11 Best Hotels in Cayman Islands

This 144-acre, exquisitely manicured resort offers unparalleled luxury and service infused with a sense of place, with works by local artists and craftspeople. The resort took the opportunity of the nearly two-year shutdown to pour CI$50 million of improvements into the property. It is anchored by a seven-story behemoth that faces Seven Mile Beach on the west and the North Sound on the east. Top chef Eric Ripert created one of the eateries, Greg Norman designed the golf course, La Prairie operates the sybaritic spa, and the Ambassadors of the Environment children's program was created by none other than Jean-Michel Cousteau. Despite its glam romantic trappings, the resort is family friendly, offering movie screenings poolside and stargazing with astronomers, and incorporating Caymanian culture into the estimable kids' club activities. The spacious rooms have been given a refresh blending modern coastal and midcentury British Caribbean styles with local artwork and are outfitted with high-tech conveniences.

The handsomely designed, well-equipped Westin offers something for everyone, from conventioneers to honeymooners and families, not to mention what the hospitality industry calls "location, location, location." You can walk on a perfect beach or luxuriate in a cabana, enjoy the sumptuous spa, sweat in the state-of-the-art fitness club, get wet with a Red Sail Sports branch, dine at the estimable Beach House, lounge in Grand Cayman's largest freshwater pool (with an ocean view to boot), or loll in the suave piano lounge after dark. The sophisticated room decor includes rich hardwood furnishings and granite-clad bathrooms with pampering showers. The Westin-brand signatures have been subtly tailored to the tropics: local rum cakes are the turndown treats, a "run concierge" leads jogs at cooler times of day, craft demonstrations from glassblowing to thatch-weaving are offered, and the kids' club includes piratical skits and scavenger hunts teaching Cayman history.

With its two- and three-bedroom condos, this enduring favorite on the peaceful northern end of Seven Mile Beach is a find for families. Snorkeling is superb right offshore, and the beach is free of rocks. The parrot-green lawn fronting the sand is so perfectly maintained you could play croquet, and tennis courts and a large pool also tempt active types. Thatched cabanas and a gazebo offer shade. Living rooms and kitchens are enormous; the decor generally favors soft seashell colors of pink, mint, and baby blue, with nautical artworks aplenty. The complex is pretty quiet overall, but the north building units are quietest. Units 8 and 10 (the latter a particularly good value for families as its "den" has two twin beds) are among the stunners opening onto the beach; only the pricier three-bedroom units offer beach views.

This older but upgraded complex of all oceanfront suites sits at the north end of Seven Mile Beach, 6 miles from George Town, with fabulous snorkeling in the protected waters of nearby Cemetery Reef. Tennis courts, a large pool with hot tub, and sizable screened-in private porches add to the appeal. Kids 12 and under stay free, making it popular with families. The open layout enhances the spaciousness, though guest bedrooms are generally cramped and second bathrooms are shower-only. All units (except studios, rented only in low season and not recommended) have a washer/dryer. Decor varies according to the owner's taste; Unit 23 is particularly smart, with wonderful island photos and granite accents. Units 32–40 are also top of the line.

The soaring, stylish marble lobby (with exquisite art glass and majestic stingray bas-relief sculpture) sets a "beach house" tone for this bustling property. Large adjoining rooms are ideal for families; all have tiny balconies, hardwood furniture, pullout sofas, and smallish bathrooms. The beach, pool, beach bar, sunglasses concierge, sunburn relief stations, and Red Sail dive center with water toys fill every nautical need. Add a serene spa, lovely lush tropical courtyard and turtle lagoon, clever man-made reef, and solid restaurants using local ingredients as much as possible, and you never need to leave the property (despite the on-site car rental agency). When you do, it's a short walk to more restaurants and stores.

