amexpete

I guess you were at one of the posh weddings then I saw them where you were, on the beach and by the pool, a bit like a sausage factory really Anyway, most only last a couple of years so it must keep them in business

I did ask the hotel why they never put up signs to say that the area of the pool to be used for the wedding would be closed at such and such a time, they said that just got guests annoyed and their anger built up during the day until they were kicked out, so they decided on the short sharp shock surprise of kicking them out at the very last minute, although it takes hours to set up for the wedding, most are at sunset with the meal after.

You get used to the way of the Island in the end, it is a very blinkered place with stale attitudes, but that is what makes it unique, it is just when you get rubbish food and rubbish service and they want London 5* prices that can bug you (not the hotel by the way, just general). The Island needs a constant influx of fresh people to give experience and new ideas, but unfortunately the local Camanians fall behind in all this and get bitter and angry, but lets face it, without tourism and banks, it is a deserted Island with nothing at all really. Racism is rife there against the expats, but if you want to live in such a pretty place you have to put up with it, no doubt it will change over time. I can see where the Camanians are coming from, but if they want to live the high life, then it comes at a cost of having those that can make it for them living there.

For a feel of the Island you can read the daily newspaper here :-

http://www.caymannetnews.com/

Go to 'todays newspaper' in the left hand column to get a scanned image of it, notice in the jobs section where it says only Camanians need apply

amexpete

I have just checked today and there are no SPG50 nights available from the 15th Dec 05 to 11th May 06 (peak season)!!

This may help and save time for someone who was thinking of taking advantage of their SPG50 rate during this period.

s25843

Hi,
I booked the Casuarina for 4 nights in early December, and I was able to get an excellent rate of $213 a night for an "Island View". What are the chances of a partial or full ocean view upgrade upon arrival? I am a lowly SPG gold, but, I figure that atleast puts me ahead of a few.

Also, does anyone have any tips/suggestions about this property?


Thanks

lerasp

i was there in June,so much more off-season. I'm Gold, was on award - got upgraded to full oceanview. wonderful room! decor very new and westin-esque (dark wood, neutrals, heavenly bed, good bathroom). great beach!
as for tips - across the street there's a diner and a great sports bar (we were there during world cup - the place was hopping and was our regular lunch spot. good food, good prices). i'd rent a car - cabs add up. it's about $10-15 each time to dinner and back, so you car will be more than paid for. good pool - huge! good buffet breakfast and not as much or a ripoff as usual at resorts (CY $15). you can walk to the Ritz - in the back towards the Lagoon side they have their "casual" restaurant - Periwinkle. Good food, seeting by the water, and prices were ok (NY level, but not NY Ritz level).
let me know if you have any specific questions. check out SPG50 - they had it when we were going, but chose to you points.

mjharad

Requesting input on Westin Grand Cayman... thanks. location. property itself. quality. things to do. all is welcome.

goodjls

Stayed there last May. Great hotel, beautiful pool right on beach with jacuzzi's on both ends of the pool.. Service was great, nightly turndown with rum cakes. No great snorkling right off beach though. Rooms were nice, request an ocean view and high room, what a difference seeing the ocean! Sorry so short not much time, have fun.

jchand

We stayed at the Westin GCM a few years back and had a fantastic time. The beach is about as good as it gets.

Not in you face service but good enough for me and if you are friendly too the staff thaey are friendly back.

Some good eating locations within walking distance.

I would go back first oppotunity I get.

freeupgrade

I loved the pool and beach there - however the room really smelled bad.

Would return though - the beach was fantastic...

caymancanuck

Here is my two cents given that it is just down the road from my home here in Cayman. I recommend the Westin to visiting clients all the time, the beach can't be beat and it also has Casa Havana which is my favourite restaurant in Cayman.

I have actually stayed at the hotel a few times and the opinions may be different depending on whether they are pre or post Hurricane Ivan which hit in Sept 04. The Westin took a big hit and lost a good part of the roof and subsequent water damage but all has been repaired and the main issue it faces now is sometimes a musty smell from the high humidity when guests leave there balcony doors open.

The swim up bar and pool are excellent and I have spent many an afternoon there, try the electric margarita!

shar161

Thanks for your review. We've thought about going there, but will consider other locations first!