My family and I will be going to Grand Cayman Nov. 24-Dec. 1. We will be staying at the Sleep Inn (or Cayman Inn and Resort-I think they changed names recently). Has anyone stayed there or have heard anything about this hotel. Also we plan on snorkeling a lot. We are going to buy our snorkeling gear before we go because we heard it is expensive to rent if you are going to be using it everyday. Can anyone give me any advice on the type of gear to get? Do you need the good stuff or will some cheap stuff work? How much does a set cost? Thanks for any advice you can give.

Best advice is to buy a mask that fits you WELL. The one that fits might be the cheapest or the most expensive. Doesn't matter. BUY the one that fits. Any local dive shop is your best source for quality info and help with product selection. Fins and snorkel tube...not so critical a purchase. It's the mask that holds your key to a good snorkel experience. <BR>A reasonable estimate for mask, tube and fins would be in the $100-$120 range. <BR>Enjoy!

just went from being a moderately experienced snorkeler (credits: red sea,jamaica,caymans,cozumel) to a novice scuba diver. if you are planning on just snorkelling, the cheap stuff will do just fine - you can get them at MC sports/dunhams (these are midwestern sports retail shops) for $20-$30 set including mask/snorkel and fins ... make sure they all fit you comfortably before you go - yes, the dive shops may have better and more costly quality but they feel very strongly about their sport and tend to get carried away with what they think you "ABSOLUTELY MUST HAVE" - as i said, try out your stuff in a pool or bathtub, make sure the fins don't rub your feet and fit, make sure the mask doesn't leak ... also, at a drugstore get a little anti-fog bottle - it's really artificial spit you put into your mask so it doesn't fog up when you're snorkelling, if you forget or can't find this, just spit in your mask before snorkelling and swash it about and out in the water and that works as well. ) - there's kits you can buy for if your mask band/other scuba gear breaks. be sure to snorkel the Cali shipwreck off shore in Georgetown and the beach near sleep in is a bit rocky at treasure island so bring aqua shoes/sox. there's also little coupon books in the caymans that offer disounts at all the attraction/stingray sand bar tours so use that, too and have fun! (cemetery beach has good snorkelling as well, bring bread to lure the fishies)

Jennifer, <BR>I've never stayed at Sleep Inn, but I've talked to people who have, and they loved it. It's an inexpensive way to go to the island, and they serve a free breakfast that helps with expenses. It's not right on the beach, but it's no big deal to walk to get there. As far as the snorkel gear, I totally agree with Lili. For around $30 you can get gear, just make sure it fits. You don't have to spend $100. Also, make sure you do the Stingray Sandbar tour. It will be the best snorkeling you'll do. You'll love Grand Cayman, It's a great island. <BR>Sandy

Damn I always follow Sandy-she was a great help to me so listen to her. <BR>I agree with the buy the reasonable stuff before you go. Cheap, cheap is not always the way to go if you think you might need them again. Especially with kids whho may not be as careful. They need to be durable. <BR>You may have seen my suggestion about bringing inflatables for the kids as well. Since you can pack them flat I thikn they are a must have. <BR>Sting Ray City is not really a snorkel stop more of a get out an walk stop, so make sure you include that on a 3 stop trip. Your kids will love it. As long as you stay away from the larger companies you should be able to find snorkel trips for about $25-$30 a person for 1/2 day and worth every penny. Make sure you bring underwater cameras. <BR>Another tip is to bring everything you may need from home. Things such as toiletries, sunscreen(over 15 sph is necassary), film and cameras are VERY expensive. Its a pain to pack for every situation but its better to be safe then sorry. <BR> <BR>I have read good things about The Sleep Inn form other posters. Please post your trip report when you get back to let us know how it is. <BR>Thanks <BR>Have a great trip

The Sleep Inn Hotel is the worst place to stay in Grand Cayman. Nothing in the hotel works, the air - conditioners don't work, the TV doesn't work, there's no hot water in the room's, the jacuzzi was broken, the pool is filthy, the housekeepers don't change the sheets on your bed, and they won't put any soap or new towels in the your room, The breakfast buffet they give you consists of cold rubber egg's, under-cooked sausage, and watered-down orange juice. Breakfast at the Sleep Inn is a pretty good laxative. <BR> <BR>When you complain the bald prick-headed manager will ignore you and try to play games by raising your room rate when you leave. <BR> <BR> <BR>

Alan - have stayed at Sleep Inn and found none of the problems you mentioned. For the cost I thought it was a great deal. Would stay there again. <BR>

Jennifer- I hope you will get this message because I am very interested to hear about your trip. I too have booked a trip to Cayman and plan to stay at the Sleep Inn. It isn't too late for me to change the reservatio, but am sure I won't find a better price. Please let me know about your experience with the hotel and the location.