Has anyone been to Grand Cayman recently..compare the Marriott and Westin hotels... Thanks
Any other resort ideas on the island?

I haven't been to Grand Cayman since the hurricaines of this past fall. I was there the spring of 2004 and stayed at the Westin. At that time, the Marriott's beach was greatly eroded. The Courtyard Marriott is across the street from the beach. For me, there was no comparison. The 2 top resorts were the Hyatt and the Westin. We chose the Westin because it had a larger and much less crowded beach. We were very happy.

I heard the Marriott actually gained much of it's beach back from the Hurricane? Is this true? I was thinking about staying at this property by using points next spring. I, too would like to know about the beach at the Marriott.

In reading a trip report on another site, the Marriott now has about 40-50 feet of beach. Not sure about the Courtyard Marriott (formerly the Holiday Inn). I think that they have also increased their beach size and it was decent before Ivan.

There is no doubt the Westin is more upscale than the Marriot and on the best stretch of 7 mile beach. But if the Marriot has much of the beach back and is much less price wise, then it's definitely something to think about.

I vacationed in Grand Cayman in March, 2005. The beach by the Mariott was much better than last year, the hurricane really helped it. The public beach across from the Marriott Courtyard (old Holiday Inn) is still very nice (and big). The Westin is much more of an "upscale" place with a great beach, but the price reflects that. Actually, in March the beach at the Westin was the only place where there were lots of people (not crowded, but full). The beaches at both Marriott's were much emptier, we almost had them to ourselves. Hope this helps.

I stayed at the Westin last spring 2005 and will not go back. The service was not anywhere near what one should expect from a hotel that price. They acted like they were the only place open so they didn't have to try to keep us happy. I usually stay in a condo there which was not open due to the hurricane. Just my 2cents.

We stayed at the Reef resort..Dont go there...I thought it was great seeing oceanfront views etc..but the room wouldnt give us a change of towels in a whole week!

sunnydelite.... I run The Reef, please email me with details as I am utterly astonished at such a complaint.....

We stayed at the Marriott Beach Resort in June - it just re-opened after being completely refurbished following the hurricane. It's a nice place and is cheaper than the Westin. I don't think you'll be disappointed - the beach was big enough for the number of guests and our group had 140 people.