I am planning a trip to Grenada with my husband and three teenagers (19, 20, & 21 yrs) and want to be on a beach/at a hotel, that they can walk to some different hotels, or bars to have something to do after dinner. I don't want them taking taxis, and don't want to have to be their chauffeur either. Is Grand Anse the place to be? My in-laws are also coming so I need recommendations on a hotel that is NOT all inclusive as my family like to experience the little local places and get a real feel for the island. Also, what day trips are there? Are there eco-tours, trips to neighbouring islands? Thanks!

Yes, Grand Anse is the place to be. The beach is beautiful and long. There are a number of hotels, bars, restaurants.
Check www.tripadvisor.com for reviews. Possibly even Spice Island Beach Resort, which is A.I., may have a non-A.I. option. Your hotel should be able to recommend a small tour outfit or driver to take you around the island. Don't miss the beautiful harbor of St. Georges, the nutmeg factory, Annandale Falls, Grand Etang. A great day outing is La Sagesse Nature Center, where you can take a tour, have lunch beachside at a tiny hotel, and enjoy one of the most unspoiled beaches in the Caribbean. You'll think you are back to the beginning of time.

I agree regarding staying at Grand Anse...we are returning this year after 6 years away and really excited!

We are staying at the Flamboyant because the views are breathtaking, they have kitchens, we had a positive experience there last time and they have an incredible variety of rooming options to accomodate families of all sizes. I gather then can open rooms to each other...or close them depending on the family. It is a climb up the hill though to get there so not the best for those who are not physically comfortable however, our last trip there I was 6 months pregnant and despite the heat I was fine!

We have also stayed at the Grenada Grand Beach Club and enjoyed the location as it is right amongst all the the beach has to offer. Plus there is a shopping plaza directly across the street. They have a fabulous pool and we stayed in a standard hotel room without any concern.

It depends on what you are needing and looking for in terms of space to rent - but there are great options on the beach...we are really looking forward to seeing the island again and at everyones suggestion we will be making a beeline to La Sagesse!!

Enjoy!!

As much as I love Spice Island I would not recommend it to the younger crowd. It really is geared towards a more mature crowd, with an occasional honeymooner. They would be bored at night!

Grenada Grand is centrally located on Grand Anse so they can walk to other hotels and a beach bar called Garfields which is the hangout place during the daytime.

Mymoosie, would you recommend Flamboyant or Grenada Grand for a stay of 4 days, pre-Spice Island Resort?

orangetravelcat, if you're not opposed to not being on the beach and having to climb steep stairs, I would choose Flamboyant. We've stayed there and while the decor is dated, the rooms were fine and the views of Grand Anse and the town beyond were great. From there, you can easily go to Morne Rouge beach (aka BBC locally) on one side, or Grand Anse on the other.
I have heard a mixed bag of reviews for Grenada Grand.

Won skyauction for Flamboyant - so will stay there for our four days prior to SI. Thanks for your input, mymoosie.

Yeah Orangetravelcat - I think you will be happy with the Flamboyant!! We are hoping to enjoy it again as much as we have before!!

We stayed at Coyaba and really liked it. The rooms, food, and service where outstanding!

Peace, Greenie

Caribheart, when are you going? Please post your impressions of the Flamboyant when you return.

Greenie, I considered the Coyaba but got such a cheap rate on skyauction for the Flamboyant that couldn't pass it up.

I absolutely will post them- I am not going until end of January will that still be ok? My previous pre Ivan impressions were very very very good!

It is not the Four Seasons but we were fortunate enough to rent the cottage at the top last time which has two bedrooms on either side of the cottage with a beautiful Plantation style living room and kitchen in the middle but the best was the patio was the BEST - perched up in the air and with spectacular views... the staff are great and still seem to be as wonderful. We are renting a a room with living room and kitchen this year in the main area... If the timing is ok I will absolutely let you know and see if i can post some pics too!!

I'll look forward to your report and maybe pics, Caribheart. (We're going in May).