Dean

The airfare can't be better for a trip to Grand Cayman in December, but I don't know if the island is right for us. When I look at the photos of the the hotels along Seven Mile Beach I see mega resorts crammed side-by-side. We like upscale accommodations but we don't need tons of kids, an activity director, karaoke and etc. Is there a low-key relaxing resort with privacy and beautiful views of the ocean or do we give that up for great snorkling and scuba? What winter destinations have we enjoyed? Belize, Costa Rica, Nevis, Cat Island in the Bahamas, the Yucatan, Key West and Vietnam.

mam

There are no "mega resorts crammed side by side" on 7MB. There are really only about 3 major hotels - Westin, Marriott, and Hyatt - that may have significant crowds, but even they are not always crowded. The rest of the beach is mainly condos and private residences, so even if you stay at one of those bigger places, a few yards away the beach is almost empty. 7MB is miles and miles long, so there is plenty of privacy to be found. And it has incredible water, great snorkeling and diving, and lots of good restaurants minutes away. Almost all of the beach is developed, but it remains pristine and upscale and extremley safe to walk at night. 7MB is without question one of the Caribbean's finest.

Without knowing a lot about you and your preferences, I can't really say whether Cayman would be right for you, but I can tell you that there are loads of great upscale condos to be had on 7MB. Cayman works for me, but so have many other islands. Many of the places you list are exotic and third world, Cayman is more like a Key West.

Rick

NO, MAM, don't say Key West!! Key West is much too BOHEMIAN to be considered like Grand Cayman!!!

Sandy

Dean,
You really won't find highrises or mega resorts crammed together on 7MB. Consider renting a condo though on the northern end of 7MB.(less crowded, better beach!!) There are many nice condos, with a gorgeous beach and snorkeling right from the beach. Check out www.gotocayman.com or www.caymanvacations.com for accomodations. You should be able to
find somewhere that is perfect for you!! You'll love Grand Cayman!!
Sandy

Dav id

Yep you should go...Matter of fact I'm beginning to get the feeling that I have to go to GC soon after reading and replying on this message board. I wouldn't really call the hotels on Seven mile beach Resorts. They are actually just hotels on a beach. They're not really that large- not anything like the resorts in Hawaii for instance. While many of the hotels are located somewhat close to each other, you can walk down the beach for some privacy - I proposed to my wife on the beach next door to the Westin for god's sake. I always suggest staying at the Westin in GC. I would not stay any where else. There are some children at the Westin but we felt very relaxed and had a great time staying there. The service, room, and restaurants were outstanding. As far as I know there weren't any activities like you described. All I remember is the big sandy beach, the warm, calm, and clear blue water, and just having a relaxed, romantic time. If you stay there, you won't forget it. We haven't.

Jen

Dean, I understand what you are thinking. While I'm not a Caribbean traveler (more of a Europe traveler), we do go to GC every now and then (we have tons of FF miles with USAirways and they have easy flights there). That said, I can't compare to your other destinations.

I can provide you with my point of view. We have stayed at the Westin, and thought it to be very 'convention-y'. Didn't like the number of people there, the lounge act in the lobby, or the rush to the pool every morning to claim your seat for the day. There ARE resorts and condos lining seven mile beach. Fortunately, the beach is big enough to handle it, but it wasn't right for us. Across the main road from these resorts are strip mall type buildings with lots of shops. If you want to walk anywhere, you are walking along this 'highway'.

We are going back on Nov 11th, but doing something entirely different. Last time we were there, we checked out this little inn on the other side of the island, called the Turtle Nest Inn, and that's where we are staying this time. Check it out at www.turtlenestinn.com.

It's on the beach (although hear the water has grass in it - we don't care), has a pool, and GREAT views. There are approx 7 apartments, with kitchens. It's right on the ocean.

While this isn't 'resort-y', it might fit the bill for you. It's really in the middle of nowhere. There's one great restaurant within walking distance, and you definitely need to rent a car to get around.

We're happy to go there, ignore the crowds on the other side of the island, use FF miles to get free tickets, and just hang out.

Enjoy!

Sandy

To Dean and Jen,
If your looking for a more out of the way place, please let me recommend the Retreat at Rum Point!! When I saw Jen's post for the Turtle Nest, I thought about the Retreat!! That's the only place I stay on GC. It's on the north side of the island, and you have total privacy and seclusion!! There are very few tourists, no traffic like on 7MB, and the condos are gorgeous! You would definetely need a car, but it's worth it!! If you would like more info, please feel free to e-mail me!
Sandy

Shiner

Just returned from 5 beautiful days in GC. The island is practiclly deserted.
Most hotels are only at 25 to 40% capacity. We rented a midsize vehicle for $18.99 a day. Take my advice and go as soon as possible before the vacationing tourists start taking over the island.

Jen

Shiner,

What restaurant closings did you find while you were there? We're headed there in 2+ weeks. Thanks!

Shiner

Jen

I can not confirm any restaurant closings. It did look as if many of them had cut back on their staff.

One example of the low tourism. A nice restaurant "Almond Tree" located on 7MB has a secluded table on the end of its pier. I would imagine this table ordinarily reserved days in advance. We walked in at 5:45 to watch the sunset and have dinner (the sun sets at 6:15)We were the only ones in the restaurant.

The people of GC are very thankful towards tourism. The airport employees greet you by saying, "Thank you for comming, don't let the bad guys stop you." Many of the hotels hang american flags with the words, "Thank you for traveling" printed on them.

Go enjoy yourself

Jen

Thanks Shiner - had no intention of cancelling, just wanted to make sure we could eat! Looking forward to fun in the sun!

Susan

We went to Grand Cayman several years ago and stayed at the Westin. We absolutely loved Grand Cayman. we have been to many Carribean Islands and consider this one of our favorites. The Westin is a small resort but nice amenities. If you are looking for an Island to do many activities, this is probabley not your answer, if you are going to relax and enjoy, this would be your answer! If you happen to stay at the Westin, walk across street for breakfast and lunch, great restaurant and less money. Also the exchange rate is usually not to our favor? Let me know if you need any other advice!