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I miss GC already

Just got our photos back from our trip. Even the bad ones make me miss the island even more. I can really appreciate our time there as I watch the 2 1/2 feet of snow melt. I am very jealous of all of you going soon. You will all have a great time.

Karan, Sorry about coming back to reality...it is always upsetting, I completely understand. I have a question, did you see the Westin and the Holiday Inn? What did you think? I keep getting conflicting reports. I'm not sure if I should splurge on the Westin or stick with the Holiday Inn or Sunshine Suites? Thanks

I did see them all from the outside. Sunshine Suites is across the street from the beach. Looks very nice and is new. I know they have a great package deal thru tour operators including room, air and buffet breakfast. All of the rooms are suites-it is a Wyndham hotel. I think the Holiday Inn is a little more north of both Sunshine and the Westin. It is not on the beach either. I really do not know what to tell you. If I were to choose between the holiday inn and sunshine suites, i would go for the sunshine suites becasue you get more space. It is also located next to Safehaven-a planned community with full service hotel, Grand Caymanian and teh Links Golf Course. It is across the street form the new ritz carlton. The Westin is supposed to be a top line hotel. I am sure there are many postings about the Westin. You may need to look back at them. There are many GC experts on this site and they helped me tremendously. There is a comfort suites at the start of 7 mile beach that looked pretty new and might serve both purposes. We stayed at a condominium but almost opted for Sunshine Suites. We changed our mind becasue we wanted to be on the beach. Sorry I can't be more definitive but I know someone else on this site will be. Karan

Susan1- The Westin's rooms are very disappointing for what you pay for them. In fact, the hotel itself is rather plain. It does have a nice beach to play beside the water, but that's it. A condo is really the way to go. I know the Holiday Inn faces the ocean, but I'm not sure about the Sunshine Suites. Save your money and spend it on other things besides the Westin.

Karan & Knowing - Thanks for your help. I have only been to Aruba in the carribbean an although it is an arid island, the resorts are landscaped beautifully. I'm afraid I will be disapointed if I book @ a plain jane hotel (Holiday Inn or Sunshine Suites). And the price of condos are equivalent for the two of us. Perhaps I will wait until the Ritz opens up. Thank you both!

Susan 1-I may have the perfect compromise for you. New full service hotel with rooms-thru 2 bedroom suites. It is called the Grand Caymanian. It is at Safehaven, way in back of Sunshine Suites and is ON THE SOUND. So, it has a nice beach, albeit small but is uncrowded. Has nice hammocks-beautiful pool, full service drinks, etc at the pool and int he room and a nice restaurant. They have a shuttle bus to the 7 mile beach. The website is www.grandcaymanian.ky. When the Ritz opens it will be a truley first class hotel but I'm sure with Ritz prices. It will be set up similar to the Hyatt-with villas and rooms on both sides of the main road. Some on the sound, some ont he ocean.

If you are into nice beaches & water, staying on the sound instead of 7MB could be a huge mistake.