Best Area To Stay In Grand Cayman From An Expert Traveler (2024)
Congratulations on your decision to visit the wonderful island in the Caribbean called Grand Cayman!
I loved traveling around Grand Cayman and staying in various places across the small island for over a month. Naturally, I want to share my recommendations for great places to stay with you.
If you want to reach places on foot (or bike), where you stay in Grand Cayman will matter. Here are the most popular areas you can stay in Grand Cayman and the immediate pleasures you will find in each one!
See map of Grand Cayman at the end of the article.
My Favorite Stays In Grand Cayman
Luxury and beach: Palm Heights
Charming and budget: The Locale Hotel
Best Places To Stay In Grand Cayman
Whether you travel solo or with a partner or a group, these are my favorite areas to stay in Grand Cayman!
Stays Along Seven Mile Beach Grand Cayman
If you love having the beach outside the door, you will probably be very happy staying close to the beautiful Seven Mile Beach.
This long strand of beach stretches along the West End of the island, and staying in a resort, hotel, or vacation rental near or within walking distance of Seven Mile Beach is super convenient.
From the best hotels or holiday homes on Seven Mile Beach, you will have easy access to the sands and palm trees and be not far away from major attractions, activities, restaurants, and shopping, even without a rental car. This probably is the best spot to stay if you are a beach person.
Along the West End Road, you also have easy access to public buses going up and down the western coast, as well as the charming shopping and pleasure “village” Camana Bay.
Here are the top-rated options for stays along Seven Mile Beach in different price ranges, but be aware that Grand Cayman Island is not a budget-friendly backpacker-kind-of destination, so nothing is in the category cheap.
Best Places To Stay Along Seven Mile Beach
These are great hotel and resort options along Seven Mile Beach, just a stone’s throw from the sands, and they also have great reviews from more people than me.
📍Palm Heights is a top-rated luxury hotel along Seven Mile Beach, with a perfect location for beach lovers. It’s a luxury accommodation tucked into the scenic shoreline, with white, airy, heavenly rooms, zen atmosphere interiors, and a plethora of amenities!
📍Hampton by Hilton is a mid-range hotel directly on the beach, with an outdoor pool, gym, bar, and restaurant. The interior and rooms are light and airy, minimalistic, and the backyard garden has a charming lounge area. This is also a pet-friendly hotel!
📍The Locale Hotel Grand Cayman is a budget-friendly hotel very close to the start of Seven Mile Beach and Camana Bay. This budget hotel has an outdoor pool, an onsite restaurant (with great breakfast), and a bar, and offers spa services!
The Eastern District Grand Cayman
If you’re looking for a quiet and charming Caribbean atmosphere, the Eastern Districts might be perfect for you. This area is about 18 kilometers (11 miles) east of George Town, about half an hour from the Seven Mile Beach area.
The Eastern Districts on Grand Cayman consist of Bodden Town, Savannah, East End, and North Side.
You will find a wealth of things for the whole family to enjoy nearby, from cultural activities to diving or kayaking to just relaxing on the beach.
Look for vacation rentals near local markets, the beautiful beaches, and a few restaurants for an idyllic experience, and you will have your own piece of chill paradise in the Eastern Districts.
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Best Places To Stay In The Eastern District
This part of the island is scenic, tranquil, and less developed than Seven Mile Beach, with its luxury resorts and soft white sands.
But there are still some high-end options and several super charming places to stay.
📍Black Urchin is recognized as one of the most prestigious resorts on the island, situated in Bodden Town. It’s a luxury resort with a modern interior and elegant rooms right on the beach. Excellent dining, outdoor pools, and a world-class spa are there to cater to your every need!
📍Compass Point Dive Resort in the West End is a charming resort with two outdoor pools, a pier, a restaurant and bar, and a private beach. There is also an on-site dive operator organizing your trips to the best dive sites, snorkeling, kayaking, bike tours (free bikes), and a lot more in tranquil surroundings.
📍Andys Inn Loft Studio is a charming, budget-friendly option in Bodden Town with beach access. The property is over two floors, with a kitchen with all amenities; you have a washer and dryer, and are only steps from the beach!
Rum Point In Grand Cayman
For those seeking a slightly off-the-beaten-path adventure, consider exploring Rum Point on the northern tip of the eastern island.
Rum Point is situated about 40 kilometers (24 miles) away from George Town and about 45-60 minutes drive from Seven Mile Beach and the West End.
This more remote area provide a “island getaway” feeling, especially for water activities enthusiasts.
Keep in mind that accessing groceries and other amenities might require extra effort here “up north”, so come well-prepared.
If you want to escape the crowds in Grand Cayman and prefer an even more chill, laid-back holiday experience, you might love Rum Point.
Best Places To Stay Around Rum Point
The actual Rum Point is like a beach club area, famous for its rum and mudslides! It has beach restaurants and bars, hammocks for chilling, picnic tables, volleyball nets for the active, showers, and changing rooms.
Rum Point Beach is also an excellent starting point (or destination, if you stay somewhere else) for a day trip, whether you’re going with friends, family, or solo.
📍Luxury Home 3 Bedrooms by the Beach is a top-rated villa that sleeps 8 people, a couple of miles from the actual Rum Point along the northern shore. This villa is the perfect place to stay for luxury, privacy, and complete peace and quiet along the northern coast!
