coppertone80

I have been to Aruba, St. Maarten, Anguilla, and the DR in the Caribbean. Anguilla was by far my favorite in terms of the beach, but St. Maarten was my favorite island as there was a lot to do and see and it still had great beaches (Orient was the best). We are looking at the Cayman Islands and wondering where we should stay. We like awesome beaches (white sand, clear water, no waves), restaurants, bars, casinos, and moderate to nice hotels. For example we stayed at the Holiday Inn at Aruba, Sonesta Maho in St. Maarten, and Secrets Excellence in the DR. We are not fans of all inclusive as we like to try different restaurants. We are open to timeshares, villas, apartments, and hotels in the Caymans. What do you suggest? My husband and I are young, late twenties, like to eat out at nice places, but mostly relax on the beach and people watch. Thanks!

ScottB

If you want the best beach in Grand Cayman, you need to stay on Seven Mile Beach. This is where you'll find everything you are looking for. The northern end is the most quiet, where the middle and southern end are closer to the restaurants, shops, etc.

Check out www.caymanvacations.com

That site will help you find just what you are looking for. It lists where the resorts are located on 7MB, and also prices, pictures, etc...

EJC

Whatever you do, make sure you stay on or near 7Mile Beach. Many people recommend the East End section. But since you're in your 20's, East End will bore you to death.
I, also stayed @ HI in Aruba. Very nice beach, but when you see 7MB, you'll say OMG!!!!!.
Check out the Grand Caymanian. It's a timeshare resort located about 3 mins from 7MB
I highly recommend a car rental, no matter where you stay in GC. (remember; driving is on the left)

Mamaw

Though we didn't stay at the hotel, We did tour the grounds and used the beach area. The Ritz Carlton. What a hotel, and what a beach. It was breathtaking. And the service was outstanding. We were there via cruise ship. I hope to get back there soon and stay at the Ritz. Check out Tripadvisor, lots of info on hotels and the beach.

Theresa in Detroit

Debi

We stayed at the Westin on 7MB - and really liked that (we had an ocean view room).....

Anguillagirl

We stayed in what used to be the Hyatt Beach Suites. Now the name is Grand Cayman Beach Suites. They are very nice spacious rooms with separate bedroom.
I love the beach along that stretch too. It's close to tons of restaurants.

dragonrider

I'm also looking at condos on Seven Mile Beach. I've read some posts that say that parts of the beach can be very rocky. I want to insure we're in an area where it's a nice beach, great for snorkeling, etc. Can anyone shed some light on the rocky areas and perhaps suggest some condos for a family of 4?

joe999

What do the say LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION. If a condo is your need the Villas of the Galleon is the one next 2 the Ritz. Fosters a short walk away. Bus stop right out front. Beat area of 7mb (actually 5 1/2 milie).

monk21

Stay away from Treasure Island Condos...very rocky in front...everything from the Marriott up to the Westin and beyond is beautiful with a lot of snorkeling from shore and nice sandy beaches.

luvtotravl

You really should look at caymanvacations.com for hotel, resort and condo options. They also have a nice map to help you decide. We have used caymanvactions before and found them to be very accurate. There aren't any casinos in the Cayman islands, but there are lots of nice ocean side bars. Have fun!

cherylm57

We just booked a trip to Grand Cayman and are staying at the Turtle Nest Inn. It is not on 7 mile beach but is a great little condo with all we could need. It is rated as the #1 hidden gem in the Carribean by Fodors and #4 hidden gem in the world. We used this same list to pick our hotel in Paris last summer and it was amazing. If you want action than Turtle Nest isn't for you. It is out of the way, but you can't beat the prices and I can't find one negative review of it on the Internet anywhere!

sandiedog

Wow- I'm intrigued by the Turtle Nest Inn. How did you find it and do you know anything about the beach there - sand vs. rock? Anyone else on this board stayed there who can comment on it? I was looking at a condo on 7-mile beach but was hesitant because I'd love to be away from the crowds.

mymoosie

Turtle Nest Inn is pulling me too, because it's away from crowds and supposedly very good snorkeling in front. I'm also concerned about the quality of the beach though, is the entrance sandy or rocky?

I like 7MB, but I tend to like being away from the main hotel areas. Decisions, decisions! And then there's Southern Cross Club in Little Cayman. That looks like my kind of place, but I need to factor in the travel times.

sandiedog

I'm down to either Plantana on 7-mile beach or Turtle Nest Inn if anyone can weigh in on which has the best beach. Just talked to the Turtle Nest Inn and they're just about booked over the next 12 months. Fortunately, my dates are a bit flexible in June so they can accommodate me. Just heard mixed things about the beach there.

summer04

If you are a Starwood Preferred Guest member, you can get a room at the Westin for 50% off by using 1,000 points through SPG.com.

ScottB

Comparing 7MB to the beach at Turtle Nest Inn is like comparing a Big Mac to Filet Mignon. If you want an amazing beach, 7MB is the clear choice over TNI's beach.

luvtotravl

7MB has a much, much better beach than Turtle Nest Inn. The Reef Resort beach is much nicer than Turtle Nest Inn's beach. I have stayed several times on 7MB and the Reef Resort, and snorkeled at Turtle Nest Inn.

cherylm57

Well I know that the beach at TNI isn't as good as 7 mile but I'd rather stay at TNI and then do day trips to 7 mile when we want to. TNI has a small pool, great rooms and can't beat the price. We have a rental car and 7 mile beach isn't that far. I'd rather spend my $ on dinner etc and not on a room I'll rarely be in! I'm as happy sitting by a pool as I am on a beach.

Kristen1206

For condos, look at Villas of the Galleon, Plantana or if you want to be really close to town - Lacovia. As far as hotels, the Westin and the Ritz are on the best stretch of beach by far (VOG is in between).

CaymanSue

Getting back to the original poster...

"We like awesome beaches (white sand, clear water, no waves), restaurants, bars, casinos, and moderate to nice hotels..."

Cayman can do the first 3, but no casinos and no moderate hotels.