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The Grand Caymanian Resort: Traveler Reviews

3.0 of 5
278 Crighton Drive | Crystal Harbour, Safehaven, Grand Cayman
Hotel amenities
The Grand Caymanian Resort
Ranked #13 of 16 hotels in Grand Cayman
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183 reviews from our community

Traveler rating
    43
    77
    39
    13
    11
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Families
59
 
Couples
87
 
Solo
6
 
Business
6
 
Rating summary
  • Sleep Quality
    4 of 5 stars
  • Location
    3 of 5 stars
  • Rooms
    4 of 5 stars
  • Service
    4 of 5 stars
  • Value
    4 of 5 stars
  • Cleanliness
    4.5 of 5 stars
Date Rating
ocean city, nj
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
“Don't believe bad reviews”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 15, 2013

First, it is Grand Cayman..everything is expensive.

This resort is located on North Sound, on the opposite leg from Seven Mile Beach. This means you are close to beaches, restaurants and activities. It’s not on Seven Mile Beach, so you don’t feel like you are in Miami Beach (it’s the Caribbean…if you want excessive glitz you can stay in the states)

The resort is going through some minor cosmetic upgrades in the public area…hardly an imposition and we never noticed any real construction noise during our second stay in February of 2013. They are transitioning from an affiliation with Ramada to Holiday Inn

The unit we stay in is a suite; complete with kitchen, dining area and living room. Overlooking the pool, beach and the blue waters of the North Sound, the view was spectacular. The room was very clean and didn’t need maintenance (and all of the appliances worked and were in good shape, including the in unit washer/dryer). The beds are newer and comfortable. Each unit has A/C that actually works (sometimes an issue in the Caribbean) and we had no problems with water pressure or hot water. The common corridor is a bit dated and has the same shore location smell that you’ll find in most areas adjacent to water. I am told that carpets are being replaced in stages. Never the less, the common spaces are clean and maintained. And, despite some complaints, we never suffered for towels or maid service

The beach is less than optimal…although if you know anything about the Caribbean, not every shore line is comprised of sugar white beaches…often surface coral abounds. This is the case here, surface coral adjoins this beach, meaning that water access is via a ladder on the dock or a small pass in the coral. They have done a passable job of back filling a large area adjacent to the water with white sand. They could use a little more soft sand, but it is more than adequate for sun bathing. Besides, the pool is just outside the restaurant and the Seven Mile Beach is only a short drive away. The pool and beach have more than ample supplies of chairs, recliners, and umbrellas.

The restaurant has very good food and the prices are in line with the other like menus in Grand Cayman. (nothing is inexpensive). You can get some value by eating less sophisticated at some the “bars” like Macabuca, Coconut Joes or Sunrise. Fosters (the island grocery chain) is about ½ mile away and this full service grocery has all of your home food needs. Most goods are within US $$ reason as far as cost, you just have to watch what items are imported long distances. This means you can eat at home if you like and the Grand Caymanian has both gas and charcoal grills for your use

A very nice golf course sits next door and is open to the public. You will want a car to get around. You don’t need one, but you will find it very convenient to get to the numerous beach and restaurant opportunities and tourist attractions such as the Turtle Farm and Rum Point. When you don’t want to drive, I haven’t heard of any of the multitude of dive operators or other water attractions such as Sting Ray City tours not picking customers up at the main entrance. Ask the front desk, they’ll arrange your trip for you. And, on Sunday mornings, free coffee and pastries while some of the tour operators present their programs. There are bicycles for rent if you are inclined to tour. The small fitness center is adequate and is hardly over used, so if you want to use it, you won’t be fighting crowds.

