Cayman on the Cheap
Written: Nov 02 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Worth every penny!
Cons: Worth a lot of pennies.
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| sprivoli's Full Review: Cayman Islands |
Review Topic: Practical Information
White velvet sand, gin-clear water and a sun that tans through SPF 48. If you're looking for a "vacation" vacation, don't overlook Grand Cayman. But in spite of its reputation as a "proper British colony," the only resemblance I found to England (aside from the left-lane driving) was the dreadful expense. If this has been your impression of Grand Cayman, or your experience, take heart. There are ways to restore your soul on this isle without ravaging your checkbook.
Airfare: Click your heels three times and go on line
Somehow my husband and I managed to fly from San Francisco to Grand Cayman, with only one two-hour layover, for $380 each, round trip, including taxes. This was terrible news for our Canadian neighbor in coach, who had paid roughly $2,000 US for her airfare from Vancouver, B.C. And our neighbors at the hotel, who flew from Fresno to Grand Cayman with two five-hour layovers, weren't thrilled by the news either (we didn't ask their fare).
Of course, it's much easier to get air deals when you live in a major gateway city. But of the Internet travel sites I tried (check out CheapTickets.com and Travelocity.com), no one could beat American Airlines' special fare for its AAdvantage members. So I spent the five minutes to sign up for the frequent flyer program and bought our tickets online. And yes, I got frequent flyer miles for signing up online, for buying the tickets online and for taking the flight!
Hotels: Location, location and across the street
Grand Cayman's hotels have been declared the most expensive in the Caribbean. Since the best swimming, snorkeling and sand are found along the Seven Mile Beach, I recommend paying whatever it takes to stay along this western stretch of the island.
This doesn't mean, however, that you have to pay the average $250-$500/night for a four-star, beachfront resort. There are several less-expensive hotels to be found in this area, including the Comfort Suites & Resort, Sleep Inn and Sunshine Suites Hotel. You'd be surprised how easy it is to cross the street and use a beach access trail. Or better yet, catch the bus up to the main public beach or the one near the cemetery (my personal favorite).
Do keep in mind that with the island's heat and humidity, and dare I say "gargantuan" cockroaches, a clean and comfortable room at day's end will be worth its weight in dollars. One more tip: Low season is April through December. (Search hotels & rates at www.caymanislands.ky.)
Dining: McBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
While considering hotels, you might want to weigh the added expense of an in-room kitchen against the exorbitant restaurant prices found across the island. And I'm not just talking about the most common restaurants on the island, which ring in at $20 US and up per plate, without beverage and before tip. Even a foot-long sandwich at Subway costs over $7 US. But it packs well for trips to the beach, and makes an excellent meal for two.
Aside from frequenting every American fast food chain on the island, one would do well to shop a grocery store for non-perishable snacks. Better yet, get a room with a kitchenette or at least a refrigerator. And in case you're still hungry, one Pirate's Night Buffet at the Marriott (Fridays) should give you your fill of conch, shrimp, jerk chicken and rum cake. (Bring your own Pepto.)
Drinking: Death by MasterCard
Upon arriving at our hotel, my husband and I rushed down to the beachside bar and ordered two "Cayman Coladas" to sip beside the breathtaking Caribbean Sea. What really took our breath away, however, was not the view but the bill for $22 US for our two average-sized drinks. And it didn't include a tip.
So much for a week of pina coladas in the shade of a palm tree. We settled for beers from the neighboring liquor store on the chairs of our balcony instead. But if your burning desire for tropical cocktails is not so easily snuffed, check out the bar at Treasure Island Resort where they feature daily drink specials and a happening happy hour.
Public Transportation: Cayman's best-kept secret
Terrified by the prospect of driving on the left, and somewhat put-off by the cost of taxis, we asked our concierge if there weren't a bus system we could try. He tossed the jeep rental brochure aside and grudgingly confessed that a bus line does service the Seven Mile Beach. But after what seemed like hours of vigilant watching, waiting and walking in the 90 degree heat, humidity and exhaust fumes, we never once saw a bus pass in either direction.
Meanwhile, the constant toot-toots of the passing locals had me blushing a deeper crimson than that of the Caribbean sunset. My husband proudly proclaimed, "You're certainly causing a stir!" and I had to laugh as another man honked as if by cue. From the shade of a telephone pole, we finally shouted to a construction worker, "Do you know if ANY buses pass this way?" And with a beaming smile he shouted, "Oh, yes! When you hear the next driver honk, just wave for him to stop."
Once we learned to watch (and listen) for the MINIVANS with the blue license plates and the yellow or green stickers on the windshields, we were cruising the Seven Mile strip, from West Bay to George Town, in air-conditioned bliss. Cost per ride: $1.50 CI or $1.90 US.
Snorkeling: Cheap and easy
If all you want from your vacation is a nice beach, a good tan and cervezas aplenty, frankly you'll do better in Mexico. But for some of the best snorkeling in the WORLD, go to Grand Cayman. And when you do, if you're smart, you'll bring your own mask and fins.
The conditions are so forgiving that even the cheapest set will do (mind-boggling visibility…gentle 3" waves…). Otherwise, check the rental fees at the dive shops near your hotel. You should be able to rent a mask, snorkel and fins for around $7 CI per 24-hour day. (See "Dive, snorkel or get out of the way" epinion for more details.)
One Last Way to Save: A note to the shamelessly frugal
If you aren't afraid to sacrifice a few hours of vacation time for additional vacation savings, arrange a visit to a certain timeshare during your stay. The name is not important; they'll find you. In fact, these ambassadors of goodwill will even pick you up at your hotel and drive you to their new resort on the far side of the island. Lunch or an appetizer will be provided (bonus!) as they tout the benefits of "Investing in Paradise."
As a reward for simply listening to this presentation, you may receive two-for-one tickets to Stingray City (see "Captain Marvin's Stingray City" epinion) and $100 off your car rental with Avis. And if you're lucky…they'll even drive you back to your hotel.
Thanks for reading. Here's wishing you the vacation of a lifetime!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
sprivoli
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Member: Shelly
Location: Bay Area, CA
Reviews written: 4
Trusted by: 2 members
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