Hi! This is my first post on this board. Great source of information! My wife and I have booked or air with FF miles for an 11 night stay next May 2005. We are travelling with my infant son who will be 1.5 years at the time. We like places that are laid back, unpretentious and quiet. We rent villas on St. John for our vacations there and we stay at a low key place on the beach in Negril. After 3 trips to Negril in the past two years, we are looking for a change. I have traveled the Caribbean quite extensively and have lived in the USVI for a few years in the early 90's. Never have I been to the Caymans, however. I have been checking out the Turtle Nest Inn in Bodden Town, but am now have 2nd thoughts due to some of the comments I have read regarding the "reviews" posted on tripadvisor.com. I don't think we want to stay on the 7MB in GC, as I am trying to keep our cost to under $250/night inclusive of taxes. I am looking at the Cayman Kai/Rum Point area or the North Shore. We like to cook a lot of our meals, so a kitchen is a must. Also would like to be near a bar/restaurant or two. We do not need a pool. Any recommendations would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Check out caymanvacation.com for condos and villas in that area. There's a girl that frequents this board, (Northside Sue)who has a lovely condo on the northside called Harv's Kai. I was in it this spring and it is very nice and in your price range.
Sandy

Forgot to mention that the best "local" bar on the northside is right next door to Harv's Kai and there are several good restaurants a short drive away.

How impt is snorkeling to you? That's our main activity in the Caribbean (have been to lots of islands). If snorkeling is impt., I urge you to look into the condo called Discovery Point Club. It is on 7 mile beach-- but way up on the more quiet part. Best thing is that there's good snorkeling right off the beach there-- and really excellent snorkeling up the beach just a little way (we always swim up) at a place called "the cemetery." They also have good tennis courts and a good pool (tho you say pool isn't impt.) We've been back to Cayman several times because the snorkeling around the island is good--BUT I assume you're aware that it's not at all a handsome island-- certainly not compared to places like St John and Jamaica. You won't be disappointed if you understand that in advance. Also, by the way, it doesn't feel much like a Caribbean island-- less so even than St John, much less Jamaica or some of the others. By the way, my memory is that snorkeling off the beach in Negril is non-existent, is that correct? Since we love that most, we never went back-- tho I thought it was an interesting island.

I realize that Grand Cayman doesn't possess the scenery that other islands have....at least above sea level.....and that it isn't as "caribbean" as other islands are. That is why I am leaning to the quieter side of the island....for that more laid back feel that the 7MB area, I am guessing doesn't have. We don't require much in amenities....just a nicely equipped villa/condo, on the beach. How is the swimming off the Rum Point area? You are correct Poss, there is little or no snorkeling off the beach in Negril. We don't do much snorkeling. I guess we spend most of our time lying in the sun, reading, listening to Buffett and imbibing in tropical libasions.

My husband & I just got back from Turtle Nest a week ago. We stayed there for 10 days & it was wonderful! It was very quiet & laid-back. We didnt want to stay on 7 mile beach & we were so glad we didnt!!! Turtle Nest has a great reef & immaculate rooms. We stayed in a beachfront & rented a car...definitely would recommend & are planning to go back. Any ??'s feel free to email me.

We stayed at Villas of the Galleon (7MB) for our honeymoon and that will be where we return when we have kids. It's a perfect spot for a family in my opinion. Great beach and calm water, very nice units (steps from the beach) with patios/balconies and grills, and the location is great...close to food stores and some restaurants yet not right in the middle of the Georgetown hubbub. Plus there is a fun tree swing. Now VOG doesn't have a pool (we never missed it), but if you do want a pool, check out Plantana just north of VOG.

Cayman Kai is a very nice area too, but I don't think the beaches are as nice and you will have a decent drive to get to most places.

I know a lot of poeple say GC isn't a prett island, but compared to the interiors of idlands like Aruba and Anguilla (both of which i love), I find the island of Grand Cayman more appealing. No trash, poverty or potholes...but lots of flowers and trees and tasteful homes etc. Very safe and clean island.

Thanks Kristen! VOG looks wonderful...but at over $300/night with the 15% add on for tax and service charge...a little too extravaggant for our budget. I appreciate the input!

Actually, when we booked, we got 1 night free plus 10% off the other nights. I know Plantana offers 7 nights for the price of 5 during off season so maybe with those discounts it would fit in your budget...

Kristen: As our trip nears (early 2005) I will look for these deals! That is good information! I always ask....but we are so far out that it doesn't pay to do so, yet. Thanks again!

Check out The Reef Resort out on the east end. If there is a special, in the off season it may meet your budget. It is on a great beach with that relaxed feeling that you describe. We have stayed on both 7MB and the east end, and love The Reef Resort.

I would recommend staying towards West Bay. It's uncrowded but close enough if you plan on going to 7MB. You son will love the play ground on public beach and it's close. You might check out the play place close to "The Bed" and the golds gym, my son had a great time playing there. Check out caymanvillas.com

I'll second the recommendation for Discovery Point Club. We stayed there for a few days in late April and really enjoyed it.

The off-season rate that would apply in May should be close to your budget. I believe our 1BR unit was $225/night, and then taxes. They were offering a special though for stay for 7, pay for 6 (or 5) -- I forget.