Expert: John Gump - 10/20/2008

Question
I have never been to Cayman,but will be traveling there for the jazz festival December 4th.  We are considering staying at the Marriott Beach hotel as we have always been satisfied with the quality of the Marriott. Is this a good choice for a nice hotel and how far is it from Pagent Beach.  Can a person with bad knees walk it or is taxi service readily available.  Would you recommend the Marriott as an upscale hotel?

Answer
Hi Wally - thank you for choosing me to lend a hand.  First off, you'll love Grand Cayman.  Clean, safe, upscale, and gorgeous beaches and water.  While the British influence can still be felt, Cayman still embodies that unique Caribbean flair that makes it a gem.  

The Jazz Fest will be taking place in part at Pageant Beach which is right near downtown Georgetown.  It over looks the Harbor.  It's not a huge beach and there is Ironshore nearby, so wear shoes for sure as sometimes the ironshore can be covered by a thin layer of sand and if you step on it in bare feet, it'll cut you like a razor blade.  Take it from me, I've done it.  OUCH!

Okay- back to your hotel question.  Yes, the Marriott is a nice hotel.  The pool is oceanside right on Seven Mile Beach.  It's not as upscale as say the Hyatt, Ritz or Westin, but it is quite nice.  I think it's actually too expensive for a Marriott, but then again, that's Cayman for you. Drinks are over the top expensive.  My advice - go to Big Daddy's liquor store, about 1/2 mile away and buy your own.  You'll save a TON of cash.  I used to own a condo right beside the Marriott that once was called Turtle Beach Villas, but Hurricane Ivan did the whole complex in.  Thankfully I sold it before that happened!

If you choose the Marriott you will not be able to walk to Pageant Beach if you suffer from bad knees.  It's about 2 miles away from the hotel toward Georgetown.  Depending on the condition of the beach, you might be able to make it, but I suggest you get a taxi.  They are readily available at all the hotels.

One last suggestion for a restaurant.  Right near Pageant beach is "The Wharf" restaurant.  Definitely eat here, outside on their patio overlooking and over top the sea.  Awesome food, great atmosphere.  Of all the places I've dined on Cayman, it's my favorite.

Have an awesome trip Wally! Let me know if you have any other questions I could help you with.  Happy to do it!

John

Wally - if you don't mind, would provide feedback to me on the site so that I can learn to help you and others better?  Thanks!