Going to Hyatt/GC early May. (Yes, I've seen the postings saying NOT to stay there, but we are using frequent travelers awards) We were wondering if there is shopping, restaurants or bars/nightlife within walking distance of the Hyatt? Would we need a car or are taxis readily available? Thanks!!!

Sue, we stayed at the Hyatt in 99' and we loved it. Beautiful grounds and great pool. We aren't "beach" people so the 2 minute walk across the street wasn't a big deal for us. From what I remember the town shuts down early at night. Taxis are readily available. We didn't rent a car but we basically went to enjoy the pool and main resort. Everything is very expensive on the island so if you're looking for good deals shopping they don't compare to St.Thomas or St.Maarten IMO. Hope this helps.

Thanks Marlo, Your info helps alot. It's nice to hear someone say something nice about the Hyatt also. I keep hearing how expensive GC is but I thought there would be duty-free shopping bargains at least!! Oh well, it will be nice to get away! I've never been there before - looking forward to it! Thanks. Sue

Sue,<BR><BR>I wouldn't worry about anything beside having a nice vacation. <BR><BR>You'll be within walking distance of many restaurants, and also some shopping at the strip malls. You might want to take a taxi into town. As far as renting a car goes, I'd recommend getting one for at least a couple days, so you can explore the island. <BR><BR>Yes, the island is very expensive, just be prepared for it, and it won't be such a shock.

The people who think a beach is the most essential thing about a vacation seem to have the most trouble with the Hyatt. I would choose it over the Westin any day. There are lots of restaurants within walking distance and I hear they do a killer Mudslide at their bars. The bus system is extremely reliable and will take you all up and down 7MB. We only used a taxi one night and that was to go to the Grand Old House. The jewelry shops were actually doing some really good sales when we were there and my husband bought me diamond earrings and a stingray necklace. It is an expensive island, but I agree with Scott. Knowing that will help.

Thanks all! This info really helps. I still don't know if a car would be the best way for only 4 nights in GC? One more question please, what is your favorite romantic restaurant for a splurge??? Thanks!!!

We were there for seven days, never rented a car and never missed it. It is so easy to walk everywhere and we enjoyed walking in nice weather, coming from the midwest. There is so much along 7MB that I don't think you need a car. <BR>We were there last February and my husband took me to Grand Old House for Valentine's Day. It was a little bit of a splurge, but we would have splurged here, so.. Very romantic spot with a big outdoor deck overlooking the water and lots of twinkle lights in the trees.

Hi again Sue,<BR>This is Marlo, we ate at Hemingways on<BR>the Hyatt's property and although I<BR>wouldn't call the atmoshpere romantic<BR>the meal was the absolute best we had<BR>on the island.

If you want the absolute best, you need to check out Smuggler's Cove. It is located right on the water in Georgetown, and the atmosphere is very romantic.<BR><BR>The food is second to none. For an appetizer, try either the lobster/crab/salmon cakes, or the jerk duck...both are incredible. For your main course, I suggest their signature dish of lobster stuffed filet mignon, it is truely to die for.<BR><BR>Between the food, service, and wonderful location, this is (THE) place in GC if you want a special night out. It simply doesn't get any better.

Thanks all! Looks like I have several nights reservations to make! Can't wait to go. Sue

We recently returned from GC &amp; walked over to the Hyatt. Right near the Hyatt is a restaurant called &quot;The Bed&quot; - it's a little less expensive than the fancy restaurants on the water &amp; the atmosphere is alot of fun. They had a band there in the evening. Check it out. <BR><BR>We had beatiful &amp; romantic fish dinners at The Wharf (what a view!) and Reef's Grill.<BR><BR>We didn't rent a car, but took walks instead.

Thank you!!! I love little finds like that and I appreciate you taking the time to mention it. I already put it in my itinerary. Was it a &quot;steel&quot; band?

My husband and I just returned from 5 days in Grand Cayman. We stayed at the Westin. 2 of the nights we walked to dinner and the other 2 nights we took cabs. One of the places that we had dinner at was called Cimboco. It was a short cab ride from the Westin, possibly even walking distance from the Hyatt. It was in the shopping center with the movie theater. It was really delicious food. We had caesar salads and &quot;gourmet&quot; pizzas. The total for the 2 of us (including 1 drink each and tip) was $48 (US dollars). It was very pleasant and by far the cheapest dinner that we had on the island. The other restaurant that we really enjoyed was Casanova, which is an italian restaurant in Georgetown. It was a $12 (US) cab ride each way from the Westin (the Hyatt is slightly closer to Georgetown).<BR><BR>If we had stayed on Grand Cayman for another day or two, it would have been fun to rent a car to explore the rest of the island. But we definitely did not miss having a car (maybe because we were so busy with snorkeling an learning to scuba dive). When we went into Georgetown for lunch one day, we took the bus for $2 each (Cayman dollars). It was really easy. The buses are actually minivans.<BR><BR>We had a great time and I'm sure you will too!

Thanks Valerie. Do busses run late at night also? Do them come often? That might be the way to go. I don't think we will rent a car either. We are only there 4 nights.

I don't think it was a steel band - it was more like a regular rock band. There was a steel band playing at &quot;The Reef Grill&quot; which isn't too far from you.

we've just returned from GC. One of the most romantic, not necessarily inexpensive restaurants, is the Lighthouse. It is about 30 minutes from Georgetown though so a car would probably be best. <BR><BR>Grand Ole House is very romantic as well.

jsrc,<BR><BR>At the Westin, they didn't recommend waiting for the bus after 6:00pm. They said that they're pretty unreliable in the evenings. So as I mentioned in my earlier post, 2 nights we walked to dinner and 2 nights we took cabs. There are definitely places to eat within walking distance of the Hyatt.<BR><BR>During the day when we took the bus, it was easy. There are some &quot;bus stop&quot; signs along the main road (there's only 1 main road) and you just wait there. Being from NYC we were expecting a real bus and we were quite surprised when a mini-van pulled up and told us to get in! But it was fine. Even if you're not at a real &quot;bus stop&quot;, you can more or less just flag down one of the buses and they will stop for you.

If a van is coming down the road and blows its horn at you and if you want a ride, wave them down. The horn is their way of letting you know they are there.