Turtle Nest Inn vs. Westin
 

My husband and I (early 40s) are coming to Grand Cayman in the end of April. We were previously considering the Westin on 7MB as it has been rated highly, but got to be a bit concerned about potential crowds there or on the beach by the Westin. Came across positive comments on the Turtle Nest Inn. We are now leaning towards staying there. Can anyone who has stayed there please comment on their experience? How far off the beaten path is this? Are we going to feel isolated? How is the beach at the Inn? Is there good snorkeling right off that beach? How far do we have to go to get to restaurants? We generally like more intimate, although very nice resorts and generally stay away from typical high rise hotels because they can be too impersonal and crowded. (I hate to have to search for an empty spot by the pool or on the beach.) So we are looking for a place that is on a nice beach, not in the middle of where the crowds are, but not too isolated as well. We would like to find a place that has a nice atmosphere and offers some amenities.

I don't know about the Turtle Nest Inn, but we would never go to Grand Cayman without staying at the Westin. <BR> <BR>there is an inexpensive restaurant across the street for B/Fast & maybe lunch and Antonio's is a short walk away and we think it is the best. Westin restaurants are great. <BR> <BR>we had a car, but most places are a quick cab ride away. Vince

<BR>Hi Cheryl, <BR>We're mid forties, stayed at the TNI last year. Loved it. Spotless. Good management/owners. Not fancy, but tastefully done & comfortable. <BR> <BR>Good snorkeling right off the beach. Water is extremely pretty & reef is fairly close in, depending on tide. Easy swim, not like Cemetary Reef (whew!). Beach is not wide or silky sand like parts of Seven Mile, but neither is it crowded. Sometimes when the other guests were out touristing (or working - several were long term rentals), we had the beach/pool all to ourselves & the Inn sort of felt like ours. It's not exactly what I'd call isolated since it's in a quiet little town. (Morritts is what I'd call isolated --- nothing much within miles either way). <BR> <BR>There's nothing really for tourists to "do" in Boddentown as far as shopping, etc. unless things have changed in a year, so unless a guest at the Inn, most tourists are just driving past on the way to sight see at the blowholes, wreck of the Ten Sails, Rum Point (or of course if they're staying way out at Morritts or Cayman Kai). <BR> <BR>Some good eating places very close by (we walked to the Edge restaurant several times -- be sure to take your fins & snorkel in the gorgeous water just behind it). <BR> <BR>The Westin is very nice too, much busier & more expensive. Also dressier feeling. If you need room service you will need to go to a hotel, but the onsite owners at TNI were happy to play concierge & help us with advice on when & how to best go & do. <BR> <BR>Explored all over the island, easily, using the Inn as our homebase. Recommend reserve early as possible, they only have a handful of rooms. <BR> <BR>MW <BR>

I have stayed at the Turtle Nest and love it (!) but won't go into details because so many other before me have on this forum. One hint, TNI owners got us a fantastic deal on a rental car and I would suggest you rent a car as opposed to taking a taxi. Unless you're content to be stationary, taxi service will cost you more in the long run. Have a great time.

You don't need to go to the Turtle Nest Inn - too far away from 7 mile beach. Plenty of intimate condo units right on the northern part of seven mile beach. This way, you can get to the activity only if you want to, very quickly. Otherwise you are in peacful seculusion

My husband and I just got back from the Westin on Feb 10 and would not go back. This property is geared to the "corporate business" groups and made you feel "not allowed" in certain areas due to their activities which was just for their company. Nothing to do at night. Very over priced for what you get at the Westin. Beach is crowded and drinks very expensive. Would take Aruba over GC in a heartbeat!!

Connie: <BR> <BR>Your comments are very interesting. I posed the original question, and after much consideration decided to book a reservation at the Turtle Nest Inn. We are going the end of April. I will post a trip report afterwards. <BR> <BR>I have been monitoring comments on Grand Cayman and they seem to vary with respect to what is desirable for accomodations. However, I always keep in mind that everyone has different tastes and what appeals to one person, another may dislike. My husband and I have learned over the years that we tend to like being away from the heart of the area where all the activities are. When we have stayed at resorts/hotels in the middle of a popular area, we found ourselves seeking out quiet, more secluded areas. We also like to go exploring, rather than just stay stationary. This is why for us I chose Turtle Nest Inn. Also, even though I usually do not like condo-type accomdodations (because I don't like to cook on vacation) we decided to it this time because of the costs on Grand Cayman. At the Turtle Nest Inn we are getting a one bedroom apartment with ocean views right on the beach for $150/night! I think we will probably use the Inn as a base and explore the rest of the island as I understand it is reasonably safe. We just started snorkeling and we are looking forward to trying different spots around the island. We also tend to be early risers, and after a nice dinner usually don't seek out much in the way of nightlife, so I am not too much concerned about lack of things to do at night. The Inn sponsors two group dinners with other guests at the Inn that are supposed to be nice. <BR> <BR>I'll report when we get back!