Kathy_California

My hope is to take a fun easy vacation with my 19 year old daughter. We have traveled a lot and just want a no planning type trip right now. My questions are...
- How is the weather in June in GC?
- Is the Westin Casuarina nice?
- Are we okay without a rental car?
- What are the highlights of GC?
- Are 5 nights enough in GC?
- Any other input would be greatly appreciated...
Thank you so much!
Kathy

Knowing

The GC Westin is not like other Westin's, just so you know. It's landscaped ok, but we had major mold issues. They also don't offer much access to the open air at night. For instance, the piano bar is inside. My feelings are that I didn't much care to be inside when I was in the Caribbean. Dining is unorganized at the Sunday morning brunch at the hotel, but there are some good restaurants elsewhere on the island. The pool at the Westin is nice, but they do too many conventions and close off the area around it to the other guests. You may be more comfortable somewhere else. We managed fine without a rental car. The bus system is easy to use and taxi's are plentiful. Many restaurants are within walking distance. Stingray City is the biggest highlight. Five nights are enough time to get a good taste of what GC has to offer. Sorry, I've never been there in June.

waggie111

We've been to GC twice, both times in June, I believe. The weather was just fine. I think we might have had a couple showers that lasted all of a couple minutes each, and then the sun came back out.

We always rent a car so we can explore whenever we feel like it. I'd say we used the car every day.

Stingray City is a must if you've never been. We were told the "best" and cheapest tour was Soto's, and we weren't disappointed. Several years ago it was $19 US per person, with two snorkel stops plus Stingray City on a new, not at all crowded boat. Great tour guides and the trip was worth every penny. You could purchase a video of your tour, which was $60, but we split it with a couple we met and then sent them their copy once we got back home.

Five nights in GC would be fine, although seven is always better.

For a very nice but reasonable dinner, go to Casanova in Georgetown for Italian food. It's small and dining is inside. While it may lack the ambiance of a restaurant on the water, it makes up for it with its friendly waiters, great service, and terrific food. We generally make it a rule never to repeat a restaurant during the week, but we ate there twice last time we were in Cayman. Do check it out. It's a tad less expensive than some of the other places, too.

christiegr

I also highly recommend a Stingray city tour...we used Captain Marvin's and did the 3 stop snorkeling tour and it was the highlight of our trip!

I also recommend a trip to Rumpoint,the Butterfly farm,Turtle Farm,Botanical gardens and Smith's cove for snorkeling.

I would rent a car to explore the island..cabs can be expensive.

Have fun!!Grand Cayman is fun!!

Christie

Kathy_California

Thank you for your input. I was a bit disappointed to hear about your less than positive experience at the Westin. We were able to get such a great rate with Starwood Preferred Guest points that I can't really pass it up. It sounds like we need to plan on renting a car. Any tips? Thank you so much! Kathy

greenie

I wouldnt stay at the Westin again. There are no umbrellas at the pool, so you fry. Also, the rooms are all bed, not much room for moving around. After a couple of days it gets tight.

I would rent a car. We rented from Andy's. You can walk there from the airport. Right across a small street. Good operation.

I think 5 nights is fine. We enjoyed CGI but would stay in a condo next time.

Peace