Help! I'm so torn about where to stay...condo or hotel, north or south. Any recommendations? We would like a nice stretch of beach and to not be too far away from everything.<BR><BR>

Stay at a condo. We always stay at a hotel on the islands that we stay at because it's so easy to grab a meal at the hotel and not have to take a cab or rent a car if we don't feel like going out sometimes. GC was the only island we were ever sorry that we didn't stay in a condo, which we will do our next trip there. We stayed at the Westin and found the hotel to be sprinkled with many conventions which meant there were days we were not able to be around the pool. Plus, the food was bad. There were so many restaurants within walking distance or a short hop on a bus. Basically, I would say that if you stay in a condo by the northern part of 7MB, you will be by so many things as well as by a nice beach. Maybe someone else can help with names of condo's in that area?

Thanks Beverly. I was leaning toward a condo... I have looked into a few. Can anyone offer advice on these?<BR><BR>Villas of the Galleon<BR>Aqua Bay<BR>Plantana <BR>London House

I would go for a property of the north end of 7 mile beach. I would stay away from Villas of the Galleon due to construction at the Ritz. You would want to rent a car if you are going to stay on the north end of 7 mile.

Lynn,<BR><BR>The best website for picking a condo in GC is: www.caymanvacations.com<BR><BR>It has most of the condos listed with pricing &amp; pictures.<BR><BR>Of the condos you listed, AquaBay gets very favorable reviews, but is located on the northern end of 7MB, which means you will definitely need a car to get to restaurants, etc. The positive part is that the location will give you nice beach seclusion.<BR>Villas of the Galleon also gets good reviews, and is located next door to the Westin. The beach is excellent here, but there will be some people around around. It is also located right next to the Ritz construction, which could be an issue. <BR>The other 2 you mentioned I am unable to comment on. <BR>The website I mentioned earlier, also has a map with the locations of all the hotels and condos, so you can pick something closer to the action if thats what you prefer.

Hi, Lynn.<BR><BR>We stayed at the Aqua Bay in December 02. We enjoyed our stay there and would most likely stay there again. The beach was very nice and the maintenance crew kept busy at all times -- the grounds looked great. <BR><BR>The only complaint I had was that we stayed on the north end of the building, and the folks at the larger Silver Sands were pretty noisy; plus, the laundry areas of the SS were close to our porch, and it was always active there. Also, there was a sewer-like smell, but I think that's probably everywhere because of the sewer systems there. I'd ask for a room on the south end just in case!<BR><BR> Beach entry is nice, and there's nice basic snorkeling right there. Up the beach a bit is Cemetary Reef, which is good snorkeling if you swim out about 75 or so yards.<BR><BR>You'll definitely need a car here. Foster's Food Fair is south about three miles, and the selection is good. Also, it's fun to jump in the car and just explore the island. We especially liked our drive and afternoon at Rum Point. <BR><BR>This was the best vacation we've ever had. GC is gorgeous. I can hardly wait to return. Hope you have a great trip!<BR><BR>Lisa<BR>

Lynn,<BR>Look at Plantana condos that you mentioned. They are more centrally located on 7MB and closer to things, yet you'll still have a great beach. Like the other posters mentioned, if you stay on the northern end you'll need a car for your entire stay. Just stay away from southern 7MB because there's been a lot of erosion, and you would be disappointed. Aqua Bay is very nice also, but for what your looking for, my vote is Plantana.<BR>Sandy