The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa

Following a 50-million-dollar renovation completed in 2017, the upscale Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa has revamped its common areas and guest rooms into chic and stylish spaces that make a great base for a tropical getaway. The pretty beachfront grounds are dotted with tall palms and carpeted with pristine lawns, while the stretch of famous Seven Mile Beach in front of the property is lined with loungers and cabanas. Interiors are no less attractive: the sunny lobby pairs dusty-blue hues with whites and wood and offers plenty of stylish wicker and wooden seating plus an adjacent lobby bar. Guests, who are a near-even mix of couples and families, spend their days between the beach and pool, with a conveniently located bar and grill located between the two. Overall, it's a solid choice for the area, though some travelers may be disappointed that a hefty daily resort fee is added and rooms are a bit underwhelming for a property of this caliber.

The hotel is located right on Seven Mile Beach, the most famous and popular stretch of sand in the Cayman Islands. Real estate is at a premium here, with many other hotels like the landmark Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman nearby. The Westin is also close to the North Sound Golf Club, a four-minute drive away. There are a few dining options within a few minutes' walk of the hotel, while plenty more can be found in Camana Bay a retail and entertainment district with shops, restaurants, and a movie theater (as well as a marina) that's a four-minute drive from the Westin. Other area attractions include the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (a five-minute drive) and Stingray City (a seven-minute drive). The Cayman Islands National Museum, Cayman Turtle Centre: Island Wildlife Encounter, and Dolphin Discovery Grand Cayman are all about a 10-minute drive from the hotel, as is the Owen Roberts International Airport.

Rooms here are spacious, stylish, and beachy, featuring a white and dusty-blue color scheme and subtle tropical flair. Beds are topped with plush white bedding, and there are white furnishings with wooden detailing and aquatic abstract art on the walls. Many, but not all, rooms open onto private balconies or patios with views of the resort grounds, the street, or the beach. Standard amenities include 55-inch flat-screen TVs with HBO, mini-fridges, coffee- and tea-making facilities, iHome bluetooth alarm clocks, free Wi-Fi, and safes. Suites have up to two bedrooms and add living areas with sleeper sofas, and some also have dining areas. The largest and most luxurious option here is the Presidential Suite, which has a huge furnished veranda as well as a living room, dining area, and breakfast bar (but no cooking facilities). It sleeps up to six people. Bathrooms are sleek and modern across the board, though note that they have only showers or shower/tub combos. Large vanities, robes, and quality toiletries are provided.

One of this property's biggest draws is its location right on Seven Mile Beach. The pretty stretch of sandy shore is lined with free loungers and umbrellas, and cabanas and water sports are available for a fee, including kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and Jet-Skiing. However, the beach can get crowded, prompting some travelers to instead head to the hotel's big freshwater pool, where there's a pool deck dotted with tall palms and loungers, along with two hot tubs. Be aware that the resort does sell day passes, though reportedly only during low season.
The Hibiscus Spa offers a variety of treatments in a lovely, tranquil setting, including massages and facials. It has 13 treatment rooms as well as two steam and sauna rooms, a women’s whirlpool, and Vichy showers. The fitness center, though not too large, is a bright, inviting space filled with modern equipment. For those wanting an outdoor workout, there are morning beach yoga classes, a volleyball court, and horseback riding (fee).
Other amenities here include a kids' club with activities such as movie nights and arts and crafts, for kids aged 4 through 12. Conference and meeting space is also available. Note that a hefty daily resort fee ($65 during our stay) is tacked onto rates to cover extras such as Wi-Fi, much to the dismay of many guests.

On-site dining options are varied and delicious, and room service is available around the clock. Ferdinand's serves Caribbean fare for all three meals in a relaxed setting with indoor and outdoor seating. The upscale, dinner-only Beach House specializes in seafood and has a lovely outdoor terrace with sea views. The poolside Tortuga Beach Grill & Bar offers casual food like burgers and fish tacos and hosts live music most nights of the week. There's also a lobby bar serving light bites and cocktails and a coffeeshop, Cayman Coffee Exchange, which serves espresso drinks and light lunch fare.