I’m really excited to visit Grand Cayman with Timmy in a few months. Kimpton is opening a new property called the Seafire Resort on Seven Mile Beach, so we’ll be taking advantage of the Inner Circle free night benefit. Southwest Airlines just launched new service to Grand Cayman, but their service starts after our trip. Since this is my first time there, I wanted to know what are the best hotels in Grand Cayman. Here’s what I found out.
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The Best Hotels in Grand Cayman
Overall, I’m focused on finding hotels that you can use points to stay. Because who wants to actually use cash, right? According to Expedia, there are about 40 hotels on the island, but a majority of them are not affiliated with the major hotel brands. There are 7 hotels from the major brands – one each from Kimpton, Westin, Ritz-Carlton, Marriott, IHG, Wyndham, and Comfort Suites. And, just for fun, I’ll throw in the new Jimmy Buffett Margaritaville Resort.
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Kimpton Seafire Resort
The grand opening of the first Kimpton in the Caribbean is the primary reason we’re visiting Grand Cayman for Timmy’s Spring Break. This is the first boutique resort on Grand Cayman, and there has been no expense spared by the Kimpton team in making this an amazing resort. Like all other Kimpton’s, the Seafire Resort is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring Fido. I’ll be posting a review after our stay, but in the meantime, check out the latest reviews on TripAdvisor.
The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa
The Westin is also located on the famous Seven Mile Beach. Many of the readers are SPG/Marriott members, so this property may be one of the top choices for you when researching where to stay in Grand Cayman. A renovation of the Westin Grand Cayman just completed, and I have to say that the property looks amazing. The Westin Grand Cayman is an SPG Category 6 property with nights starting at 20,000-25,000 points (depending on time of year), 10,000 SPG points + $180 a night, or cash prices starting in the $400s. Please note that there is a $60 per day resort charge that will be added to your bill at check-out. The resort fee is a bit of sticker shock, but you do receive quite a bit of value. Some of the amenities include a daily manager’s reception, complimentary activities, access to gym/spa, pool/beach ambassadors, and so much more. Click here for the latest reviews on TripAdvisor.
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
When talking luxury, Ritz-Carlton is one of the brands you think of first. And on such a beautiful island as Grand Cayman, you’d expect a top-notch luxury option. The Ritz-Carlton is also located on Seven Mile Beach. As you can tell, the best resorts in Grand Cayman are concentrated here. The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is a Category 5 property that is 70,000 Marriott points per night or a Points + Cash option of 38,000 points + $335 a night. Cash price starting in the $700s. TripAdvisor has the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman as the #2 property on Seven Mile Beach. Click here for the latest TripAdvisor reviews.
There is also a Ritz-Carlton Residences option available on the island.
Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort
According to TripAdvisor, the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort is the 3rd highest rated property on Seven Mile Beach. It is a Marriott Category 9 property, with rates starting at 45,000 Marriott points per night or you can use a Points + Cash option of 28,000 points + $220 per night. Cash prices start around $400 a night, depending on the season. Please note that a $50 daily resort fee applies. It includes bicycle rental, welcome drink upon arrival, children’s beach toys, and more. As a Marriott member, I found a rate that includes a $50 per day food & beverage credit (max of $250). So, check the specials before you book! Click here for the latest TripAdvisor reviews.
Comfort Suites Seven Mile Beach – Grand Caymans
The Comfort Suites Seven Mile Beach is the most affordable option of the major brands on the popular Seven Mile Beach. It is actually rated the #5 resort in the Seven Mile Beach area, according to TripAdvisor. The Comfort Suites Seven Mile Beach is popular for many reasons. The rooms are not as luxurious or stylish as the other options on this list, but I found rates starting in the $200s per night. Point redemptions start at 10,000 points per night, which is incredibly cheap for an island destination! Most of the rooms are suites – junior, one bedroom, or even two bedroom – and include limited kitchenettes or efficiency kitchens. And breakfast is complimentary each day, with scrambled eggs, waffles, and much more. Click here for the latest TripAdvisor reviews of the Comfort Suites Seven Mile Beach.
Holiday Inn Grand Cayman
The Holiday Inn Grand Cayman is located in the West Bay part of the island. It is very close to the Seven Mile Beach, but it faces the West Bay. The property is situated to provide amazing sunrise views from the sea-side pool and beach areas. The resort offers a complimentary shuttle to dine, sightsee or enjoy nearby Camana Bay, Fosters Food Fair, Public Beach, and George Town. Guest suites provide a fully stocked gourmet kitchen, living room, dining room and in-suite laundry. Kids 19 & under stay free in their parent’s room and 12 & under each free any time of the day at the on-site restaurant. That’s a great way to save some money! Like the Kimpton Seafire Resort, the Holiday Inn Grand Cayman is a pet-friendly hotel, but they do require a $250 pet deposit. Check out the latest TripAdvisor reviews here.
Wyndham Reef Resort
The Wyndham Reef Resort is on the East Side of the island, as far away from Seven Mile Beach as you can get. Which might be just what you’re looking for if you want to stay away from the more crowded tourist areas of Grand Cayman. If you’re searching for an all-inclusive option, the Wyndham Reef Resort may be right for you. A couple of years ago, Wyndham introduced flat pricing on reward nights, so every property is 15,000 points per night, including this one. A “Go Fast” (Points + Cash) option of 3,000 points and $150 a night is also available. When paying cash, I saw rates starting in the high $200s per night. Note that point redemptions were not always available, even when rooms were available for cash. Click here for the latest reviews of the Wyndham Reef Resort on TripAdvisor.
Margaritaville Beach Resort Grand Cayman
This is one of the newest Margaritaville Beach Resort locations, with a planned opening date of February 4, 2017. The Margaritaville Beach Resort Grand Cayman is also located on Seven Mile Beach. All accommodations open to their own private balcony with ocean, pool or island views. If you’ve ever been to one of the Margaritaville Resorts or Restaurants, you know the vibe of this resort will be like no other. Hotel points are not an option for this property, but I found rates starting at $229 per night. Click here for the latest reviews on TripAdvisor.
The Bald Thoughts
Although Grand Cayman is a small island at only 76 square miles, there are many great hotels to choose from. Many of you like using hotel points as much as possible when traveling. There are several brands that offer point redemptions that offer a good value versus paying cash for your stay. Of the major hotel brands, noticeably absent are options from Hyatt, Hilton, Club Carlson, and Best Western. This list of the best hotels on Grand Cayman will help you pick the resort that is right for you and your family. Timmy and I are looking forward to staying at the Kimpton Seafire Resort for a couple of nights. We are still evaluating which other property we should stay for our final night on the island. There are so many inspiring options, it is hard to pick just one. Which resort would you pick?
Depending on the length of your stay, I would use the Barclay Arrival (for short stays) or the Citi Prestige (4th night free) when paying for your room.
I’m not a big fan of resort charges. Most of the time they make you pay for benefits you would otherwise receive free as a elite member of the hotel program. The $60 per-day fee at the Westin is very high! Do they throw in free massages or something for that? Ha. Getting access to the gym and internet aren’t worth $60 a day! Oh well I guess they need to make additional revenue some how! I think your best bet is the Kimpton since you already get the free night.
I don’t like how many hotels are now charging the resort charges even on award nights.
Great article. Grand Cayman is probably my favorite beach destination for long weekend-type trips (I live in FL). Even today, there’s often good availability to burn avios mia-gcm.
I’ve stayed at the comfort suites and have found it to be great. My friend was able to score it when it was 10k points/not. Can’t beat it, and it’s right next door to the Marriott. No bs resort fees at the comfort suites, and free breakfast. Hard to beat.