Caymans Trip - Westin or Rtiz Carlton?
 

DH and I are considering a trip to Cayman Islands in late May for a romantic get away. We are considering the Ritz or the Westin. I understand the Westin was renovated not too ong ago. Has anyone stayed there recently?

Any pros/cons to either property? We already know that the Ritz is more expensive.

If money is no object, I would choose the Ritz hands down. The only problem with both resorts/hotels is that it can be crowded.

If you want more privacy & romance, I would look into a nice condo on northern 7MB area. The big crowded hotels just don't amount to a romantic setting IMHO.

Ritz has the better facilities, service and rooms (though a majority of rooms are across the street, away from the water) and the Westin has the better beach layout(much more area available to have some personal space with your loungers).

Neither should be crowded at all in May, but the Ritz does cater to the convention circuit so it can be filled at any given time.

Have not been to the Westin post the minor renovation, but the feedback has been less than stellar. For my $ I'd still choose the Westin, knowing its shortcomings; but I'd also opt for a condo over either.

Thanks for the info. A condo may be a good idea. Any suggestions? We have on recommendation for London House. Anyone familiar with that?

Also, I forgot to add. While we love the beach, we need a beach with good shade options

Suggest you look at complexes in the central and/or northern sections of Seven Mile Beach and see what strikes your fancy and is in your price range. This site is pretty comprehensive and has a great map:

http://www.caymanvacations.com/

If you are staying in a condo, the north part of Seven Mile Beach is the best value. The central part has the best beaches but is more expensive. The south has the less desirable beach. The condos usually have plenty of palapas (thatched huts) and umbrellas and, in May because it is off season you should have no trouble finding one to lie under.
London House is a nice complex, however,the building is placed at an angle to the beach so many of the condos are not truly ocean front. Other condo complexes in north Seven Mile Beach, in addition to the London House, are Discovery Point, Anchorage, Christopher Columbus and Aqua Bay. You can look on VRBO to see actual pictures of the condos for rent.
If want to go the hotel route, the Ritz-Carlton is the most luxurious property on the isalnd.

The Ritz requires you to cross West Bay Rd. either by the land cross walk or the walk over enclosed bridge. I personally would not pay the prices and not have immediate access to 7MB..Try Villas of the Galleon..lux condos between the Ritz and the Westin.

My wife and I stayed at a condo further up toward Cemetery Beach (where the best snorkeling is) no crowds and very nice. Check out White Sands if you want real privacy. If money is no object check out Caribbean Club. the top rated resort on 7 Mile Beach.
http://www.caribbeanislandhopper.com...ile-beach.html

The Anchorage and Discovery Bay are both better choices than London House. We have stayed in these two properties about 10 times. Next visit is just 18 days away!