Just returned from 4 nights in GC. My husband and I stayed at the Westin. <BR> <BR>We had an island view room with a balcony on the 3rd floor. We decided not to spend the extra money for an ocean view/front room. If you decide to spend the extra money make sure you can see the ocean. The palm trees are very tall. We were on the 3rd floor and could not see anything due to the height of the palm trees. Most of the ocean view rooms would have this same problem, unless you were on the top floor (5th). <BR> <BR>The hotel was very nice, not as large as other resort hotels I've stayed in, but it was very easy to get from the parking lot to your room, room to the pool, etc. All of the staff were very friendly, always saying hello when passing in the halls, etc. <BR> <BR>There was a small group staying there, if it weren't for them, the hotel would have been very empty. They have had to lay off a bunch of staff due to the shortage of tourists. We did not eat in the hotel, except for a sandwich one day by the pool. <BR> <BR>We did rent a car, from Budget, $22 a day. It was a great to have the car, made getting around very easy. It was raining when we got off the plane so we used the time to go to Foster's market to stock the room on the basics. The market had everything you would find in a US grocery store, very clean and well stocked. By the time we did this the rain had stopped and we were able to go to the pool. <BR> <BR>The beach area at the hotel was very nice, the water was warm and calm all the time. <BR> <BR>Dining Out - We ate at the following places: <BR> <BR>Reef Grille: Excellent. Food, service and atmosphere were great. Highly recommend this place. <BR> <BR>Smugglers Cove: Also very good service, food and atmosphere. This and the Reef Grille were our 2 favorite places. <BR> <BR>For most of our meal we were the only people there. The waitress commented that her husband just got layed off from the Westin, and her income was so low they may have to leave the island. <BR> <BR>The Wharf: the food was good, but the service was very poor and the atmosphere not good either. Would not recommend this place, would rather go the the Reef Grille a second time. <BR> <BR>Lone Star Bar & Grill: our last night we were tired of overeating big fancy meals, so we overate fajitas and margaritas. This is a mostly local place, food was good and quick. <BR> <BR>Chicken Chicken: had lunch there one day and the chicken was great great. Highly recommend. <BR> <BR>Eats Cafe: we had breakfast there our last day and it was great. Not much of a bargain but very good food. <BR> <BR>Daytime Activities: <BR> <BR>We took the Atlantis submarine ride. While this was interesting it was not really worth the $69 each. We didn't really see that many fish. If you have any tendency to be nervous about tight spaces, don't do this. They had a trip for $10 extra where a diver feeds the fish. This would probably be worth the extra money so you could actually see some fish. <BR> <BR>Snorkelling: We took the 3 hour, 3 stop trip from Capt. Marvins. We got a 20% discount for paying cash. This was a great trip. We have snorkelled in many places and have never really been impressed with what we saw. <BR> <BR>The stop at the Coral Reef was great and the Cayman Wall was amazing. The last stop at Stingray City was the best. Swimming, feeding and being in the water with the Rays was very cool. <BR> <BR>Bring an underwater camera for this trip, you would get some great shots. Much better value for your money than the Atlantis. <BR> <BR>We went one night to the Legendz bar for live music (Tues & Thurs). Also one night at the Reef Grille beach bar for live music. <BR> <BR>That's about it, have a great trip. <BR> <BR> <BR>

Thanks for the trip report, sounds like you had fun.

Lisa, <BR>Nice trip report!! Glad you had a good time. I must agree with you about the Atlantis submarine. We took a night dive and was very disappointed. Didn't see hardly any fish, I think the lights from the sub scared them off!! Way over priced for what you get! <BR>Sandy

Lisa: <BR>I am very jealous that you got to go and I can go back until Feb. I also like that you agreed with many of my recommendations I have given on this board. It makes me feel like I am not the only one who loves certain restaurants and who loved the snorkel trip best of all. Did yo uhave the tuna ay the Reef Grill? I dream about it. Or the chocolate pecan pie at Smugglers? <BR> I am sure you'll agree that 4 days was not enough. <BR>I am wondering though do you feel like you got a good deal at the Westin. Could you have been just as happy spending less money and not being on the beach? Just wondered. I am trying to figure out where to stay for next time. And would like to save some money. <BR>Glad you had a great time <BR>and I am so sorry to hear about there economy. I am so glad I went when I did.

I'm making my first trip to the Marriott Grand Cayman Resort on 11/3-11/6 and would like to know how the resort their is.

Juli, I'd love to hear about that Reef Grill tuna dish you've been dreaming about. Was the tuna cooked rare? What was the sauce like? I've read rave reviews about their Sea Bass dish with the Thai sauce and the Coconut Grouper. I never ate there but I had the Coconut Shrimp at Smugglers Cove, it had two different dipping sauces swirled on the plate - I would order that again in a second.