Holiday Inn Grand Cayman
Sep 15, 2018, 12:01 pm
#4
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Gold Country, California
Programs: Hilton Gold, IHG Diamond Ambassador, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,199
I've read many reviews on this property and am on the fence. Mid-October trip to Grand Cayman. They have a local shuttle, but to get from the airport you'd need to take a taxi. I have booked a Hertz car for $100/week (through the IHG link when you book a room). The hotel also frequently mentions renovations are coming this fall. I contacted the resort to ask if the pool and restaurant will be open on my dates and they replied yes. Since the place is described as being a bit remote, with no beach, I'd not be happy to arrive and find those two things closed. Trip is 7 nights total, I have 4 nights booked at the Kimpton Seafire. Still deciding if I should take a chance on this place, or stay the last 3 nights at Marriott or a condo on 7 Mile Beach.
Sep 15, 2018, 8:10 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: RNO
Programs: UA,AA, WN
Posts: 378
[QUOTE=Steph58;30206994]I've read many reviews on this property and am on the fence. Mid-October trip to Grand Cayman. They have a local shuttle, but to get from the airport you'd need to take a taxi. I have booked a Hertz car for $100/week (through the IHG link when you book a room). The hotel also frequently mentions renovations are coming this fall. I contacted the resort to ask if the pool and restaurant will be open on my dates and they replied yes. Since the place is described as being a bit remote, with no beach, I'd not be happy to arrive and find those two things closed. Trip is 7 nights total, I have 4 nights booked at the Kimpton Seafire. Still deciding if I should take a chance on this place, or stay the last 3 nights at Marriott or a condo on 7 Mile Beach.[/QUOT
You trip sounds very much like ours, coming in mid Oct. for few nights then Chase reward nights at Seafire. Seafire sounds nice.
You trip sounds very much like ours, coming in mid Oct. for few nights then Chase reward nights at Seafire. Seafire sounds nice.
Sep 15, 2018, 9:27 pm
#6
Moderator: Hawaii-based airlines & Hawai'i forums
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Ka ʻĀpala Nui, Nuioka
Programs: NEXUS/Global Entry, Delta, United, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, and Hertz
Posts: 18,032
Hertz from Hades - Grand Cayman (Now Under New Management)
Oct 20, 2018, 2:34 pm
#7
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Gold Country, California
Programs: Hilton Gold, IHG Diamond Ambassador, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,199
Visited, Didn't Stay
I ended up not staying at the HI Resort but I was curious. We had a car and free time. It's exactly as I visualized except the drive in is through some very exclusive multi-million dollar homes with yachts docked in front. No beach, no beach swimming, but ocean view if you get a good room. Sand is kind of dirt like. Nice large pool. They let me tour a king 1 bedroom suite with kitchen on the ground floor. It was adequate. They've been mentioning a refurbishment fall of 2018 on the IHG web site; now they say in 2019. Not very many customers. It's the kind of place you go if you want peace and quiet--bring lots of books/reading material. The shuttle goes hourly with about 5 set stops, one of which is to the beach at Calico Jacks which is right next to the Kimpton. During October, at least, it's a good value for Grand Cayman. Honestly I'm kind of surprised it's surviving but maybe it's busier other months. I wouldn't stay there without a car, the restaurant would get old after a meal or two (I would think). The drive to 7 mile Beach isn't that bad.
Regarding Hertz, my $85 weekly rate turned into $198. I got nervous and purchased liability insurance. On flight home noticed receipt listed window and tire damage coverage at $3/day. No mention or agreement for that (tires were bald). Driving here is not a piece of cake, but is okay with a driver and a navigator. Phone GPS worked fine. The worst driving area is in/out of the airport and Georgetown. The Cayman resident drivers are very aggressive (nicest word to use). We did see a few accidents. GPS said 8 minutes to hotel, we eventually got there in 24. Poured rain for about 5 minutes while trying to navigate to the Hwy. Maybe people who are used to roundabouts would find it easier.
Regarding Hertz, my $85 weekly rate turned into $198. I got nervous and purchased liability insurance. On flight home noticed receipt listed window and tire damage coverage at $3/day. No mention or agreement for that (tires were bald). Driving here is not a piece of cake, but is okay with a driver and a navigator. Phone GPS worked fine. The worst driving area is in/out of the airport and Georgetown. The Cayman resident drivers are very aggressive (nicest word to use). We did see a few accidents. GPS said 8 minutes to hotel, we eventually got there in 24. Poured rain for about 5 minutes while trying to navigate to the Hwy. Maybe people who are used to roundabouts would find it easier.
Oct 22, 2018, 12:33 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2000
Location: RDU
Programs: AA LT Gold, DL SM, HY Disc, Marriott LT Gold
Posts: 12,503
It's a budget place on the wrong side of the island vs. Seven Mile Beach. I stayed there a few years ago over a MLK weekend as it was still 25k/night and the food festival was taking up most of the seven mile beach locations. 1BR units are large and comfortable for 1-2 people, with a marginal view, I'd request a room not on the ground floor. There was a team in town for a CONCACAF volleyball tournament when I was staying there. I think you definitely need a car to get around.
Oct 24, 2018, 2:56 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: RNO
Programs: UA,AA, WN
Posts: 378
Just returned from a stay here. Most comments above I found to be true. Relaxing, shuttle service is good, but may need to take taxi back if returning after 7:00 PM. Local bus’s will get close to a hotel on 7 Mile Beach, then cab it from there. Found the one bed suite very comfortable and wash/dryer came in handy. Would return if on a budget, great value for points.