The Reef is a great, peaceful place to stay.Visited: December 2008
Posted by dfp
We just returned from The Reef: my mother, two teenage children, my husband and me. What a great trip!
Every one of us found something to enjoy about this resort and beautiful Grand Cayman Island. I booked The Reef based on it being far from the crowded Seven Mile Beach areas, and because I had not seen a bad review of it. It was everything I had hoped for.
A rental car is necessary to go to Rum Point and a day trip to Georgetown for shopping and snorkeling. We chose the Simply All Inclusive plan, so our meals and drinks were included. I was very pleased with this choice, as the food was good. It was also great fun to have the bartenders mix up island specialties without worrying about the price per drink! Breakfast was not the best, and we found ourselves getting muffins and juice from the store across the street. Otherwise, the All Inclusive was a fun and stress-free way to vacation.
The staff at The Reef was wonderful. Jake Morgan, the concierge, was the best; and Harry, the bartender, introduced us to the Reef our first night in true style!
The rooms were clean, and the pool and beach were perfect. I wish I was still there!
3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
This was an outstanding value.Visited: December 2008
Posted by jere
I just recently completed an eight-night stay at The Reef Resort. It was my first trip to the Caymans, and I was flying blind when booking a hotel. I had no idea what I was booking myself into, and was honestly a little worried about the location of the resort; as it was located on the "quiet" east end of the island.
I'm a believer now. It was a fantastic property! All the units were beach front, right on the beach, with a great view.
This is a timeshare resort, but it is the most pleasant timeshare that I've ever stayed at. Some timeshares will try to put a hard-sell on you to buy into their resort; not The Reef. (I didn't buy, but I dearly wanted to do so. Darn global economy recession.)
The staff was great, especially the concierge staff. I've never met a group of people who were so genuinely happy with their jobs. They were extremely friendly and helpful.
The Reef has partnered with a nearby dive shop to offer packages and specials on various above and below water activities. I highly recommend the Sting Ray City snorkel trip. The rum punch they brew up for the trip back is fantastic.
I'm going back in 2009, and if the economic outlook in the world has improved, I'll be returning as an owner.
2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
It's not the Ritz Carlton, and I wouldn't want it to be. It's quiet, low-key, uncrowded and perfectly situated on a lovely beach at the East End of Grand Cayman. Take a couple great books, kick back and relax. If you're looking for the swinging singles scene, this isn't for you. But it is for me (and my friends). This is our second time to stay there and we're already planning another trip back.....
Special tips - Get a room with a kitchen, so you can have breakfast and another meal without spending a fortune. There's a little grocery store just across the street and you can get anything you need there. For dining out - try Portofino (very close), the Lighthouse restaurant, Kaibo Beach Yacht Club and the restaurant at Rum Point. Also, Over the Edge - a local place on the north shore - was pretty fun. You don't want to drive all the way to Seven Mile Beach to have a good meal. Also, the Morritt's property next door had surprisingly good food in the main dining room. Both the Reef Resort and Morritt's have a good, simple bar menu too.
2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
We had a quiet and relaxing vacation.Visited: December 2008
Posted by beachcomber
We just returned from a week-long stay at the Reef. It had a nice location on the east end away (approx. 45-minutes drive) from the hustle and bustle of the Seven Mile Beach area.
There were not a lot of restaurant choices on this end, but enough. Also, there was a small grocery right across the street in a small strip area with a bakery and gift shop.
The accommodations were more than adequate, and were very clean and nice. The resort people were very nice, and everyone made our stay enjoyable.
I would suggest this for those who want to get away and not be in crowds and traffic. This was a great place to just relax away the day, or visit some of the fun points of interest in the nearby area.
It's also a great location for divers and beach lovers. The water was clear and inviting, and while there were a lot of rocky coral areas, there was plenty of sand to enjoy.
If you want a lot of people and that is your thing, I would not suggest this area. Just stay on Seven Mile Beach. Grand Cayman is a great place, and the locals are so nice. Go and enjoy!
1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Turtle Nest Inn has lovely people, and offers superb snorkeling!Visited: December 2007
Posted by maggienegodaeff,pete
My husband and I were just discussing our winter vacation (February in Canada is no fun!). We agreed that virtually nothing could surpass Turtle Nest for friendliness, spacious and clean accommodations, location (far from the madding crowd but close enough to shops,etc.).
Also, the snorkeling is utterly marvelous, and right off the huge white-sand beach. The people at Turtle Nest will do everything in their power to make your stay a little slice of Heaven.
1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
The resort was located on the east end of the island, away from the busy end of the island. There was a market just across the street where you can find food and supplies for your room.
The rooms opened up direct to the beach, and had a great view. Ocean Frontiers was the in-house dive group, and they did a great job.
Restaurants were available with a bit of a drive. I recommend a rental car to get around - especially since cab fare from the airport is pretty steep.
The beach was a beautiful white sand that was raked often to remove any trash.
The staff was courteous and friendly. The only negative was that the daily maid service was only for fresh towels and trash. The beds were made once during our week.
2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
the Reef is real "paradise found".Visited: April 2008
Posted by gatorman
Our stay at The Reef was a breathtaking adventure to say the least.
