First time visit to Grand Cayman - options for last minute?
 

Hi folks, I am usually the type to spend alot of time researching and planning a trip. However, I just found out I have a chance to go to Grand Cayman for four nights in November and have to book airfare very shortly. I am trying to figure out where things are on the island but any suggestions on a good place to stay would be greatly appreciated. I prefer smaller, intimate hotels/inns. Doesn't have to be high end - just a nice property and location with good beds and clean rooms. I guess I'm looking for a great place to kick back, relax, do some snorkeling and eat good food. I'm also not sure about distances from one end of the island to the other but probably won't want to drive alot. Thanks in advance for any help!

Hi Starfish. For accomdations I would recommend the following: If a good beach is important to you.. Plantana, Villas of the Galleon or Christopher Columbus condos on Seven Mile Beach. Neither of these are crowded properties and you are still within walking distance of many things. If you want a more remote location, try the Turtle Nest Inn in Bodden Town or the Reef Resort on the East end. All of these properties have snorkeling off the beach.

If you stay anywhere other than 7 Mile Beach you'll probably want to rent a car.

Kristen you are the best! This is just what I was hoping for and I'm checking availability on these properties. Thanks so much. :)

You are very welcome! Let us know where you decide to stay...

We're booked in at The Reefs. Sounds just like what we were hoping to find. Thanks again Kristen for your reply, I'll do a wee trip report when back!

The Reef is great, but it's relatively far from the Seven Mile Beach end of Grand Cayman, which is where most of the best restaurants, shops, and the best beach are located. Please do spend at least one day at Seven Mile Beach. For such a short stay, I would have chosen Seven Mile Beach, but the Reef is one of the little gems of the island, so I think you'll have a fine time, and the beach there is pretty good. Definitely rent a car.

TomCayman, who posts here regularly, is the manager at the Reef.

Doug... manager ? hmm.. chief cook and bottlewasher, blogmeister, general dogsbody... I don't like big titles :)

I think your comments are fair enough for many first time visitors, but based on the specifics given by the OP, I think he has found a good fit...and for a four or five night stay, there are that many good restaurants in easy access to The Reef, including such unique spots as Rolands' Garden.

I would concur though that a car rental is a great idea to explore and just to get around... and it is cheap at this time of year, so no biggie.

starfish1, contact our concierge team and they'll hook you up with a car rental :)

We stayed at www.discoverypointclub.com in May 06 and really enjoyed it.It's in West Bay near 7 Mile beach.

Also the Rumpoint/Cayman Kai area would be relaxing.

Rent a car..any driving that you do should not be much as Grand Cayman is not a very large island and it's easy to navigate.

Have a nice trip!
Christie

Thanks for your comments folks. We're actually visiting with friends who will be there for a week and are renting a car so we'll hitch with them when we want. Only being there for four days, we've decided we really want some down time and as much as some folks like the Seven Mile Beach area, it just didn't appeal to us. We do tend to like being far from the developed end of things (ie. Peach and Quiet in Barbados is one of our faves) so I'm sure we'll be more than happy with our choice of The Reef. Appreciate your insight and will let you know our thoughts when we return.

starfish1, you should talk to my Mum.. she stays with me (and my wife and three lively kids!) when she comes to visit, but likes to escape to The Reef for her last few days in Cayman to relax before flying home ! :)

Hmmmm, I wonder who she's escaping from - you, your wife or your three lively kids! ;)
We are looking forward to our own little escape.