St. John and some of the BVI's, but we would not return. We would definatley go back to Grand Cayman.
If your interested, we have pictures of both Islands at:
http://community.webshots.com/user/kvrlvn
Jan 21st, 2007, 03:48 PM
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Been twice to Grand Cayman and 4 times to St. Thomas. Grand Cayman is very expensive, and frankly, the only beach there I did like was at Rum Point. It actually felt like the Caribbean there. Otherwise, you could be on Miami Beach or some other US property. Stayed with marriott points also. The GC Marriott Beach has been eroded away by numerous storms. We love going to St. Thomas, rent a car and explore. The beaches are phenomenal and it is very easy to go to another island. There are excellent restaurants- Stone Farmhouse, Oceana, and Havana Blue, at the Marriott (but not owned by them). We avoid Charlotte Amalie. The scenery in the Virgin islands, including St. Thomas is gorgeous- mountains, surf, lush vegetation. Grand Cayman's vegetation is low scrub, and basically unexciting. We only went to the Caymans twice because we had to use our Marriott points and that Marriott was the only one available. One really good restaurant on GC was the Reef Grill; otherwise, most are mediocre. My opinion of Grand Cayman is the same as Aruba- very Americanized; if that's the vacation you want, you can go to Florida for much less money.
Jan 21st, 2007, 04:25 PM
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fernlover,
I disagree with you about GC being like Aruba.Yes, both islands are flat and have less vegetation than STT.But STT is also Americanized.
I felt that GC was a wonderful place to vacation.The beaches were beautiful and nothing like Miami.
I have been to STJ (landed in STT,but did not explore much)I feel that the Virgin islands are very beautiful and lush,but are also very Americanized.
I love both STJ and GC but you really cannot compare them because they are both VERY different places.
As far as restaurants in GC...they were some of the best that I have had in the Caribbean.
agriffin,
It depends on what kind of vacation you are looking for.
If you have kids and want plenty of things to do,excellent snorkeling,ease of driving around the island,excellent restaurants...Grand Cayman is the way to go.
I have not stayed on STT but have been to STJ twice.
I really cannot give advice on STT but what I like about STJ is the views are wonderful and beaches are also beautiful.It is not as easy to get around the island as GC because it is mountainous, so you will need some patience.It is a great place for couples to go to relax on the beach and explore off the beaten path.
My in-laws have stayed at the Frenchman's Reef on STT and said that it was in need of updates.Also it is not on a nice beach.
The Courtyard Marriott on GC is a great location on a great spot of beach,very close to some good restaurants and hang out spots.
Not sure what you will choose but hope that you have a good time!
And hope that this helps.
Christie
I disagree with you about GC being like Aruba.Yes, both islands are flat and have less vegetation than STT.But STT is also Americanized.
I felt that GC was a wonderful place to vacation.The beaches were beautiful and nothing like Miami.
I have been to STJ (landed in STT,but did not explore much)I feel that the Virgin islands are very beautiful and lush,but are also very Americanized.
I love both STJ and GC but you really cannot compare them because they are both VERY different places.
As far as restaurants in GC...they were some of the best that I have had in the Caribbean.
agriffin,
It depends on what kind of vacation you are looking for.
If you have kids and want plenty of things to do,excellent snorkeling,ease of driving around the island,excellent restaurants...Grand Cayman is the way to go.
I have not stayed on STT but have been to STJ twice.
I really cannot give advice on STT but what I like about STJ is the views are wonderful and beaches are also beautiful.It is not as easy to get around the island as GC because it is mountainous, so you will need some patience.It is a great place for couples to go to relax on the beach and explore off the beaten path.
My in-laws have stayed at the Frenchman's Reef on STT and said that it was in need of updates.Also it is not on a nice beach.
The Courtyard Marriott on GC is a great location on a great spot of beach,very close to some good restaurants and hang out spots.
Not sure what you will choose but hope that you have a good time!
And hope that this helps.Christie
Jan 21st, 2007, 04:38 PM
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Can't speak to the Mariott in Grand Cayman as we always stay at Plantana Condo but having visited both Cayman and St. Thomas my vote goes to GC hands down. Yes, there were beautiful beaches on STT. and plenty of folks selling stuff on them. Spent a day on STJ and loved it. GC is expensive but worth it. The portion of 7MB in front of Plantana is never very crowded and very relaxing. All personal preference of course but we just didn't care for STT.
Jan 22nd, 2007, 09:21 AM
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I'd go with GC.
STT is okay, but just not that impressive.
Restaurants in GC are excellent, just pricey. Reef Grill is fantastic.
7MB is gorgeous, and not at all like anything in Florida. Yes, it has some conjested areas with hotels & resorts, but the water makes Florida beaches look like a cess pool. Stay at the Marriot Courtyard, and you find a very quiet beach area.
Snorkeling is MUCH better in GC. We thought the snorkeling in STT was average at best.
There is no comparison when it comes to crime. STT has some bad areas, and GC is about as safe as we've ever seen.
STT is okay, but just not that impressive.
Restaurants in GC are excellent, just pricey. Reef Grill is fantastic.
7MB is gorgeous, and not at all like anything in Florida. Yes, it has some conjested areas with hotels & resorts, but the water makes Florida beaches look like a cess pool. Stay at the Marriot Courtyard, and you find a very quiet beach area.
Snorkeling is MUCH better in GC. We thought the snorkeling in STT was average at best.
There is no comparison when it comes to crime. STT has some bad areas, and GC is about as safe as we've ever seen.
