Places to stay - Grand Cayman

[steinbruegge]

Hello, all -

Going to Grand Cayman March 23-29 ..

Would be grateful for lodging recommendations .. will be travelling with a 12-year-old son, not yet diving, who likes big swimming pools, and non-diving wife, who prefers, in general, more upscale places. Probably puts us in SMB area, but was wondering whether anybody knew of anything outside of the usual major hotels, and a little bit away from the crowds (but not TOO far away, as to be stranded from everything).

Also looking for a dive buddy, if anybody happens to be heading that way during that time. I'm an experienced diver, and not bad to hang around with for a day or two ...

Thanks,

Charles (Chuck) Steinbruegge, MD

 

[Drew Sailbum]

Of the major hotels, I would suggest that the Westin Casuarina would be the best match for upscale and nice pool.

The other option you may want to consider is a condo.

 

[EastEndDiver]

I own a condo at turtle nest condos ib bode town ,south side of island.contact me if you would like info.here is the website.

turtlenestinn.net

 

[ian.b]

My family owns a 3BR condo @ coconut bay in NW point. Great diving right from the property (just got back on Sunday 12/2 from a week there). shoot me a message if your interested and I'll get you in contact for availability/rental info. Discounted boat diving with stingray watersports is also offered if renting there.

 

[EastEndDiver]

My last post here looked illiterate,I am posting from a tablet.my condo is 2 bedroom 2 1/2 baths on the water with great snorkeling out back. We also have discounted diving with Dns diving and our condos come with a rental car.pm me if you have any questions

 

[steinbruegge]

Thanks for the replies ..

I think we're going to zero in on the Rum Point area .. would be grateful for any recommendations for (preferably) beachfront or near-beachfront accommodations and diveshops.

 

[billinwilliamston]

Thanks for the replies ..

I think we're going to zero in on the Rum Point area .. would be grateful for any recommendations for (preferably) beachfront or near-beachfront accommodations and diveshops.

There are only two dive shops within 1/2 hour of Rum Point. Red Sail, which has a presence at Rum Point and a dive shop at Morritt's, and Ocean Frontiers which is on the way to Bodden Town.

 

[LiquidDivingAdventure]

I recommend Compass Point, Cobalt Coast and Sunset House. The Reef Resort is not bad as well as Turtle Nest Inn. I prefer the first three because of the solid dive operations.

 

[diversteve]

but not TOO far away, as to be stranded from everything

That perfectly describes the Rum Point area. Rum Point is a long drive from anything all the way around the island. Including all of the "upscale" restaurants and shops downtown or along SMB. Just an fyi to keep the wife happy.

I'd go with Drew's reco. The Westin is really nice. The Marriott Grand is also. Or there's the Ritz-Carlton. My choice would be the Westin also.

If you want a house in Rum Point on the beach, be sure it's beach front not ocean front. There's a lot of ironshore on that side. Cobalt Coast has a nice strip of sand but it's a killer to get over the 3' ironshore at the ocean's edge and into the water. Plus there's coral just offshore in many areas.

www.vrbo.com has some options in all areas. If you don't need to be waterfront, you might be able to find a house in some of the upscale areas off the sound near West Bay. Some are pretty quiet and private.

Cobalt Coast or Sunset House - while nice for what you pay - don't meet my definition of "upscale". There's no beach at Sunset House and it's in the flightpath. The rooms/suites while clean and newer are just average. Cobalt Coast is a drive to anything - there's not much in that area.

 

[Wolfie]

I stayed at grand cayman beach suites last year and was impressed. For about the same $ as Westin parking lot view room with 2 dbl beds you get a 1 bedroom king suite with pull out sofa in the main room. Excellent service.(with the exception 1 desk clerk who is completely worthless). The pool is very nice and since its a small hotel the beach and pool don't get overly crowded.
that is if you want to go to SMB.