I am looking to go to Cayman at the end of February '05, but I am concerned about the hurricane damage. I am looking to stay on 7 mile beach. Has anyone been to Cayman since the hurricane? How bad is the damage? Are the restaurants opened or not? Any info from someone who has been there recently would be appreciated.
thanks

I recently posted text very similar to yours. On GotoCayman.com, I had a response from someone who was there in Dec. and she has a web site with excellent photos.(www.caymanphotos.com)You can click on any area and see several photos of it. If you saw the photos posted in Sept. after the hurricane, you can tell that they have done a lot of work toward recovery. We were there last June and have gorgeous photos. There is still a lot of work to be done before it looks like that again.
However, I've also heard that diving and snorkeling are still wonderful and that 7 Mile is in good shape at the Westin. I know that the Westin and Plantana condos are open for sure, but Hyatt is not. You can see which restaurants are re-opened at www.caymanrestaurants.com. I hope this helps. It's a beautiful island with wonderful people and I look forward to returning also. Good luck!

Plantana will be open the end of Jan, But Casa Caribe and Lacovia are open.

Oops! Sorry, I misread the December post on Plantana's web site!

Joe Stebbins is maintaining a great list on re-opening at http://www.caymanactivityguide.com/projections.htm

If you are planning on 7MB, there are a number of condo choices, but fewer hotel choices.

The beach is even more beautiful than ever and the weather is, of course, gorgeous

With the lack of supply and still strong demand, you might find it tough to find somewhere to stay in February... as an example, The Reef (my place) is almost totally full already for both February and March.

If you come down, rest assured that the usual high standards will be on offer for accommodation, as well as watersports and restaurants... but you will see damage, as although enormous progress has been made, there is still a lot of work to do around the island.

Hello! I have finally found a flight and date-July 17 that will work for us to come back to Cayman. We are 2 adults and 2 children(17/14). Have not been to Caymen since honeymoon in 1996. Love it. Even though I know many places still down, I want to come!!! Would you help me with finding the spot? Looking for: Condo, prefer 3br, 2 would work, rather updated facility with restaurant, beachfront, nice large pool. Would like to park ourselves there to rest and relax together, and only walk the beach to beach bars etc, (no car this time), would put some drinks and snacks in the kitchen for fun!! Now the hard part, can I do this for $400-450 per night with taxes?? I love sunset, so I guess that puts us on 7MB. Thank you all for any and all help--Cayman is beautiful and safe, I know my teens will LOVE it!!!

beachluver (was beachlover taken ?)..

Although if you don't want to rent car I would probably not recommend us, you can get a 2BD oceanfront condo (sleeps 6) at The Reef for $310 per night in summer plus taxes, so you can certainly do Cayman for the $400-$450 per night you suggest.

Do note that the "taxes" are interesting in Cayman. The only real tax is the 10% tourist accommodation tax, but watch out for taxes being higher than that... what you are really paying for is a gratuity for the staff. At The Reef, I think we are the only resort that does not charge that gratuity... we build it into our rates.

Tom,
Thanks for the prompt reply. I always enjoy rading your posts on this forum. I read more than post!!! Will keep your place in mind, looks lovely. Would really like to see sunset, and if possible avoid the car this time. Can we walk to anywhere else at your resort, (grocery store, other beach bars/restaurants)?
Thanks, Beachluver( I luv the beach!!!)

To beachluver,
You would definitely need a car staying on the east end of GC. I would stick with the 7MB area, and don't go to far north on 7MB cause you'll need a car there also. The area around the Westin and south is your best bet. Check out www.caymanvacations.com for info on condo openings. With your budget you'll be able to find something nice. The condos where we stay won't be open till fall`05 and I miss GC big time!! Post a trip report when you get back.
Sandy