The Cayman Islands is a well-known tax haven, hence it’s also a popular luxury destination for well-to-do travelers. This British Territory is composed of three islands: Little Cayman, Cayman Brac, and The Grand Cayman.
A lot of the high-end accommodations are situated in The Grand Caymans. What makes it so special? Not only is it the largest island of the three, but it also has a thriving collection of restaurants, cafes, shopping, and more. Most importantly, it’s here where you’ll find the famous Seven Mile Beach.
If you’ve got plans to stay here, check out this comparison of The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa vs. Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa.
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- Quick Glance: The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa vs. Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
- The Details: The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa vs. Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
- The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa
- Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
- Best For: Which Resort Should You Go For?
- Wrapping Up
- FAQs
Quick Glance: The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa vs. Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
| The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa | Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa | |
| Location | Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman | Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman |
| Getting There | Guests arrive at the Owen Roberts International Airport (CGM), once there, you can take a taxi, rent a private car or arrange transport with the hotel. Taxi fare is around $30 to $40 while hotel transport can go up to $100 or more. | From the local airport, you can take a taxi or go for a rental car and then drive to the resort. It’ll be about 15 to 20 minutes to reach the property. |
| Room | 343 rooms and suites | 266 guestrooms and suites |
| Amenities | Beach access, a swimming pool, a fitness center, a kid’s club, a spa, water activities | Swimming pool, a spa, a kid’s club, water sports, beach access, a gym, rental bikes |
| Food and Dining | 7 restaurants and bar | 2 restaurants and grab and go area |
| Staff and Guest Services | There can be misses but the staff at the main hotel, as well as the various areas, do make an effort to assist guests with everything they need. | Fantastic staff and service! They know how to care for guests from the moment they arrive down to when they leave. |
| Price |
You can pay in cash starting at $690 per night to $2,175 per night (average $950). |
Room rates begin at $750 to $2,650 per night. (Average of $1,550). |
| Points Redemption |
Yes, a room here can be booked on points starting at 70,000 to 106,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. |
You can book a free rewards night here by using 70,000 IHG One Rewards points. |
The Details: The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa vs. Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa
The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa. Image Credit: The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa
Make no mistake, there might be a slew of resorts on The Grand Cayman but nothing beats those lining the famous Seven Mile Beach. Hotels like The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa are among the best beach hotels in the world thanks to their prime spot.
Location
Sitting close to other resorts including the lavish, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa got a beautiful refresh in 2017. This $50 million revamp saw the hotel fitted with a new lobby, expanded water amenities, and fully revitalized rooms and suites.
To reach the hotel from the Owen Roberts International Airport (CGM), guests can book a private taxi. The one-way rate is approximately $30 to $40 and will take about 10-20 minutes. Alternatively, it’s also possible to get a rental car and drive yourself to the resort. There are no ride-sharing options like Uber and Lyft on the island.
You can also contact The Westin to secure an airport transport service. However, this can be pricey depending on the number of people.
From the resort, there are countless areas to explore including The Cayman Islands National Museum, which is 10 minutes away, and the famous Stingray City, at a 7-minute drive.
Explore the length of the beach here and you’ll find restaurants as well as shopping boutiques to keep you busy.
Room
The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa – Interior. Image Credit: The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa
After the revamp, the rooms are more modern and fresher compared to its first iteration. Entry-level rooms offer an island or resort view with 392 square feet of space.
Each room has a signature Heavenly king bed or 2 queen beds, depending on what you prefer. Some of these starter rooms carry a balcony or patio, but on occasion, they may not be available. The floors showcase a dark blue carpet with detailing. Right in front of the bed is an entertainment center with a crisp white surface and wood construction.
There’s a flatscreen TV, lamp, chair, mini-fridge, tea, coffee facilities, Wi-Fi, and a spacious velvet sofa for you to relax. Walk inside the bathroom to find an ample shower and tub combination, a single sink, a toilet, and bath products.
While the shower and tub combination may not be ideal, upgrading to higher-category rooms can get you more creature comforts.
Amenities
The primary highlight when you visit The Westin Grand Cayman is its proximity to the popular Seven Mile Beach. It’s right behind the resort so you can easily spend a day here, building sandcastles, taking a swim, snorkeling, or doing various water sports. Beach loungers and umbrellas are up for grabs but do go early and reserve your spot.
