Caribbean suite hotels and direct flights

[Anonymous]

Struggling to find a nice resort that both has suites (e.g. Multiple bedrooms in one room-- we have a toddler and baby so want to be close to them (and avoid the possibility of the toddler locking himself in another room) and is an easy trip-- so, a direct flight and a short drive from the airport. The Ritz in Grand Cayman fits the bill but is $2500 a night for the dates we are looking at- out of our budget. Looking for something under $700 a night with easy access to a beach. Anywhere similar? I saw reccs for FDR in Jamaica but would prefer to avoid Jamaica due to travel warnings.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like you want something fancier but the Sunshine Suites is near the Ritz in Grand Cayman - it's a good family resort. Or consider a rental condo in GC - my friends did that once.

If there are direct flights to Turks and Caicos, most of the resorts there are more like condos. I like T&C better than Grand Cayman, too.

[Anonymous]

Try VBRO or AirBnB for condos

[Anonymous]

Surely you can find something in Bermuda for that price. Try the Fairmont.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Surely you can find something in Bermuda for that price. Try the Fairmont.

We're looking for winter (Jan/Feb 2019) and the Bermuda directs are seasonal (unless I'm missing one somehow). Turks and Caicos is definitely of interest, but the direct is only once a week so we would have to extend our trip longer than we'd planned. Was hoping for somewhere we could go quickly for 4-5 days over a long weekend -- it doesn't need to be fancy, but with two small kids would prefer lots of amenities (so that, for example, we can order room service if I'm nursing the baby and the toddler is having a meltdown). Unfortunately looking for "family friendly" resorts leads to results for families with older kids that aren't relevant for us. We just need somewhere easy, clean, and that will have pack n plays or other baby amenities.

[Anonymous]

I've heard good thing about the Westin in Grand Cayman as well - I imagine that would be a little less than the Ritz.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Surely you can find something in Bermuda for that price. Try the Fairmont.

We're looking for winter (Jan/Feb 2019) and the Bermuda directs are seasonal (unless I'm missing one somehow). Turks and Caicos is definitely of interest, but the direct is only once a week so we would have to extend our trip longer than we'd planned. Was hoping for somewhere we could go quickly for 4-5 days over a long weekend -- it doesn't need to be fancy, but with two small kids would prefer lots of amenities (so that, for example, we can order room service if I'm nursing the baby and the toddler is having a meltdown). Unfortunately looking for "family friendly" resorts leads to results for families with older kids that aren't relevant for us. We just need somewhere easy, clean, and that will have pack n plays or other baby amenities.

OK, yes, the Bermuda flights from DC are seasonal, and Bermuda is a summer destination anyway. I would probably go for T&C, and just suck up the Newark connection in one direction. You could try Aruba, which also has the benefit of US preclearance, but it’s a longer flight and less upscale.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Surely you can find something in Bermuda for that price. Try the Fairmont.

We're looking for winter (Jan/Feb 2019) and the Bermuda directs are seasonal (unless I'm missing one somehow). