East Cayman???
 

I have plane tickets in hand to go to Grand Cayman. I am thining about the turtle Inn on the east side of the island and renting a car. Mainly so I can be away form the crowds when I want to. But, also thinking if I stay at 7 mile beach I can walk most places or take a tour and if I have a little too much to drink I could just walk "home". Most of the reviews I've heard are poor or atleast questionable about the lodging at 7 mile beach. The Inn looks nice, except no sunset because it is on the east side. Advice please?????

Seven Mile Beach has many great places to stay. There are more condos than hotels - they are popular on Cayman. Don't know where you read about questionable housing on 7 Mile -that is just not the case. While the road can be congested, the beach is relatively quiet. The only busy areas are around the Hyatt and Westin hotels - few people at the other properties. Turtle Nest Inn is rather away from everything - many people like that but you are about a 40-50 minute drive from Georgetown. Check out caymanvacations.com for info on condos.

I live in Grand Cayman. It isn't that crowded at the moment, just avoid the cruise shippers who usually conglomerate in town. Turtle Inn is far away, but if you're renting a car, you can drive out to the other side of the island when you want to get away. There are many great places on West Bay Road, and we're in low season. Best time to come.

I am looking at the Aqua Inn. Is this a nice place? I think I have changed my mind about staying on the east side and want a place of the North end of SMB. How far is this from town? Will I need a car here? Is there a grocery nearby or should I go to the one near the airport?

North End of SMB is also away from things and you would need a car for the grocery and restaurants. It's a lovely area and the beaches there are great. I've gone to the grocery and called a cab to return me to the condo. That's always an option if you don't want to bother with a car. Also there are buses that run along West Bay Road rather frequently - except Sunday. Car rental depends on how much "running around" you want to do. I've done many trips without a car and did just fine.

Just a few comments,<BR><BR>The Turtle Nest Inn is NOT on the east end of GC, it located in Boddentown, with is basically the south side of GC. This is only 15-20 minutes drive from Georgetown. The small inn gets good reviews, but many reviews often report the beach being "not so good" or "too small". <BR><BR>The north end of 7MB is a great choice if you wish to escape the crowds, but still be close enough for a quick drive to dinner. Yes, you will need a car if you stay on the north end, but the drive into the busier restaurant section is only 5 minutes away. The beach will be very uncrowded up on the north end, and the condo choices are very nice. You mentioned "Aqua Inn" which I'm guessing you meant Aqua Bay Club. This is a very nice resort, and gets very positive reviews. Definitely check out www.caymanvacations.com as it will list all the condos, and have a map of the area so you can check out all the choices in the north end of 7MB. In my opinion, the north end is a great choice. You get quiet & uncrowded, but are close to the action of restaurants & shopping if desired.