Overall, you’ll find more grandiose accommodations else where, but you’ll pay highly for these. You won’t find a better value, given the quality of the rooms and the view. And, the staff is great and very accommodating. Pre-plan your daily trips and activities and you’ll find plenty of time to just relax

  • Stayed February 2013, traveled with family
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Doug W about The Grand Caymanian Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Carsonville
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Great Place To Stay!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 13, 2013

First, you should rent a car to get around, but there is a shuttle service to use for $15 for the day that will take you to the 7 mile beach or shopping in Georgetown. There are scheduled pick up and drop off times. The driver is very cool and has all kinds of valuable information! Also, if you feel like getting some exercise, you can rent a bike for $10 for 24 hours, a good value. The resort is very peaceful and the nights are beautiful. A nice breeze at night on the beach with a temp of usually about 72, I could sleep right there. So relaxing! There's also a jet ski and dive shop rental. I used the eliptical everyday in the fitness room as well, and I need to get one of those! Our suites were very clean and well stocked with cooking utencils and the washer and dryer were great to do laundry before our trip home. Do go to the meet and greet on the patio with the free appetizers and drink, the all u can eat night, and the Karaoke night. They're all a must do! The staff was very friendly and helpful! In fact, most all Caymanian people were so friendly! Definitly not like the states!! A wonderful vacation to just relax and take a time out from the fast paced daily grind. The only con I have is the beach couldn't be used for swimming due to the coral, but there is a nice pool! I would recommend this vacation to anyone.

Room Tip: A suite on the second floor with a balcony by the lounge and patio are best!
See more room tips
  • Stayed December 2012, traveled with friends
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ask McCarty33 about The Grand Caymanian Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Pennellville, New York
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
3 hotel reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
“Great Vacation”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 11, 2013

We just returned from yet another great vacation at the Grand Caymanian Resort. This is our 5th consecutive year at this resort. We had 21 days of sunshine every day. There were many changes to the resort this year. There is now a nice little bar pooside which was convenient. They had a great Super Bowl party on a huge screen tv outdoors in their new dining area. When it got a little windy they surprised us by delivering everyone a blanket.....what a nice touch!!!! We got to watch a wedding take place out on the dock which was lovely!!! We have already set the app on our phone to return next year. There is always a lovely breeze on this side of the island which suits me best. We made many new friends this year and look forward to seeing everyone again next year!!!!! Counting the days until our return.

  • Stayed January 2013, traveled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 3
Ask desireewilliams about The Grand Caymanian Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lake City, Michigan
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“Quiet, relaxing stay”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 7, 2013

This hotel is away from the traffic and hubbub of 7 Mile Beach, yes you need to rent a car, but it allowed us to explore the island on our own. The room we were in was a king suite, which had a full kitchen, a dining area, a living area, a separate bedroom and bath. We were very pleased with our room. Yes the beach(?) area is underdevelopment, but perfect to be out in the sun, a nice non busy pool area, always able to get chairs unlike a lot of busy resorts were people can't get a chair. Yes there is construction in the lobby, but does not affect common outdoor areas. If you desire a laid back, quiet resort then consider this resort, if your looking for busy, high energy place look for a place right on 7 mile beach

Room Tip: Get a king suite, is a small condo, first floor, over looking the pool, looks out over the bay
See more room tips
  • Stayed February 2013, traveled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 2 more reviews by lorib399 for Grand Cayman
Ask lorib399 about The Grand Caymanian Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Arlington Heights, Illinois
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
3 hotel reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
“Great value, don't believe the negativity”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 5, 2013

I never write reviews, but the negative reviews I read before I left made me feel like I had to. I really have to wonder if some of the negative reviews are from people who have never traveled to the Caribbean before! I received my room here on an Interval International exchange. As far as Interval resorts, this was a little better than average. For the reviewer who thought that this was unacceptable of the Interval name, let me assure you, some of their resorts get a whole lot worse!

First, the obvious. This resort is not the Ritz Carlton. You are not paying for anything at that level. You will need to temper your expectations. You are not on 7 mile beach, but it isn't inaccessible (Yes, you need a car. No, driving on the left side of the road isn't that big of a deal). I'm not sure where some previous reviewers were driving to get to the resort. Yes, the road to the resort is a little bit twisty as it winds around a golf course, but the road is in good condition, it is not unsafe, it is not excessively long. It DOES have some speedbumps, because the road is full of pedestrians and golf carts. Is this a problem? No. It just means you can't drive 50mph down it. Relax and enjoy the view.

