Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort

Smack in the middle of Grand Cayman’s touristic hub, the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort attracts families with its convenient and pretty beachfront setting. Of the resort-style hotels in the island, the Marriott often has the most affordable rates -- an attractive enticement on the pricey island. The Marriott isn’t luxe, but its tidy grounds and refreshed lobby decor make a nice first impression. In lieu of a grand front desk and formal seating arrangements, the Marriott features a more casual style in its reception space, with several check-in stands and and lounge-like seating. The lobby’s adjacent all-day restaurant/bar/coffee shop encourages guests to hang out in the communal space throughout the day. The majority of guests at the Marriott are families with kids, so travelers can expect plenty of little ones around the pool and in the restaurants. Couples in search of a more adult scene will probably prefer the newer, trendier Kimpton Seafire Resort.

The Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort is located on Seven Mile Beach, the island’s most famous stretch of sand. Though guests should note that this particular part of the beach in front of the Marriott is narrower than points farther west. The Seven Mile Beach resort area is where most of the island’s hotels, restaurants, and tourist-oriented services are located. The Marriott is within walking distance of local bars and restaurants, and is a within a five-minute drive of Camana Bay and downtown Georgetown, two of the island’s main shopping and dining hubs. The popular Stingray City, where visitors can swim with the rays, is a five-minute drive away. Owen Roberts International Airport is an drive from the hotel. Guests who plan on sunbathing and dining out for the majority of their vacation probably don’t need to rent a car, as taxis are widely available. However, renting a car is recommended for anyone planning on exploring the island in depth. Just remember, Caymanians drive on the left.

A hub for international banking, Grand Cayman is a prosperous Caribbean island with a diverse population. Expatriates from North America, Europe, and Asia flavor the island with mixed cultural traditions, though many Caymanians, and even a few tourists, lament that the island lacks a strong sense of identity. While many aspects of Grand Cayman resemble Floridian suburbia -- think colorful houses, outdoor shopping plazas, waterfront restaurants -- Caymanians are doing what they can to reclaim cultural identity. Travelers looking for more than just a beach vacation are encouraged to visit the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands, Pedro St. James National Historic Site, or Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park.

Painted a pale shade of seafoam green and decorated with stock images of palm fronds and sail boats, rooms at the Grand Cayman Marriott are largely underwhelming albeit pleasant. Expect traditional chocolate-brown beds, desks, and dressers, blue-and-gray patterned carpet, and white bed spreads topped by striped pillows. Rooms could use a refresh, but a highlight is the furnished balcony in each room -- most with at least partial ocean vistas. Bathrooms are slightly better, with shiny solid surface counters and plenty of storage space. The shower/tub combos are typical Marriott fare.

The Marriott has several room types, from standard double and king rooms to oceanfront suites with separate bedrooms and living spaces. Unfortunately, the suites feature the same humdrum decor as the guest rooms.

The pool and beach are undoubtedly the resort’s central hub. The pool isn’t huge, especially when considering the size of the property, but it sits directly in front of the beach, giving guests seamless access between the two spaces. Silver lounge chairs are surrounded by white umbrellas, and there are several cabanas available for rent. The beach’s soft white sand and calm, clear blue waters are what travelers flock to Grand Cayman for, though guests should note that the stretch of sand in front of the Marriott is narrower than other parts of Seven Mile Beach.

Next to the pool, the hotel’s popular restaurant, Veranda, serves casual beach eats in an open-air setting. Guests drop in for salads and sandwiches during the day, but at night the menu is mostly seafood focused. Veranda’s weekly Lobster Fete is known for its plentiful lobster entrees and live music. The Marriott’s other restaurant, Anchor & Den, has the sophisticated feel of a buzzing European marketplace. Different sections of the restaurant run alongside the lobby, and cater to different guests at different times of day. There’s a coffee bar and juicery, a craft cocktail lounge, and a sit-down restaurant that serves all-day eats. Guests can check out the breakfast buffet in the morning, grab sandwiches and flatbreads at midday, and return for themed dinners, like Mexican Street Food or Spanish tapas at night.

Besides the pool, beach, and restaurants, the Marriott has a small spa and fitness center. Like most hotel spas in Grand Cayman, the Marriott’s is small, but it still offers a variety of massages, body treatments, and even guided meditation. The 24-hour fitness center is compact, but the modern LifeFitness machines are in great condition. For meetings or small events, the Marriott has over 5,000s square feet of meeting space divided among five event rooms. A daily resort fee covers Wi-Fi, bicycle rentals, children’s beach toys, and welcome drinks.