If the beach isn’t your thing, there are two swimming pools at the property. It’s connected by a swim-through bridge and measures about 3-5 feet deep, making them ideal for children too. One nice touch is that the Westin even allows families to bring their inflatable pool toys.
Those who want to do water sports like kayaking or parasailing can borrow equipment from the resort. Diving lessons are available at Red Sail Sports. The Grand Cayman has amazing sea life so this is the perfect spot to try out diving.
If you prefer a restful way to spend your time, visit the Hibiscus Spa. Offering a multitude of soothing therapies, the spa contains 12 treatment rooms for guests.
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Food and Dining
The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa – Dining. Image Credit: The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa
Food is a major part of any vacation. Luckily, there’s no shortage of options at The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa. You’ll find 7 restaurants and bars on the property, each one delivering its distinct cuisine.
Fernando’s is the resort’s signature restaurant. This modern, all-day restaurant provides comfort food. It’s also here where you can grab a buffet breakfast in the morning.
For casual lunch fare, Beach House not only furnishes a gorgeous beachside setting but also a host of light bites, cocktails, and wine. If you’re after burgers and fish tacos, the Tortuga Beach Grill & Bar is the best way to go.
Meanwhile, those craving a coffee fix can head to the Cayman Coffee Exchange. There’s also the Catboat Bar, Woto, and the Toes in the Sand by Beach House.
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Staff and Guest Services
Although some guests have complained about the lackluster service at Ferdnando’s, the rest of the service and staff at the resort are pretty good. Service at the beach and housekeeping are especially proactive and helpful.
Price
The cash rates for a stay at The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa start at $690 per night to $2,175 per night (average $950).
Points Redemption
It’s possible to book a free rewards night here using 70,000 to 106,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
The Points University makes it easy to find all the info you need about travel and points hacking. Get guided lessons from an expert points hacker so you can travel in luxury without shelling out thousands of dollars at a time.
Who Is It For?
The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa is the perfect spot for a family beach vacation. It’s kid-friendly and even pet friendly! Plus, there are countless amenities to keep young children as well as adults busy every day.
The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa Gallery
The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa – Spa. Image Credit: The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa
The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa – Terrace. Image Credit: The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa
The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa – Beach. Image Credit: The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa
Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa – Pool Area. Image Credit: Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
Known for attracting a younger crowd compared to the other resort lining Seven Mile Beach, the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa has a very distinctive vibe. It first opened its doors in November 2016 so the property is still relatively new. When it was built, it was the first development to have been built on the island in over a decade.
Location
Although it’s right smack in the middle of a tourist spot, The Kimpton Seafire has the advantage of being located at the northernmost side of this popular mile. Thanks to this, it’s calmer and there are lesser crowds for guests to contend with.
This is important since all of the beaches at The Grand Cayman are public so anyone – even non hotel guests – can hang out in the area if they want.
Once you arrive at the Owen Roberts National Airport (CGM), you can rent a private vehicle or hire a cab from the airport to the hotel. It’s also possible to make arrangements with the hotel staff for a fee.
Explore various key spots like Camana Bay, only 5 minutes away, or Stingray City, around a 30-minute boat ride. There’s also the Cayman Turtle Farm and the Dolphin Discovery, both at a 9-minute drive away.
Room
Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa – Interior. Image Credit: Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
This top IHG hotel has one of the most stylish rooms in the country.
Rooms at The Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa start at 480 square feet. These Oceanfront Rooms may seem modest but it’s every bit as cozy and stylish as the more luxurious suites.
Each space contains a king bed or 2 queen beds dressed in premium white linens. Serving as the headboard is a beautiful cutout Kimpton Seafire emblem, adding a distinct, whimsical touch to the space. There’s thick carpeting over the wood-tone floors and plenty of little textural add-ons that keep the eye busy without cluttering the space.
Perhaps the coolest additions here are the beautiful pops of color. From reds, and turquoise to fuschia pinks on the chairs, throw pillows, curtains, and more, these all create a lively vibe to the room.
Modern add-ons include a flatscreen TV, mini fridge, USB outlets, and Wi-Fi. There’s also a desk, lamps, chairs, and a balcony with full or partial views of the water.
Inside the bathroom, you’ll find two sinks, a private water closet, a shower and tub combination, and an abundance of towels, robes, as well as full-sized bath products from Atelier Bloc.
