We are looking to go for a weeks holiday over Thanksgiving and would ideally like to stay in selfcatering but have access to hotel amenities - in particular good food (room service?) and possibly babysitting. A good beach and pool are essential too.

We have an 18th month old little boy so ideally need two bedrooms. We usually stay in 4 or 5 star hotels but aren't keen on all-inclusives. Any suggestions gratefully received.

We stayed a few years ago in Aruba at the Marriott Stellaris hotel. They had two time-share properties that connected to the hotel. I think the timeshares had kitchens. We met a family that had rented a two bedroom and seemed to like it. There are several pools between the three properties. This would allow you to rent a timeshare and then use the hotel for food and such. I am not sure about babysitting, but I am pretty sure they offer it. They had a kids club for older kids and we used that one evening.
Dining in Aruba is very good and kid friendly.

Several such options (2BD condo with full kitchen within a hotel) in the Cayman Islands at different price points, right up to the Ritz Carlton.

Tom, I didn't realize the Ritz Cayman had suites like that.
JS1, the Ritz is very nice and we really enjoyed our vacation to the Cayman islands June07. We stayed at the Marriott. The island is very family friendly and dining was good here.

thanks so much - I'll check out both these options and come back to you, if I may, with any further questions.

Tom, Are there any other than the Ritz you could recommend? Thanks

JS 1,
Tom runs a resort called the Reef Resort and I just read on another thread that they have cooking facilities. Tom usually does not self promote his resort. So, you may want to check out his place as well. I did not see it, but he gives great advice on the island in general.

I only know about the Westin on St. John. It has terrific mini "villa"s which are kind of like condo's which have kitchens and more. Just look on their website. You would also have full access to the resort's amenities. Places like Sapphire Beach and Secret Harbor on St. Thomas also have similar set-ups but the Westin is the only one I've stayed at.