Sue

Want to spend 5 nights on our 10 yr Anniv trip. Using Marriott Points and we are between the one on Grand Cayman or Frenchman's Reef St. Thomas. We like golf, sunbathing, watersports, shop, siteseeing. Any advice to help our decision is welcomed. Help!

Diana Cohen

Hi. I spent a week at the Grand Cayman Marriott solo and it was phenominal. The hotel is lovely, on Friday nights they have live entertainment - live carribbean music, fire eaters, dancing, a wonderful pirate's buffet (George the head chef is wonderful - you should definitely buddy up with him and he will take care of you). As you already know, the Marriott is ocean front - make sure to get an ocean front room top floor - if not one overlooking the pavilion - great view to wake up to each morning. You can walk downstairs, claim your beach chairs with your towel and go right on to snorkel in the pristine waters. Snorkeling is almost as great as diving. You really have lots to see. You must do some diving - I loved going out with Red Sails Sport right in the hotel. They take you to several places, a couple of wrecks, barrier reefs, very exciting. You must also go to stingray city and swim with the stingrays - watch out for their kisses - you will have a tremendous hicky if they happen to "kiss" you.

You should definitely rent a jeep - take the top off and leave it off. If you get brave like me (and I like to try everything, ride on a bus with your husband). You will meet the most interesting people on the ride to "Hell" and back! Everyone is very friendly. Word of advice - if you are walking along the street and you hear cars honking, don't think they are honking at you because you look great (no - I am not vain). The buses can pick up at any place and if they see pedestrians, they honk to get your attention to see if you want a ride. You can tour the entire island stopping off at really great restaurants along the way. Make sure to go to The Edge - wonderful food, and a breathtaking view - a must. For really fine dining you must go the The Grand Old House - the food is out of this world and they have an excellant selection of wines. This is where I will get married again one day. Perfect place for a romantic evening.

There is lots of shopping. A little on the expensive side but not totally out of the question. Very busy on the days the cruise ships pull into port. You can haggle with the vendors - don't let them make you think otherwise.

I highly recommend it. The only thing to keep in mind is that they are under British rule - that means that bars close early on Saturday and Sunday (I think it was 11PM). Fridays they are open until 1. So, make sure to go out on Friday night if you want to dance.

All in all, if you want to relax, unwind and do some really great diving, go to Grand Cayman. It is not as mainstream as the other islands. But you are not in total seclusion either.

Love to hear from you if you decide to go here. I hope I was helpful.

Enjoy. Say hello to George the Chef. Tell him Princess Diana from NJ says hello.

Di

Did you know that you could also use your points at the St Thomas Renaissance Grand Beach Resort. That's what we did last summer and if I'm not mistaken I think it might use less points than the Frenchmans Reef. I know it's less point s than the MorningStar. We had a great time on the island. We were there for seven days and rented a car. We did lots of exploring. We also took a ferry to St. Johns and a day cruise that took us to 2 great snorkling spots. There is only one golf course on the island. My husband is quite the avid golfer and was not overly impressed with the course itself. The view is great but the greens weren't too good. Everyone at the course was very nice and it wasn't crowded at all. Whereever you go I hope you enjoy your trip. It was my first time to the Caribbean (I've been to Hawaii 5 times) and I can't wait to go back.

Mary

Grand Cayman hands down!

anon

I've heard it called Chef Tell's The Grand Old House. Remember him from tv? Anybody know if he still owns it?