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

Karan,<BR><BR>Sorry about coming back to reality...it is always upsetting, I completely understand.<BR><BR>I have a question, did you see the Westin and the Holiday Inn? What did you think?<BR><BR>I keep getting conflicting reports.<BR><BR>I'm not sure if I should splurge on the Westin or stick with the Holiday Inn or Sunshine Suites?<BR><BR>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.<BR><BR>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. <BR><BR> 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. <BR><BR>There are many GC experts on this site and they helped me tremendously.<BR><BR>There is a comfort suites at the start of 7 mile beach that looked pretty new and might serve both purposes.<BR><BR>We stayed at a condominium but almost opted for Sunshine Suites. We changed our mind becasue we wanted to be on the beach. <BR><BR> Sorry I can't be more definitive but I know someone else on this site will be.<BR><BR>Karan

Susan1-<BR>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 &amp; Knowing -<BR><BR>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.<BR><BR>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.<BR><BR>Perhaps I will wait until the Ritz opens up.<BR><BR>Thank you both!

Susan 1-I may have the perfect compromise for you.<BR><BR>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.<BR><BR>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.<BR><BR>The website is www.grandcaymanian.ky.<BR><BR>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.<BR><BR><BR><BR>

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