Suggestions for trip to Cayman Isl.
 

Hello all,
After a long absence from the fodor-land (and a couple of weeks after the arrival of our new addition to the family :) I am inquiring again and seeking more info about a trip to Cayman Islands. I had asked in the past more general questions to get an idea, but this time I think we are committed to going to CI. First, we will be 4 adults (mother/mother-in-law!, my wife and I, and our 3 kids ages 6, 3, and 5 months old by the time of travel). We chose (were actually recommended) CI because I was looking for a TCI kind of waters/beaches, but in a more 'cosmopolitan' setting. Secondly, we will be traveling the last week of June and we hope for similar to Provo weather/crystal clear waters/and clean beaches. We are...cool with temps in the 90s F. I am not sure what to 'budget' for this trip in terms of lodging, however the general idea is that we are looking to spend about $500 per night (is that too low of a price?) for all 7 of us....(impossible?). Now, we will probably be renting a minivan (if there are available on the island) thus we are open to a 'remote' villa, but we would prefer a place relatively close to the main town or bigger city or what ever part of the island can be close to the best beaches yet not far from a city with shops/downtown/etc. Safety is also very important (although I have not heard anything seriously negative about CI...) so, if a resort is a better option, please do advise. Because I am in the 'beginning' part of planning this trip, and although I do recognize that it is not too far from the actual date, I apologize in advance if I have not set my inquiry to be a clear and concise set of questions. So, if I am missing things I should be asking, please take a moment and volunteer any additional suggestions.
Thank you,
yannis

june weather should be great. gc is quite safe - it's one of the islands with virually no poverty.
there are some condos directly on seven mile beach. several fodorites have enjoyed them. (we stayed in a villa - thatch hill - probably too small for you & it's on the north/quiet side of the island.)
people seem to like plantana & villas of the galleon.
also christopher columbus, but it's further north on the beach & has rockier beach entrance.
you might like to read through this thread:
http://www.fodors.com/community/cari...nd-stay.cfm?17
your family might enjoy a drive to the botanical gardens & then on to rum point for swim, snorkel & lunch on the beach. also you could find one of the non drinking tours to stingray city which you could all go on. mil could stay on board the boat with the littlest ones while you & 6 yr old go into the water. it's Very shallow with clear water so those on boat can watch those in water with the stingrays.
hope this helps

virginia: as usual you came through again! Thanks a lot! Lets see if anyone else has to add anything else...
Thank you again,
yannis

You are making a great choice. Crystal clear water and for the most part uncrowded beaches The best place to stay if you want to be near restaurants and shops is Seven Mile Beach. This area and practically all of Grand Cayman is very safe.There are many condos available,many are very nice. Given the number of people you have, you will need a 3 bedroom condo or two 2 bedroom condos. Most are right on the beach. Given that you will be traveling in June, you will get a off-season rate which is much lower than high season. Look at VRBO for condos, you can probably get a good deal from the owner I won't take the Fodor's recommendations seriously as they are not up to date.
Minivans and all other vehicles are available. There are American style supermarkets, so your food bill will nor be enormous.
With the large group, you may be able to do lodging for $500 per night in June ( don't forget 10% tax plus mandatory gratuity 6-10%), definitely will find a very nice place for $600 per night.

Thank you virginia and GeorgeR for the information. is VRBO the only place to look for rentals?
yannis

Some other rental by owner sites are:

HomeAway - Same parent company as VRBO, but may have some different listings.
http://www.homeaway.com/

FlipKey and TripAdvisor: Same rental information on either site, just different formatting.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationR...n_Rentals.html

Try www.caymanvacations.com