Caribbean Islands : Cayman Islands : Accommodations

Cayman Islands : Accommodations

Cayman Islands accommodation options include: hotels, apartments and villas; plus, diving resort hotels and lodges that offer an economical alternative.

Once home to 17-century buccaneers and pirates, who had their hideouts here, Cayman Islands is now virtually crime-free and a wonderful place to vacation or holiday.

The tax-free status here was supposedly granted in 1788 by King George III of England in gratitude to the islanders after they saved the crews of ten merchant ships that got wrecked off the coast.

Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac are the three islands in this British Overseas Territory.

The smaller two islands were discovered in 1503 by Columbus who originally named them 'Las Tortugas' (The Turtles) because they were crawling with the shelled and leathery reptiles. Cayman probably derives from the Carib word, Caymanas meaning “marine crocodile,” indicating that the islands were also loaded with lizards.

Hotels

Hotels range from luxury (very comfortable, with some outstanding features) to tourist class (a no-frills, budget approach). Hotels that have 100 rooms are considered large by Cayman Islands standards and are generally found only on Grand Cayman.

Prices are seasonal--the high season begins in mid-December and usually runs through to mid-April. During that time visitors should expect to pay up to fifty-percent more for a room. A ten-percent government accommodation tax is payable on departure to the hotel--many of which also add a ten-percent service charge.

Self Catering

A wide variety of apartments and villas are available with some being quite luxurious. Most of Grand Cayman's apartments are superbly situated on coastal areas, where guests can walk out onto pristine beaches surrounded by the exquisite Caribbean sea. There are often central facilities included such as swimming pools and tennis courts.

Unique Accommodations

There is a fine selection of diving resort hotels and lodges, which can be a more economical option. The quieter Little Cayman has an array of unique properties.

Resources:

• Casa Caribe Condominiums - Located in the center of gorgeous Seven Mile Beach, Casa Caribe offers the seclusion you want to make your vacation a true get-away, yet its central location allows for easy walking access for dining, shopping, golf, water sports and more.