📍Club Suites at Rum Point is a mid-range hotel with really great reviews sitting right at Rum Point. You will have an outdoor pool, restaurants, and an in-house spa at the hotel, in addition to being within walking distance to Rum Point beach, excursions, and everything Rum Point has to offer.
📍Rum Sands Charming Cottage is a budget-friendly accommodation close to Rum Point Beach, a true home away from home! The cottage has a romantic vibe but is also a modern getaway with the style and amenities you need for a great beach escape in Grand Cayman.
10 Best Things To Do In Grand Cayman
When you are planning a trip to the stunning Caribbean island of Grand Cayman, there are plenty of things to do apart from just lounging on the beach (There are both public beach options and private beaches connected with hotels and resorts, BTW).
This tropical paradise is clearly known for its crystal-clear waters and laid-back atmosphere, but don’t miss out on other fun things!
Here is a quick overview of the ten best things to do in Grand Cayman to help you plan your itinerary. From swimming with stingrays to indulging in local cuisine, there’s gonna be something you love on this beautiful island.
Also read: 23 Unique Things To Do In Grand Cayman Solo
1. Swim With Stingrays
One of the most iconic experiences, which is also my favorite, in Grand Cayman is swimming with stingrays at Stingray City.
This is a really popular excursion by boat which takes you out to a shallow sandbar where you can interact with and even feed these gentle creatures. This is in the open ocean, so all stingrays come here from their “own free will”, so to speak.
And feeding them is actually a really strange, interesting experience, they have their mouth
2. Explore the Crystal Caves
The Crystal Caves are a geological wonder that will leave you in awe. These underground caves are filled with stalactites and stalagmites, and there’s even a beautiful lake inside one of them.
Guided tours are available, and you’ll learn about the history and formation of these stunning formations.
3. Small Group E-Bike Tour On The Island
Take a guided small group e-bike tour around the island! Discover the rustic coastal paths and see the incredible tropical flora and fauna up close and personal on this tour, where you can take stunning photos on the way.
On this tour, you will have 10-12 stops, learn about the island’s history and way of life, visit pristine beaches, and learn about turtles, shipping, and the Cayman Islands soul.
4. Visit the Cayman Turtle Centre
The Cayman Turtle Centre is a must-visit for animal lovers. This conservation park is home to different species of turtles that you can learn about and even touch.
There are also other animals on-site, such as birds and iguanas. Plus, the park offers fun activities like a water slide and snorkeling lagoon.
5. Private Charter Snorkeling Tour
If you are traveling in a group, why not book a private charter for everyone to enjoy the coral reef surrounding Grand Cayman?
This is a haven for underwater enthusiasts, and you will also stop at all the best snorkeling sites around the island, including Starfish Point, Stingray City, Rum Point, and more.
And as it is “your” boat, you get to set the itinerary of your perfect day at sea in cooperation with the captain!
Here is an overview of the best-rated boat charters in Grand Cayman.
6. Take a Catamaran Cruise
For a relaxing day on the water, consider taking a catamaran cruise around Grand Cayman.
You’ll have the chance to swim, snorkel, and enjoy a delicious lunch while taking in the island’s beautiful views. Some cruises even include a stop at Stingray City or other popular spots.
7. Relax On Seven Mile Beach
Seven Mile Beach is often ranked as one of the top beaches in the world, and for good reason.
This stretch of white sand is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. You can also find restaurants, bars, and water sports rental shops along the beach.
8. Visit Pedro St. James Castle
Known as the “Birthplace of Democracy in the Cayman Islands,” Pedro St. James Castle is a historic site and museum that offers a glimpse into the island’s past.
With this ticket, you get a self-guided tour to explore the castle, watch a multimedia show, and enjoy stunning island views from this national landmark!
9. Taste Local Cuisine
Grand Cayman is known for its delicious food, blending Caribbean and international flavors.
Be sure to try traditional dishes like conch fritters, jerk chicken, and fish tacos during your visit. And don’t forget to stop by a local bakery for some famous Caymanian rum cake.
10. Shop at Camana Bay
Camana Bay is a shopping and entertainment district that offers something for everyone. You can find designer brands, local boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants here.
The beautiful waterfront location also makes it a popular spot for events and live music.
Map Of Grand Cayman
FAQs Grand Cayman
Is Grand Cayman Safe?
Yes, Grand Cayman is a very safe destination to visit, with low crime rates.
What is the best time to visit Grand Cayman?
The high season and the overall best time to visit Grand Cayman is from November through March or even April each year. In May, the wet season starts, and with that, you must expect afternoon rain showers and thunderstorms.
August through October is also hurricane season in the Caribbean.
Is There A Grand Cayman Cruise Port?
Yes, there is a Grand Cayman cruise port. The cruise port in George Town, the capital of the Caymans, has three terminals, and they are all within walking distance from each other.
Wrap-Up Best Area To Stay In Grand Cayman
Now, you should be armed with the information you need to choose where to stay during your Grand Cayman holiday.
So when that is out of the way, all you need to do is plan what you are going to do. There are A LOT of great things to do in Grand Cayman, on and off the shore, so make sure you do your research.
My favorite things while visiting were swimming with the stingrays at Stingray City and scuba diving from the northern part of Seven Mile Beach (Even if you are not a certified scuba diver, you can book an introduction dive if you think that sounds exciting!)
So now it just remains to say happy Travel Planning, and have a great holiday!
Related blog posts:
Fabulous Grand Cayman Solo Travel Itinerary | A Complete Guide!
