6 Best Hotels in Cayman Islands

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Grand Cayman draws the bulk of Cayman Island visitors. It's expensive during the high season but offers the widest range of resorts, restaurants, and activities both in and out of the water. Most resorts are on or near Seven Mile Beach, but a few are north in the West Bay Area, near Rum Point, or on the quiet East End. Both Little Cayman and Cayman Brac are more geared toward serving the needs of divers, who make up the majority of visitors. Beaches on the Sister Islands, as they are called, don't measure up (literally) to Grand Cayman's Seven Mile Beach. The smaller islands are cheaper than Grand Cayman, but with the extra cost of transportation, the overall savings are minimized.

Resorts: Grand Cayman has plenty of medium-size resorts as well as the Ritz-Carlton, a large seven-story resort on Seven Mile Beach. Little Cayman has a mix of small resorts and condos, most appealing to divers.

Condos and Villas: Grand Cayman has a wide range of condos and villas, many in resortlike compounds on or near Seven Mile Beach and the Cayman Kai area. There are even a few small guesthouses for budget-minded visitors. Cayman Brac has mostly intimate resorts and family-run inns.

Hampton by Hilton Grand Cayman

$ | 22 Piper Way, at West Bay Rd., George Town, KY1-1201, Cayman Islands

What was once a no-frills hotel has transformed to a breezy Hilton property with an ideal location, next to the Marriott and near numerous shops, restaurants, and bars. Suites range from studios to two-bedrooms, with amenities including free hot breakfast each day, free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, a water sports concierge, a daily afternoon poolside snack, and a shuttle to nearby beaches, parks, and clubs. The rooms have a bright and airy feel and the on-property restaurant, Ms. Piper's, serves a popular weekend brunch. The sea is a short walk away, and the hotel offers excellent facilities and should please families or groups (units contain sleeper sofas) who want to save on meals.

Le Soleil d'Or

$$ | 2147 South Side Rd., KY2-2001, Cayman Islands

With its lush grounds and a rugged coastline as a backdrop, Le Soleil d'Or calls itself as "a Caribbean Farm Inn," and that's exactly what it is. Surrounding the two main buildings, which house eight rooms oozing Caribbean charm, are 20 acres of botanical gardens. The beachside farm-to-table destination prides itself on its fresh, home-grown ingredients in the meals served in the on-site restaurant and sublime seaside views.

Pros

  • Beach views
  • Farm-to-table dining
  • Peaceful atmosphere

Cons

  • Not for those who want a lively atmosphere
  • Restaurant is pricey
  • Activities not included
2147 South Side Rd., KY2-2001, Cayman Islands
345-948--0555
hotel Details
8 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

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Locale

$$$ | 455 W. Bay Rd., George Town, Cayman Islands
This stylish lodging in Grand Cayman has been designed to offer the best of both worlds: the comfort and convenience of a hotel and the productivity of an office. It is the perfect spot for a combination of living, playing, and working.

Pros

  • Not too crowded
  • Personalized service and attention to detail with friendly staff
  • Cost-effective

Cons

  • Location isn't close to the beach
  • No on-site spa or recreational facilities
  • Not many room options
455 W. Bay Rd., George Town, Cayman Islands
hotel Details
42 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

Recommended Fodor's Video

Palm Heights

$$ | 747 West Bay Rd., Seven Mile Beach, KY1-1110, Cayman Islands Fodor's Choice

The hottest boutique hotel on Seven Mile Beach gives off the vibe of a billionaire best friend's home rather than a typical Caribbean resort, and it's a refreshing change of pace. The buttercup-yellow umbrellas dotted out front compliment its modern, art deco vibe, which may remind you of 1970s-era South Beach. In between its Coconut Club bar and Tillies restaurant, two hot spots on the West Bay Road strip, you'll find a rectangular pool leading out to the ocean like a gigantic wedding aisle framed by towering palms. Wellness buffs can participate in regular nature retreats and sunset rooftop yoga. That's not all: secret gardens, a Jacuzzi, personal trainers on tap, and view of the glimmering Caribbean from each suite have helped the hotel make its very stylish mark.

Pros

  • Beautiful design
  • Large pool
  • All rooms have ocean views

Cons

  • Pricey rates
  • Some rooms are small
  • Slow service
747 West Bay Rd., Seven Mile Beach, KY1-1110, Cayman Islands
203-301--1718
hotel Details
53 suites
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

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Sunset House

$$ | 390 S. Church St., George Town, KY1-1106, Cayman Islands

This amiable seaside dive-oriented resort is on the ironshore south of George Town, close enough for a short trip to stores and restaurants yet far enough to feel secluded. The rooms are simple, and the decor and condition vary wildly, though all now have flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi (which works best from balconies). Rotating works by leading international marine photographers are displayed throughout the guest rooms and public spaces. The hotel also completed upgrades during the COVID-19 shutdown, giving rooms a refresh and upgrading the a/c, furniture, and pool loungers. Good diving and a homey atmosphere are the main attractions here. A terrific reef is just steps from the rooms. The thatched-roof My Bar is tremendously popular, especially at sunset, and the famous Cathy Church's Underwater Photo Centre and Gallery rounds out the island's most comprehensive diving services.

Pros

  • Great shore diving and dive shop
  • Lively bar scene
  • Fun international clientele

Cons

  • Five-night minimum stay required in high season
  • Spotty Wi-Fi signal
  • No real swimming beach
390 S. Church St., George Town, KY1-1106, Cayman Islands
345-949–7111
hotel Details
36 units
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $$

Sunshine Suites Resort

$$ | 1465 Esterley Tibbetts Hwy., off West Bay Rd., Seven Mile Beach, KY1-1201, Cayman Islands

This friendly, all-suites hotel is an impeccably clean money saver, and though the somewhat boxy but brightly designed rooms lack balconies, patios, or even views, each has a complete kitchen, pillow-top mattress, flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi (laptops can be rented). The grounds, dotted with hammocks and Adirondack chairs, are lovely. You can enjoy the great cheap food and gossip at the poolside restaurant, a local fave. It's a five-minute walk to Seven Mile Beach; the resort also provides a shuttle to the Westin (under the same ownership, meaning free use of facilities and ability to charge purchases to your room). Complimentary continental breakfast is served poolside. The resort provides lockers for dive gear and discounts for Avis car rental.

Pros

  • Cheerful staff
  • Rocking little restaurant
  • Free access to business center and to nearby World Gym

Cons

  • Poor views
  • Not on the beach
  • Annoying C$35 resort fee
1465 Esterley Tibbetts Hwy., off West Bay Rd., Seven Mile Beach, KY1-1201, Cayman Islands
345-949–3000
hotel Details
131 suites
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

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