Has anyone stayed here recently? Celebrity lists it as an all inclusive, shore excursion. Would you recommend it for a couple to spend the day? Thanks

You'll miss the beauty of 7Mile Beach there.

NO!!!!!!!!!! Oh sorry, was that out loud? No offense against SBRR but they don't have a beach and there are much better places to spend the day.

Take a half day snorkelling trip to Stingray City and then spend the other half of the day on 7 Mile Beach. You'll be amazed by this beach - powdery white sand and the water is as calm as a swimming pool. OR, spend the entire day on 7 Mile and walk up to Royal Palms Beach Bar for a drink. They are re-modelling since the hurricane and not sure of the progress of the bar. A great lunch spot is at the Seaview Inn - they have a great ocean side restaurant/bar... Again, not sure of the status since the hurricane.

You will not get the flavour of Grand Cayman, nor a beach, if you spend the day at Spanish Bay Reef Resort.

Enjoy your short visit - you'll want to come back for an extended stay!

Lori

I should clarify - you'll need to take a cab to Seaview Inn -not far at all though - five to ten minute ride. Two other great lunch spots that are by the water are Paradise Bar & Grill (close to Seaview) and Rackum's Pub.

Enjoy.

Thanks for the info. I guess we won't be going to SBRR. Is there places to rent a lounge chair & cabana or umbrella on 7 mile beach? Thanks again

We have stayed at the Hoilday Inn, now known as Courtyard by Marriott. Their beach (on 7 Mile Beach) is fabulous. The nicest beach/ocean we've been to so far. The sand white and soft. The ocean calm, warm and crystal clear. No rocky entrance. They have a roped off swimming area, which had rocks towards the back. Lots of fish looking for a hand out. They will come right up to you. Plenty of people snorkeling. There is a beach bar and restaurant open to the public. They sell chair rentals to the public for $8.00. Red Sail Sports is set up for water sports. They offered swim mats, canoes, wave runners and parasailing. Cruise shippers are welcome and have their own beach area away from hotel guests. There was plenty of beach room and ocean for everyone and didn't become too crowded.

Definatley don't miss a trip to Sting Ray City.

Seaview Hotel was a great spot, but now sold for redevelopment.

Anywhere that is presold for a beach visit by the cruise lines is likely to be jampacked.

If you just want to go to the beach, just grab a cab/minibus up the beach to public beach, then you can choose between Seagrape Beach and the Courtyard Marriott beach bar (next door to each other), rent a chair (if you wish), buy a drink or two and chill out.

On your way back down the beach, get dropped off at Cimboco for lunch (my favourite), then grab another minibus back to the dock.

Thanks for the great suggestions. I'm taking notes. We're planning on taking the Buccaneer Stingray City & snorkeling excursion in the morning, then lying on the beach afterwards. That is, now that we're no longer considering the AI option. We want a beach with chairs, clean facilities, food & drink. Sounds like both of your suggestions satisfy these requirements. One more thing, we would prefer a beach that's "not" topless. Will we still be good with your suggestions? Thanks again

You won't find topless beaches in Cayman.

Indeed topless sunbathing in Cayman is not permitted... but, after many years in Cayman, but as someone who grew up in Europe... I do find it strange... why is it that some people find topless beaches unacceptable ? Similarly, I have had complaints from guests at our resort when some families allow their young children (say 3 or under) run around naked.

Must be something in my upbringing, I just don't understand what the problem is...hmm

We stayed at Spanish Bay Reef about 5 years ago and it was alright but nothing luxurious. Our room however was huge and sort of a little cottage style. When you stepped outside the ocean view was right in front of us. I spoke to someone on the phone at their sister resort (Beach Club) and he didn't think SBR would be open in Sept even due to hurricane renovations. We opted for a full dive package at Cobalt Coast which we have heard great things about. Best part of SBR though (which they may no longer have) was little jeeps that you could rent for a day or half day for about $8 to cruise around the island. That made it easy to get to SMB or around to east side of the island. Food however could have been better. Very americanized and nothing special.