Westin

Newbie Joined: 18 Mar 2005 Posts: 3

I'm heading down with my wife on April 9. Any tips for places to eat, etc. near the hotel? I'm a diver (planning on booking in advance with Red Sail), my wife is not. I appreciate any info you may have --greg

Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 12:24 pm Post subject:

Hi greglengen - Welcome to the forum.

You can do much better than Red Sail for diving. If you want to go to really good sites without crowds and at affordable prices, check out:

? Off the Wall Divers

? Neptunes Divers

? Eden Rock Diving Centre

? Don Fosters

You do not have to book any dives in advance this time of year. You will get a better deal if you wait until you arrive and use the discounts in our magazine. Wink

Newbie Joined: 18 Mar 2005 Posts: 3

Thanks. 'll check out the alternative dive companies. I would like to bring my wife as a ride-along/snorkeler. Also, I need to get paired up with a buddy or follow along with a group since she doesn't dive.

As for the car rental. I'm sure we'll grab a car for a few days of the trip, but most often we will be walking along the beach. It's been 7 years since my last trip to cayman so I'm sure a lot of restaurants, etc have changed.

Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 1:25 pm Post subject:

greglengen wrote:

Thanks. I'll check out the alternative dive companies. I would like to bring my wife as a ride-along/snorkeler. Also, I need to get paired up with a buddy or follow along with a group since she doesn't dive.

Eden Rock would probably be best then because they are slightly larger than Neptunes but not nearly as expensive or crowded as Red Sail. They will pair you up with a buddy and give your wife a great rate for coming along and snorkeling. You will find their coupon in the back of our magazine, or just mention Activity Guide.

Newbie Joined: 18 Mar 2005 Posts: 3

Thanks very much for the restaurant posts. I've made a note of them. We'd like to do a few nice dinners and a few cheap ones.

As for diving centers, Neptunes got back to me quickly and said they pick up at the Westin and had a package of 5 2tank dives for $330. they seemed helpful. Eden Rock said they don't pick up. Are they walkable from the westin? not sure if i could use them without a rental car.

Any big pros or cons with Eden vs Neptune?

Appreciate all the help.

Frequent Flyer Joined: 28 Mar 2005 Posts: 21

I am planning a trip to the Westin, mid July. Like others I am concerned about the Hurricane Damage, we are renting a car?going to Rum Point, Stingray City?etc, but we will probably spend most of the time at the Resort Beach. Hoping to find out a couple things about the Westin Beach Area: Decent snorkeling? Are there places to escape the motorized water sport activity?

Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 11:47 pm Post subject:

Hi jkventure - Welcome to the forum.

From a visitor standpoint, the island is pretty much recovered from the storm; read some of the trip reports if you need a little confidence boost. Wink

To answer your questions:

1. The snorkeling right in front of the Westin is nothing to brag about, but there are many good spots within a few miles in either direction. There are some excellent suggestions in the snorkeling section and you will see most of them listed on our dive site map in the magazine when you get here.

2. Any beaches except Seven Mile Beach and Rum Point will be pretty much free of any thrillcraft. What I usually recommend is just filling an ice chest up with your favorite beverages and snacks and start driving east. The farther you go, the more remote it gets. You will have no problem at all finding an entire beach all to yourself, completely free of any watercraft if that is what you are looking for.

There are many interesting places to stop along the way, such as:

? Cathy Church Underwater Photo Gallery

? Pure Art

? Caybrew Brewery

? Black Pearl Skate/Wave Park

? Pedros Castle

? Pirate's Caves

? Mastic Trail

? Botanical Park

? Blow holes

There are also some excellent restaurants out that way:

? Lighthouse

? Portofino

Frequent Flyer Joined: 28 Mar 2005 Posts: 21

Thanks for the prompt response Joe! Do you have any favorite Beach Bar and Grills in the Area?

Thanks again,

jk

Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 12:33 am Post subject:

There used to be a one-word answer to that called Treehouse. Crying or Very sad

The Wharf has a really nice beach bar, a little more upscale. I like swim up bars like the Hyatt but the prices are higher. There's a Calico Jacks at Public Beach that is usually packed with cruise passengers during the day if you are looking to party. There's something for everyone here, no matter what your preference. Wink

Hi Everyone,

we are booked for the Westin, 2 adults, 2 boys ages 10 and 8 for 10 nights after Christmas. I'm a little worried about the small room size for such a long period of time...the best they could do is offer 2 double beds. If you have children this age, you know 2 double beds is tough. They won't let me have a rollaway- they say it won't fit in the room. If I get a King bed then they will only let me have 1 rollaway, not two.. saying it's a fire hazard.

I am sure the room will hold a King size bed and 2 rollaways but anyway, they won't budge. So now I am holding 2 rooms...at twice the expense of course.

Has anyone with a family of 4 stayed in one room for a long period of time? How'd it go??

I was thinking of getting the 2 double bed option but then packing a twin size air mattess (the kids LOVE sleeping on the air mattress)... I can't imagine that it wouldn't fit in the middle of the two doubles. What do you think?

Can someone who has stayed there please give me your opinions? I've got til Sept 28 to cancel my 2nd room without a charge.

Thanks so much,

Charlene

Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2005 6:15 am Post subject:

Perhaps you should consider alternatives such as renting a 2 or 3 bedroom condo from Caymanvillas for those 10 days. You might be surprised at how affordable that is compared to what you'll pay at the Westin and it would surely make for a more comfortable experience for all.

Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2005 7:05 am Post subject:

char318 - caribbeansun is right. Four people in any hotel room is going to be uncomfortable. You might be able to get a suite at the Hyatt but you would need to book this immediately. Failing that, I recommend using our Hotel Search and selecting the condos that suit your preferences.

Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2005 7:15 am Post subject:

char318......having stayed at the Westin a couple of times, have to say that you are going to be VERY cramped with a family of four in one room.

It was actually small for just the two of us......and I've stayed in a LOT of hotel rooms because of business travel. The balcony, if you get oceanfront, has hot sun beating on it all day with no tradewind and it is small.

Good luck in your decision........you are going to have a wonderful time, no matter where you decide....of that we ARE CERTAIN!

Celine Smile

Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2005 8:16 am Post subject:

Charlene,

With four of you, you definitely should consider staying in a condo instead! You will be so much more comfortable and will have flexibility with meal preparation, etc. There are many wonderful condos up and down the 7 Mile Beach area.

Char (I'm also a Charlene!)

Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2005 4:23 pm Post subject:

Thanks everyone for your feedback. I love this board!! wink

I know you will think we are crazy but we don't really like staying in condos... we LOVE the ammenities of a big fancy resort. So I guess I do feel better about having 2 rooms instead of one. They won't give us a deal because it is high season.

The prices of the 1 br suites are outrageous in Dec/January so that is not an option. 2 Oceanfront Rooms are still cheaper than a suite at the Westin and even at the Hyatt.

I was feeling a little guilty that 2 rooms were not necessary but now I see that it is...so Thanks everyone. I appreciate your advice and experience alot!

Can't wait to get there already!!!!

-Charlene

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