John

Tom I totally agree with you. While a condo sounds very intriguing, having everything right there at the resort is worth the money.

Paula

I am intrigued by the misunderstandings here. To help me understand this thread I am wondering if John cld. pls tell us where he originally posted. As I understand the way this board works, if you go to 'Caribbean' to post a question they ask you to indicate a location but that location does not show up on your question. It appears that John thought that by indicating he was interested in Grand Cayman he believed he was posting on 'the Grand Cayman Forum'. I was not aware that there was a Grand Cayman Forum on this board! So....cld. someone pls clarify this for us?

G

Having stayed in condos and hotels on Grand Cayman, to me it isn't even about the money, condos are the way to go. Way more space, options to eat meals in (like breakfasts), a WAY less crowded beach, you can get a ground floor unit walking right out onto the beach, etc., etc. Also, I know several condo places that do have gyms (the Avalon for one).

John

I'll clarify it for you since you're the only one asking. It was just a big misunderstanding. I thought that when you choose your location on your initial post, it would only post it in the Grand Cayman message area. I didn't realize it would be posted in the general forum. There is a general forum but there is also forums for each of the islands in the Caribbean and I thought that when I chose the location it would only post in the Grand Cayman forum. That's why I couldn't figure out why I was asked which Westin I was talking about. No big deal. All of us are on the right track now and I'm still trying to decide where at the Westin to request our ocean-front room to be. Don't know if I want the top floors or the ground floor. I've gotten good suggestions from everyone and I think this message board is the best for info on the Caribbean. I just want to make sure we have a great view.

Ed

I never had a problem using hotel facilaties while staying at near-by condos!!

Paula

John, thanks! Ok...now I have a question: How does one get to the 'specific forum' section via www.Fodors.com? You mentioned "the Grand Cayman Forum" and "the Grand Cayman message area". How do I go there from here?

John

Paula, after you click on Caribbean islands, you will see a bunch of message posts on the left. At the top of that same page there is a window that contains all of the islands in the Caribbean. Highlight the island you want and then click on "find" to the right of the window. Hope this helps.

John

Ed, so you were able to go to the hotels and use their fitness center, spa and pool even though you were staying at a condo and not the hotel? Were you able to do this at the Westin, Hyatt, Marriott, etc.? If you were, I believe you, it just amazes me that they would allow people to do that. I would think that all of the hotels would require you to show a room key for those amenities. I'm sure the condos are great, no doubt, but for our honeymoon we really want to stay at a big resort. That's why we chose the Westin.

xxx

Except that the Westin isn't a big resort. It's just a decent, 330+ room hotel on the beach. Best on Cayman, but still not a big resort.

John

I heard the Westin is a big resort from many many people. I guess it really depends what you think a big resort consists of. I realize it doesn't have a golf course or anything like that, but it seems like it has everything else that would make up a big resort. I don't know, I'm just going by what people tell me and what my opinion is of a big resort. We did hear that it's definitely the best on Cayman and that had a lot to do with our decision.

xxx

When I think big resort, I think Atlantis in the Bahamas (even though I never have and never would stay there).

John

I see what you mean. But why wouldn't you stay at Atlantis? I was there last year. Didn't stay there, we were on a cruise that stopped in Nassau so we went to Atlantis and looked around. It was an incredible place. I would love to stay there sometime. I know what you mean about a big resort, but the Westin is called the 'The Westin Casaurina Resort & Spa'. It fits my guidelines as a resort, not like Atlantis, but still definitely a resort.

xxx

John,
Especially when I go away, I don't want to be around hordes of people. For that reason alone, I would not go to Atlantis. If I were to go to the Bahamas, Ocean Club would be more my type of place. Just my opinion.

Grand Cayman is a great island and the Westin is the best hotel on the island, but it will not wow you like the Atlantis probably did. Something to think about if you are looking for the "wow" factor.

I know the Westin is called a "Resort & Spa," but it is really a hotel with some resort and spa amenities, in my opinion.

John

I understand and know what you mean. We're not really looking for the "wow" factor. I know what you mean about the large crowd thing and that had a lot to do with why we chose the Westin in Cayman. We wanted something that's kind of laid back which is what Cayman is.

Ed

John as far as using other hotel amenities, You & I are looking for different things. I use other hotels mainly for an occaisional swim while I drink at their bar, or maybe enjoy their restaurant. I don't need the gym as I get plenty of workout everyday by walking the beach, and swimming for hours. Don't feel the need for spa treatments, and if I needed a massage, I'm sure I could simply pay for one if needed.

Bottom line is that from everything you have explained that you seem to be looking for, the Westin is your best choice. It has the one of the best reputations for being one of the top hotels in GC. Yes it'll cost you your first born, but it is one of the best, and the service is supposed to be excellent. You will endure some crowds there, but in my estimation, they can be avoided with a short walk up the beach. Enjoy!!