accommodation recommendations for layover in Grand Cayman

[PatW]

Immigration usually is not the slow down. But I come in through Tampa and the flight is not that big and many on board are residents. Getting the luggage is the wait and it takes about 15 minutes. Then the plan is to move fast to check in at the Cayman Air desk which usually does not have a line. If you are strapped for time, mention it to the Cayman Air representative. They might be able to arrange to hold the flight while you clear security. Security is usually fairly fast. I was once held there for about 25 minutes by an agent who was mesmerized by my carry on bag filled with underwater camera gear. My wife went to the gate and the held the flight until I got there. With any luck, you should make it.

 

[Doctorfish]

I personally have not had that experience with Cayman Air. They have generally been less than helpful on the phone or at the airport. I've been at the desk on GC more than once trying to check in 10 to 15 minutes before scheduled departure time and had them tell me that they close the gate 15 minutes before departure and too bad. I've also had them change flight times by moving them up, making the connection impossible. I dread the hop from GC to LC and never relax until I'm actually in the Otter. Good luck with your 40 minute time line but wise to have a back up plan.

I try to arrange 1.5 hrs + changeover in GC to reduce the anxiety level.

 

[mi000ke]

You might want to try the meet and greet service to get you in and out as quickly as possible.
Meet and Greet Service – CEO’s Welcome

A little off topic (sorry) but had to say thanks to KathyV for the heads up on this service. We go to GC every winter with our dog (small, flies with us in a travel crate) and it has been a real challenge to wait in line with him for an hour or so, with him desperately wanting out of the crate. I contacted the airport customer service group, and we are good to go with Meet and Greet in a couple of weeks. I'll post the results of our experience.

 

[KathyV]

A little off topic (sorry) but had to say thanks to KathyV for the heads up on this service. We go to GC every winter with our dog (small, flies with us in a travel crate) and it has been a real challenge to wait in line with him for an hour or so, with him desperately wanting out of the crate. I contacted the airport customer service group, and we are good to go with Meet and Greet in a couple of weeks. I'll post the results of our experience.

Glad to help! I will be interested to hear about your Meet and Greet experiences; we've been tempted but haven't used that service yet.

A service that we have enjoyed is the free shuttle from the airport to the George Town Yacht Club at the Barcadere Marina that is located only a few minutes from the airport. We used this option twice during our recent vacation to Grand Cayman and Little Cayman.

We shuttled to the GTYC after checking in before our flight to Little Cayman and also during our trip home after returning from Little Cayman and checking in for our flight to Chicago. It's a much nicer experience than hanging around the airport, especially during the construction. Good food, beautiful ambience, and friendly service. The GTYC has outdoor seating so I think that would okay for your dog, but you should probably confirm that in advance. They primarily cater to people visiting Cayman by boat - so I would think that some of them would travel with dogs.

The restaurant at the GTYC is owned and operated by the same people that own Macabuca and the Cracked Conch and I think that the conch is even better at GTYC - especially with their special tartar sauce.

They open early on Saturday and Sunday and serve breakfast until 11 am for early travelers. We got there around 10:15 am Saturday during our trip home, but we had already eaten an early breakfast at the Little Cayman Beach Resort and we wouldn't eat again until after arriving in Chicago; so they graciously agreed to make their famous cracked conch for us - the appetizer portion is the perfect size and it's delicious! See this link: Home

Have a fun trip, where are you staying and diving?

 

[mi000ke]

Glad to help! I will be interested to hear about your Meet and Greet experiences; we've been tempted but haven't used that service yet.

A service that we have enjoyed is the free shuttle from the airport to the George Town Yacht Club at the Barcadere Marina that is located only a few minutes from the airport. We used this option twice during our recent vacation to Grand Cayman and Little Cayman.

We shuttled to the GTYC after checking in before our flight to Little Cayman and also during our trip home after returning from Little Cayman and checking in for our flight to Chicago. It's a much nicer experience than hanging around the airport, especially during the construction. Good food, beautiful ambience, and friendly service. The GTYC has outdoor seating so I think that would okay for your dog, but you should probably confirm that in advance. They primarily cater to people visiting Cayman by boat - so I would think that some of them would travel with dogs.

The restaurant at the GTYC is owned and operated by the same people that own Macabuca and the Cracked Conch and I think that the conch is even better at GTYC - especially with their special tartar sauce.

They open early on Saturday and Sunday and serve breakfast until 11 am for early travelers. We got there around 10:15 am Saturday during our trip home, but we had already eaten an early breakfast at the Little Cayman Beach Resort and we wouldn't eat again until after arriving in Chicago; so they graciously agreed to make their famous cracked conch for us - the appetizer portion is the perfect size and it's delicious! See this link: Home

Have a fun trip, where are you staying and diving?

We are fortunate to own a place on SMB, so will be going directly there from the airport. We go down from Jan to April and a couple of weeks in October each year. I dive mostly west side (depending on conditions) usually with a dive op, but also do some shore diving depending on who I can find to buddy with. This year planing to wake up early and get over to the east end for a few dives. also hope to get to CB or LC one of these days.

Yacht club is a great place. Maccabuca is one of our go-to places for food (and snorkeling).

 

[EastEndDiver]

I would also be interested in how the Meet and Great works out please let us know.

Mike you haven't dove at Maccabuca yet to see the Tarpon?

 

[mi000ke]

I would also be interested in how the Meet and Great works out please let us know.

Mike you haven't dove at Maccabuca yet to see the Tarpon?

So far only lighthouse point - but Maccabuca is on my list!

 

[KathyV]

Ive got a real tight layover in Grand Cayman flying to Cayman Brac (45 minutes) and I'd like to have a backup plan if I miss the last flight out. Any recommendations for places to stay one night in Grand Cayman on short notice.

We fly in on a Sunday at 435 departing 40 minutes later at 515

@Candiru, I was just wondering about your connection to Brac, did you make it on time? Did you have to overnight on GC? Or is your trip still to come some time in the future?

 

[Candiru]

Traveling in February. 40 minute connection. My prediction is that we will make the connection. I’ll be sure to post back.

 

[KathyV]

Traveling in February. 40 minute connection. My prediction is that we will make the connection. I’ll be sure to post back.

Good luck and have a great trip!

FYI, this was recently posted on Trip Advisor by someone that used one of the Meet and Greet services. Grand Cayman was their final destination, they were not connecting to another flight.

"...Our greeter was standing on the sidewalk outside the entrance to the Immigration Hall.....he took us directly to an agent, then on to baggage claim where our bag was waiting. He went with us through Customs & all the way to Andys (car rental) rolling one of our bags for us. Nice guy with a pleasant disposition..."