We are a family of four planning a trip to Grand Cayman in December 2007. Looking for suggestions for accomocations (hotel suite, condo, villa or other) that sleeps four, two bedrooms if possible. Our most important criteria is access to nice sandy beaches and beautiful views, but having a pool is a nice bonus. It seems that the 7MB area is talked about on this board alot, but I don't know the island so there may be other locations that you also recommend. We are not huge snorkelers; we may try snorkeling once or twice but we primarily want to hang out on the beach, read a book, and take a few excursions (fishing? sailing? other?), explore towns and local markets, find restaurants for nice meals, etc. We will rent a car to drive around the island. Wherever we stay, hope it isn't too quiet at night, since we like to walk around after dinner to see what is going on. Our budget is less than $3500 for the week for lodging; we are using miles for our flights. I'd like the lodging to be nice-- obviously it won't be super deluxe since places like the Hyatt and Ritz Carleton are way above my budget, but what about the next tier down? I know this is a pricy week. Any suggestions?

From what you describe, you want the 7MB area. The other areas are quiet at night and you won't find the "walk around after dinner to see what is going on."

There are many many pleasant condos on the seven mile beach. Why not google that and see what appeals to you; the websites are usually both good and accurate. We've liked Discovery Point, but a big part of the reason for that is that we love snorkeling and it's got good snorkeling right out front and is near "the Cemetery," which is quite good snorkeling. I don't think Cayman is at all a handsome island, as the Virgin Islands are (though not so much St Thomas). The views from Cayman aren't much, but the water is lovely and the beach is very nice.

Look at caymanvacations.com for a listing of condos. The southern end of 7MB is the busiest and closest to town and restaurants and the nothern end is the quietest and farthest from restaurants, shopping and bars. Happy looking.

thank you for the website link, it is a great site, and has various options that are in my price range.

I never realized how diverse the caribbean is; I really want to walk outside my accomodations onto a beautiful beach. I also want to fly pretty directly from New York and am limited to Delta and Continental due to FF miles. Also researching Turks and Caicos, and St Thomas. Thank you all for the input.

I highly recommend staying at www.discoverypointclub.com on Grand Cayman.They have specials on www.caymanvacations.com website,just click on specials.

I would rent a car, we used Thrifty at the airport.

GC is a great family destination and is very safe...if that is important to you.

Have a great time!
Christie