Grand view, indeed: all 69 two- and three-bedroom units (sadly only 20 are generally in the rental pool) look smack onto the Caribbean and the beach past splendidly maintained gardens. Little painted sandals climbing the office door set the laid-back tone. Decor varies wildly but favors soft pastels and marine motifs. First-rate amenities include huge kitchens, washer/dryers, and screened-in patios; larger families will also appreciate the sofa beds and the children-under-12-stay-free policy. Snorkeling here is excellent, the beach is long (if narrow), and the location is ideal for walking into George Town or the most bustling part of Seven Mile Beach. Guests receive a discount at nearby King's Gym.

What was once a no-frills hotel has transformed to a breezy Hilton property with an ideal location, next to the Marriott and near numerous shops, restaurants, and bars. Suites range from studios to two-bedrooms, with amenities including free hot breakfast each day, free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, a water sports concierge, a daily afternoon poolside snack, and a shuttle to nearby beaches, parks, and clubs. The rooms have a bright and airy feel and the on-property restaurant, Ms. Piper's, serves a popular weekend brunch. The sea is a short walk away, and the hotel offers excellent facilities and should please families or groups (units contain sleeper sofas) who want to save on meals.

This two-story hotel, the island's largest, offers modern facilities in a boutique setting. The stylishly contemporary rooms include flat-screen TVs, curved shower rods, malachite-and-marble accents, and carved Honduran hardwood furnishings. They overlook either the pool area or the ocean (the latter are quieter, especially the 300 block, farthest from the occasionally raucous Beach Nuts Bar, where divers congregate). A full-service spa offers massages using mostly marine-based ingredients, as well as hair and nail treatments. Surprisingly good meals are generally served buffet-style in a handsomely renovated dining room. Diving packages represent excellent value. The resort is gradually upgrading various areas, experimenting with ecofriendly practices such as using green chemicals, and planning an expansion. But island warmth remains: the children of beloved Bracker Linton "Mr. T" Tibbetts—an inspiring self-made millionaire who was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for his passionate efforts to promote tourism while preserving Caymanian heritage—still have a hand in management.

This friendly, all-suites hotel is an impeccably clean money saver, and though the somewhat boxy but brightly designed rooms lack balconies, patios, or even views, each has a complete kitchen, pillow-top mattress, flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi (laptops can be rented). The grounds, dotted with hammocks and Adirondack chairs, are lovely. You can enjoy the great cheap food and gossip at the poolside restaurant, a local fave. It's a five-minute walk to Seven Mile Beach; the resort also provides a shuttle to the Westin (under the same ownership, meaning free use of facilities and ability to charge purchases to your room). Complimentary continental breakfast is served poolside. The resort provides lockers for dive gear and discounts for Avis car rental.

On the beachfront, snuggled between the Ritz-Carlton and Westin, Galleon's villas are just steps away from groceries, restaurants, nightlife, and water sports. The buildings are staggered to ensure optimal sea views. All units have full kitchens with a dishwasher and microwave; two- and three-bedroom units include a washer/dryer. Cribs are provided gratis; families also appreciate the charcoal grills. The on-site manager encourages guests to call anytime they need something; energetic and personable, she loves dispensing advice and fresh fruit (often plucked from the sea-grape, lime, papaya, and banana trees on the property). Iguanas, alongside house cats Tom and Samantha, dart about the pretty grounds.

Casual elegance prevails throughout this exceedingly well-run time-share property, which straddles a 600-foot beach on less hectic East End. Each villa has a roomy terrace facing the sea; two-bedroom units can be partitioned, but even the studio has Wi-Fi, microwave, and fridge. Every year brings improvements: advance online check-in, hurricane-guarantee policy, spa and gym, the only place offering power-assisted snorkeling on DPVs (dive propulsion vehicles), and daily car rentals. The resort is almost obsessively maintained. You always see a smiling staffer with a paintbrush or hedge clippers. This cordial and mellow yet efficient service is a major selling point, though there's often a subtle sales pitch for non-owners. Kids love when concierges conduct regular fish feedings at the dock and local artisans demonstrate techniques. The famous Barefoot Man performs his lighthearted country-calypso songs about Caribbean life at Tides on Thursday, luring lively locals.