The staff at The Reef could have been hand picked by my wife and me. They were super efficient, and arranged all requests with precision. Our condo was always immaculate and fresh.
The food fantastic, and the clear turquoise water was surely made in Heaven.
We will return again this year and hopefully many years to come.
5 users found this review helpful. 3 found this review unhelpful.
We just returned from five wonderful days at the Reef.
We arrived at the airport on time, and rented a car from Andy's. It's probably a good idea to reserve a car ahead. There were a couple of people beside us who didn't, and there were no cars to be had.
We stopped at Fosters for groceries, and we were off. We also went to Hurley's grocery a couple of days later - and both were great stores.
We had rented a deluxe studio, but were upgraded to a one-bedroom for some reason. No one ever said why. What a wonderful suite! Although, we didn't see the deluxe studio.
I think now I would pay the extra for the one-bedroom. You get a full kitchen, which we loved. We made all of our meals and ate on our balcony overlooking the ocean. We only ate out once-on our half day trip to Georgetown.
We went snorkeling every day right in front. It was awesome. There were no crowded beaches, and there was always an open beach chair and plenty of shade if you wanted.
Like a lot of reviews indicated before, I don't think this is a place for someone who wants to be entertained all the time. It is a place to go sit on the beach, relax, walk on the beach or take your rented car for a ride and explore the many beach spots around.
Although there were a few night time activities, and I think Morritts has some night things going on as well. You can rent kayaks, wave runners and other things at Morritts.
The resort and suite were spotless. All in all, it was a perfect vacation getaway.
12 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
We came back for our one-year aniversary.Visited: September 2007
Posted by denaandsmitty
When we wanted to get married, we called The Reef Resort's wedding consultant, Linda, and told her we wanted to get married on her dock. We requested a very, very informal wedding, with no family, and no flowers. Linda and Sandra honored our wishes to the tee.
We said our vows on 9/29/06 with Rev. Meghoo, after which we "took the plunged" into the ocean, swam to shore and toasted our day at Castro's. It was our perfect day!
Last year, we had to return for our first anniversary.
We have been to many different tropical islands, and all were wonderful experiences. But to come back to The Reef Resort is absolutely Heaven on earth!
This year, we cannot wait for our second anniversary, so we are returning for a week in May.
As all the other reviews have reflected, this place is for total relaxation and restoration. Alaos, the people who work at The Reef have to be some of the nicest people you will ever meet!
4 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
My family and I just returned from a week stay at The Reef. With three small kids, it isn't always easy to find a good blend of relaxation (for us), fun activities (for them), a great beach and sun, and plenty of room. The Reef offered all of that and more.
Our room was wonderful with an incredible unobstructed view to the sea. When our infant is older, we will have to move into a two-bedroom suite. But for now, the one-bedroom offered plenty of room.
We sat on the beach every day while the kids played in the sand or the pool for hours. We also ventured to Rum Point a few times just for a change of pace - and that was lovely as well. By the end of the day, we were usually exhausted so we ate almost every evening at the bar.
The food was very good - especially the Mahi! Yes, it was somewhat expensive, but so was the rest of the island so you have to plan for that in advance.
Fosters and Hurleys were good places to go for basic breakfast and lunch items so you can afford to splurge for dinner and drinks.
We thought this vacation was perfect, and we will definitely be coming back next year. In fact, we are seriously considering the investment option so we can come back every year!
8 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
A Grand Cayman travel review
It was awesome.
Posted by bamx2_itslei
Our stay here was wonderful!
The staff was just fantastic! The view from our room was an "A+". I would come back any time - when I become rich again! I need to find money, so I can fly straight down there.
1 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
I love this restaurant! They have great food, and the atmosphere is always fantastic. Also, it's right on the waterfront in the middle of Georgetown. It's a must if you go to Cayman.
0 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
I spent a joyful week at the Reef.Visited: November 2007
Posted by britrink
I came to the Caymans for my son's wedding, and had the most wonderful week at the Reef. The resort exceeded my expectations.
The one-bedroom suite was spotless, and beautifully decorated with every convenience. The beach was amazing - to step out onto the patio right on the beach each morning was heaven.
I could have stayed forever. The staff was friendly staff, and the resort was beautiful.
I don't often visit the same place twice, but the Reef will be my exception. I will definitely be back!
10 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful.
This is a true island get-a-way, and not a dive.Visited: September 2006
Posted by cmanninghowell@aol_c
If you want to relax in a cottage environment on a very beautifully kept beach with tiled floors to keep the sand away, this is the place.
Imagine stepping out of your door onto the beach! There is plenty of great food, a nice bar, entertainment, a new pool, and watersports. Also, no one wakes you while sunning to braid your hair or hassle you to buy a t-shirt! All the people here are nice.
I have come here five times. The second time I came, they remembered me!
One time, I stayed across the street at the new Hyatt. And, if you want to take a vacation at a regular, but nice, hotel - go for it. Take the elevator to the lobby, swim in a pool.
However, if you want to go to the beach, you have to walk across the street to the Beach Club! The rustic atmosphere is a wonderful and rare experience. I will be back!
11 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful.
Caribbean 
The Reef is a great, peaceful place to stay. 
This was an outstanding value. 
