This is a leading resort in the Cayman Islands, and it keeps on improving despite a complete name change after Hurricane Ivan ended its former life as a Hyatt. The 53 enchanting one- and two-bedroom beachfront suites across the road from the main property are nice accommodations.
Crossing to beachside from the main hotel is a pleasant stroll through an elevated lattice-enclosed walkway lined by tropical plants and blooming flowers. Guests hardly notice the busy street below. This resort draws discerning vacationers with its Continental flair, superb lodging and eager staff.
On 35 hectares traversing the island from North Sound to the sea, the grounds alone could establish this property's superiority over other Cayman
resorts. Inside the stately colonial-style main building, the three-story lobby is graced with original art, fine woodwork and well-chosen appointments.
The chic main restaurant entices guests with an innovative menu and attentive service. An international cadre of chefs creates dishes that many consider the island's best fare. A meal at Bamboo is popular even for those not staying here, and this dining room is usually packed with locals on weekends. Its trendy sushi menu hits the pages of design and travel magazines regularly, trumping a night here by leaps and bounds. A second restaurant is at the golf club. The cafe serves up terrace luncheons and some of the best seafood on the island. A number of bars and lounges provide a variety of specialties and settings (including two swim-up options.)
Two meeting rooms, a 4,200-sq-ft banquet pavilion, a fitness center, two pools and a watersports facility complete with lockers and showers are all still in place. Four lighted tennis courts, a deep-sea fishing fleet and a Nicklaus-designed golf course satisfy the sporty. A business center caters to corporate needs. Guests with their own cars can park for free.
Coral, turquoise and peach accent the soft beige and white walls in the guest quarters, which display original art, thick carpeting and Italian marble and tile in spacious baths. All feature either balconies or patios, and amenities include air conditioning, safes, coffeemakers, phones with voice mail and data ports, CD players, cable TVs, and one king or two double beds. Most suites add sitting rooms, bars, refrigerators, microwaves, and canopied king beds. Wireless high-speed Internet access is available in all units for a fee. Baths are stocked with plush towels, scented toiletries, hair dryers and robes.
Families are welcome, especially in two-bedroom suites with a kitchen and second bathroom.
Turndown service arrives nightly, and daily housekeeping does a nice job. Pets are not allowed, and room service stops at midnight. Staff and management are very friendly, but repeat guests will miss the Hyatt amenities. The Westin is a good fallback option for those who like chain hotel frills.
