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This Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman Review is from our recent site inspection visit to Grand Cayman, where we also stayed at the resort's competitor, the Kimpton Seafire Grand Cayman. The resorts are both located on Seven Mile Beach, and are only 1.5 miles (2.4 km.) apart from each other, an easy 25-30 min. walk or quick 4-5 min. drive.
TravelSort Clients enjoy these Virtuoso benefits:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily full breakfast for two guests per bedroom
- $100 USD Resort/Hotel credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
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Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman Lobby and Check-In
We checked into the hotel early afternoon, before our room was quite ready, since check-in time is 4pm. The lobby is on the resort side, which is across the road from the resort's Ocean Tower and beach side.
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As we checked in, we were offered a welcome drink. There were also apples and infused water that guests could help themselves to.
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Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman Ocean Front Room
The resort offers Resort View, Garden View, and Ocean Front rooms and suites. Rooms are all the same size, 480 square feet (45 square meters) and vary primarily in terms of the view, although the Ocean Front rooms do have a slightly more stylish padded chair by the window as well.
The resort main entrance and lobby are on the resort side, so there's an interior walkway that crosses the road to the Ocean Tower. There are stairs that lead outside toward Seven Restaurant, the pool and beach, and on the right are the elevators.
We were on the 7th floor. Stepping out of the elevator, there was a good view of the pool and beach beyond:
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The hallways had quite colorful carpet: grey but with a pink flower design:
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The room itself was well appointed, in the classic Ritz-Carlton style, although with a little more island flair than a city hotel would have. There were large white flower designs on a beige background behind the bed, and a sunburst style mirror added interest to the light blue wall.
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Our eyes were drawn towards the window and balcony, thanks to the ocean views.
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The bathroom has double sinks, a soaking bath, and a separate glass enclosed rain shower, as well as separate toilet chamber.
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Bath products, as is typical for Ritz-Carlton, are Asprey's Purple Water:
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The welcome amenity was one of the cutest and most elaborate we've ever seen: a marine scene with a chocolate manta ray, chocolate coral, and additional delicious chocolates and passion fruit pate de fruits:
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The chocolates were great with coffee from the Nespresso machine.
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At turndown, in addition to the typical milk and dark Ritz-Carlton chocolates, a whimsical touch was a towel stingray sporting my sunglasses:
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Here's our Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman YouTube Video Review:
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Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman Breakfast at Seven Restaurant
Although we had Club Lounge access during our stay, if reserving with Virtuoso or Ritz-Carlton STARS, complimentary breakfast for two guests is included at Seven Restaurant, in the Ocean Tower. The breakfast buffet is from 7-11am daily, and is more extensive than the offerings in the Club Lounge; see the above video for images of the spread.
Since it was a nice day, we dined outside on the terrace. The only thing to watch out for are small, hungry birds, who like to perch on some of the chairs and nibble breakfast food, if not shooed away.
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The fresh squeezed orange juice, gravlax, and made to order omelets were highlights.
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Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman Pools and Beach
The resort's main pool is by the Ocean Tower, near Seven Mile Beach. It wasn't very crowded during our early November visit.
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Seven Mile Beach by the resort was great to walk along, although the ocean was on the rough side during our stay.
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The Verdict
We greatly enjoyed our stay at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, particularly with Club Lounge access. It's a large resort, and having Club Lounge access provides more personalized service, in addition to the convenience of light meals throughout the day. This is especially true for families with hungry kids; it's great to be able to fuel them with a piece of fresh fruit or a bit of cheese, without having to commit to sitting down at a restaurant and waiting for a food order to come.
That said, there were more extensive breakfast offerings in Seven Restaurant in the Club Lounge, so the STARS/Virtuoso complimentary breakfast benefit is worth using, even if you do have Club Lounge privileges.
The resort's location on Seven Mile beach is ideal, although be attuned to the waves; it was fairly rough the morning we ventured down to the beach. In any case, the resort's large main pool can suffice if the ocean is too rough to swim in.
Our dinner at Blue by Eric Ripert was easily the best dinner we've had in the Caribbean. It's a splurge, but worth it for seafood lovers.
Our son's tennis lesson with Tennis director and Tennis Pro Uli Hoppe was another highlight; I highly recommend reserving well in advance and requesting him.
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