Amenities
There’s a main swimming pool with a small division for kids. Another swimming pool is onsite but it’s only available if you’re checking into the Seafire Residences.
Loungers and pool umbrellas line the pool area. These are free to use but they do get reserved fast so it’s best to get there early. Pool cabanas are also available but only for rent and not free.
At the back of the resort is Seven Mile Beach. Take a dip to cool down or snorkel and watch the thriving sea life. You can also partake in various water activities. Beach loungers are also here.
The beach staff are super helpful and attentive, so if you need anything just signal by putting up a little red flag on your lounger and they’ll approach you right away.
If you want to squeeze in a workout, the furnished gym is a great place to park yourself. It contains modern cardio machines and weights.
The Kimpton Spa has a host of soothing treatments and therapies, in case you want some pampering. Treatment prices can be anywhere from $80 to $240 per treatment.
Need something to keep the kids busy? Camp Seafire is the perfect solution. Park the kids while you go on a diving trip or do adult stuff. It costs about $120 for a full day while it’s $65 for a half day. They accommodate children from 5 to 12 years old and offer a ton of child-friendly activities to keep the young ones entertained.
Food and Dining
Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa. Image Credit: Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
Compared to The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa, there are only two onsite restaurants at The Kimpton Seafire. But don’t worry, these restaurants are both top-notch.
Coccoloba is the primary restaurant serving amazing Mexican-inspired cuisine. It’s a place to visit for lunch as well as dinner. Although it comes with a limited space AVE, is a tapas restaurant where you can enjoy light bites and good drinks.
Every morning and at lunch, you can also drop by the Seafire Pantry in the lobby. Here, you can grab coffee, tea, and other beverages, alongside pastry and lunch items.
Staff and Guest Services
The Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa knows how to take care o its guests. Everyone on the staff and crew seems to be happy with their job, going above and beyond every time they interact with guests.
Price
For cash reservations, the prices start at $750 to $2,650 per night. (Average of $1,550).
Points Redemption
You can use 70,000 IHG One Rewards points to book a free night here.
Who Is It For?
The Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa is ideal for any young couple or honeymooners who want privacy but also want some fun during their vacation. Its proximity to Seven Mile Beach is a huge plus. In addition, they also have facilities for kids as well as pets so you can also bring the entire family.
Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa Gallery
Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa. Image Credit: Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa. Image Credit: Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa – Lounger. Image Credit: Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
Best For: Which Resort Should You Go For?
| Winner | What Makes It Great | |
| Best for Food | The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa | With 7 restaurants to choose from, you get a better selection when you stay here. |
| Best for Pools | Tie | Both resorts feature several pool options both for adults and kids. |
| Best for Spa | Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa | The Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa has a beautiful spa where you can get amazing therapies to pamper you. |
| Best for Beaches | Tie | It’s a tie! These resorts both sit on the stunning Seven Mile Beach. |
| Best For Adults | Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa | This is a quieter resort so it’s much better for adults or honeymooners. |
| Best for Families | The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa | The resort’s abundant amenities help make vacationing with the family, absolutely fun! |
| Best Location | Tie | These two are accessible from the airport and in the same general area. |
| Best for a Calm Vacation | Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa | Because it’s further away from the other hotels, The Kimpton Seafire has a calmer, quieter vibe. |
| Best for Diving or Snorkeling | Tie | Seven Mile Beach isn’t just great for swimming, it’s also a prime spot for snorkeling with abundant sea life in the water. |
| Best for Service | Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa | Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa wins this one hands down! |
| Most Exclusive | Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa | Because it offers more solitude due to its location, the Kimpton Seafire is a lot more exclusive. |
Wrapping Up
Indulge yourself by staying at a fantastic resort on your next Grand Cayman vacation!
Both The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa and the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa have a lot of things in common. They’re both located on one of the most premium stretches of sand in the country – Seven Mile Beach. These two also have a lot of amenities that guests, whether young or old, can enjoy. Plus, they’re pet friendly, so you can bring your furry friend without worry.
Of course, they also have distinct differences. The Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa is on a more tranquil part of the beach, making it ideal for couples and anyone who wants to be away from the hubbub of the main strip. Meanwhile, The Westin Grand Cayman offers more food options, with seven restaurants instead of only two.
Regardless of which property you go with, it’s almost certain you’ll have a great time on this beautiful island.
Safe travels!