10 Best Hotels in Cayman Islands

Background Illustration for Hotels

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.

Cayman Brac Beach Resort

$$ | 383 Channel Rd., KY2-2001, Cayman Islands

Popular with divers, this well-run eco-friendly resort features a beautiful sandy beach shaded by sea-grape trees slung with hammocks and a sizable free-form pool. The dock is illuminated at night, attracting stingrays, tarpon, and other creatures to entertain you on your after-dinner stroll. The motel-style rooms are simple but spotless, with handsome hardwood furnishings, striking cast-iron accents, and granite-clad baths. The second-floor and end units (Nos. 118–121 and 219–221) offer the best views; 10 stylish junior suites include microwave, dual showerheads, leather recliners, and flat-screen TV. There's a day spa and library with video games and board games for use in bad weather. Even the buffet-style food is surprisingly good. The friendly crowd tends to be older, with a handful of honeymooners and a few small meetings and vacationing families in summer.

Pros

  • Great dive outfit
  • Coin-operated laundry on-site
  • Free Wi-Fi

Cons

  • Noise from planes
  • View often obscured from ground-floor units
  • Rates include breakfast and dinner, but mandatory airport transfer of C$20 per person is extra
383 Channel Rd., KY2-2001, Cayman Islands
345-948–1323
hotel Details
40 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $$

Compass Point Dive Resort

$$ | 346 Austin Conolly Dr., KY1-1801, Cayman Islands

This tranquil, congenial getaway run by the admirable Ocean Frontiers scuba operation would steer even nondivers in the right direction, from the powder-blue buildings elevated on stilts with white columns and trim to the interiors' contrasting granite accents and sparkling white-tile floors with luscious lemon, tomato, and peach walls and vivid marine photos. Smallish but spotless units---ranging from one to three bedrooms---contain nearly every modern comfort: a full kitchen with dishwasher, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen HDTV, jetted tub, cell phone (pay only for calls), and washer/dryer. The emphasis is on activity and the environment. Aside from the dive boats and superior snorkeling around the dock, bikes, kayaks, paddleboats, and kiteboards are available, as are tours and instruction; the owners developed an even more eco-friendly, high-end annex across the road. There's a casual restaurant-grill called Eagle Rays (with nightly events by the pool, including grilled lionfish after a cull) and a grocery–pizza parlor just down the road.

Pros

  • Top-notch dive operation
  • Free bike/kayak use
  • Good value, especially packages

Cons

  • Isolated location requires a car
  • Conservation is admirable but air-conditioning can't go too low
  • Poky beaches with poor swim access
346 Austin Conolly Dr., KY1-1801, Cayman Islands
345-947–7500
hotel Details
29 condos
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

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

  • $$

Recommended Fodor's Video

Morritt's Tortuga Club and Resort

$$ | 1 Queens Hwy., KY1-1106, Cayman Islands

Morritt's Tortuga Club and Resort offers 146 well-maintained, fully equipped, mostly time-share units, albeit many lacking beach views and/or access (the best and priciest are branded "The Londoner" and "Grand Resort"). The more-than-adequate activities and amenities include two appealing restaurants, a day spa, the respected Tortuga Divers outfit, and Red Sail Sports. It's right next door to the Reef Resort.

Pros

  • Excellent day spa
  • Tortuga Divers and Red Sail Sports on-site
  • Great snorkeling

Cons

  • Many units lack beach views and access
  • Many units are dated
  • Not for those who want to be in the center of the action
1 Queens Hwy., KY1-1106, Cayman Islands
345-947–7449
hotel Details
146 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

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

  • $$

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

  • $$

The Anchorage

$$ | 1989 West Bay Rd., Seven Mile Beach, KY1-1204, Cayman Islands

These two-bedroom condos are cramped compared with otherwise newer compounds, but fully equipped, modernized, scrupulously clean, and—most important—affordable (at least for garden-view apartments). Many have an odd, if versatile, L-shape layout, though owners adapt the space ingeniously into "dens" with trundle beds, extra TV rooms, or offices. The showcase units are 12 (marvelous views), 14, and 15. The peace and little extras make the Anchorage a safe port of call for any family.

Pros

  • Incredible sweeping panoramas from George Town to West Bay from higher units
  • Nice beach and snorkeling
  • Great pool at the edge of the Caribbean

Cons

  • A bit isolated from action
  • Boxy apartments
  • Steep surcharge for ocean-view units
1989 West Bay Rd., Seven Mile Beach, KY1-1204, Cayman Islands
345-945–4088
hotel Details
15 units
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

The Club at Little Cayman

$$ | South Hole Sound, Cayman Islands

These ultramodern, luxurious, three-bedroom condos are Little Cayman's nicest units, though only five are usually included in the rental pool. Each comes fully equipped, from kitchen to bedroom, with Italian marble, Turkish tiles, etched-glass doors, elegant accents such as arches and crown moldings, state-of-the-art gadgetry from rainfall showerheads to flat-screen TVs, upscale furnishings such as four-poster beds, and patios or balconies with scintillating water views. The complex has an outdoor pool with waterfall and Jacuzzi along the beachfront, as well as a dock with inviting hammocks. Guests can use the amenities and sign up for a meal plan at Little Cayman Beach Resort, under the same ownership, which is about a five-minute walk from The Club. Some residences can be locked off into one- and two-bedroom units.

Pros

  • Luxurious digs
  • Lovely beach
  • Hot tub

Cons

  • Housekeeping not included (mandatory fee)
  • Rear guest bedrooms dark and somewhat cramped
  • Handsome but heavy old-fashioned decor
South Hole Sound, Cayman Islands
345-948–1033
hotel Details
8 condos
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

Wyndham Reef Resort Grand Cayman

$$ | 2221 Queens Hwy., KY1-1204, Cayman Islands

Casual elegance prevails throughout this exceedingly well-run time-share property, which straddles a 600-foot beach on less hectic East End. Each villa has a roomy terrace facing the sea; two-bedroom units can be partitioned, but even the studio has Wi-Fi, microwave, and fridge. Every year brings improvements: advance online check-in, hurricane-guarantee policy, spa and gym, the only place offering power-assisted snorkeling on DPVs (dive propulsion vehicles), and daily car rentals. The resort is almost obsessively maintained. You always see a smiling staffer with a paintbrush or hedge clippers. This cordial and mellow yet efficient service is a major selling point, though there's often a subtle sales pitch for non-owners. Kids love when concierges conduct regular fish feedings at the dock and local artisans demonstrate techniques. The famous Barefoot Man performs his lighthearted country-calypso songs about Caribbean life at Tides on Thursday, luring lively locals.

Pros

  • Romantically remote
  • All-inclusive packages and online discounts available
  • Enthusiastic staff (including a crackerjack wedding coordinator)

Cons

  • Remote
  • Few dining options nearby
  • Glorious beach but often a seaweed problem
2221 Queens Hwy., KY1-1204, Cayman Islands
345-947–3100
hotel Details
152 suites
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$