Pros:
QUIET! Away from the hustle and bustle, but it is close to everything that matters (just for fun, I timed it.... 7 minutes from my room at the Grand Caymanian to the Ritz Cartlon lobby via car).
Clean. The resort grounds are immaculate. Staff was caring for the greens and the pool and the beach every day I was there. The room (I was in the older phase 1) was clean and tidy. The only thing that indicated the age of the room was the VCR in the room. I'm not there to watch movies, so who cares?
Good staff. People were extremely friendly, and every request we had was handled expediently. They are doing a handful of renovations to prepare for the Holiday Inn name, but the staff managed it in the way that if not for the construction crew in the lobby, you would never know!
Cons:
The "beach". It's not really a sandy beach as much as an area that is covered with sand. If you are sitting on a hammock though, it does the job. However, given the location on the island, it gets windy. During my stay, the winds varied from "non-existant" all the way to "there goes my hat again!". When it got windy enough to lose my hat or blow around pages of my book, I either moved over to the pool or a beach on 7 Mile Beach.
The pool was clean and inviting. My problem was there isn't much of a shallow end if you are on the shorter side. You get in and almost immediately, you walk into 5 feet deep water, which wasn't conducive for wading or standing and talking - what I like to do in a pool while on vacation! Get yourself a pool noodle or lounge raft (not provided by the resort) if this is how you like to use a pool.
Non-guests dominated the resort on the weekend. Around 10 kids (who were not guests at the resort) were running rampant around the pool and the resort. Their "chaperone" wasn't really concerned when they were running across our chairs and jumping on our stuff. Out of control.

Summary: You can't beat the price. I happened to enjoy the location, since it was easy to access everything that was worth while, yet still gave me a relaxing home base. There are a couple of deficiencies, but not the horrific experience that others make it out to be.

  • Stayed January 2013, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 7
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
 
 
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Additional Information about The Grand Caymanian Resort

Also Known As:
The Grand Caymanian Hotel
The Grand Caymanian Hotel Grand Cayman
Grand Caymanian Hotel
Grand Caymanian Resort
Hotel Grand Caymanian
Grand Caymanian
The Grand Caymanian Resort Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Address: 278 Crighton Drive | Crystal Harbour, Safehaven, Grand Cayman
Region: Caribbean > Cayman Islands > Grand Cayman
Amenities:
Bar/Lounge Beach Business Center Fitness Center Free High-Speed Internet Free Parking Kids Activities Restaurant Room Service Shuttle Bus service Suites Swimming Pool Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
#9 Top resorts Hotels in Grand Cayman
#11 On the Beach Hotels in Grand Cayman
Price Range: $$
Hotel Class:3 star (3*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
Located on the northern coast of The Grand Cayman Island, The Grand Caymanian Resort takes any ordinary vacation and will transform your trip into the ultimate restful, romantic, and fun getaway. Just off the beaten path in Crystal Harbour overlooking the beautiful North Sound, our resort provides quiet tranquility for those seeking relaxation. Lay out by the pool, or take a leisurely swim in the stunning, crystal clear ocean. Our property also features amenities for those looking for a bit of fun. Rent from our on-site Jetski rentals, or grab some bikes and explore the Island at a slower place with the entire family. Guests can choose from modern rooms and suites, featuring balconies and gorgeous views of our beautiful island. The sun rises directly over the center of the resort each morning, so catch the sunrise, and then catch up on sleep later with a little poolside nap. With a private, secluded location, rentals for fun in the sun, and close proximity to Seven Mile Beach, our Grand Caymanian Resort is the perfect vacation spot for families, honeymooners, and local staycations. We look forward to welcoming you with our warmest hospitality soon. ... more   less 
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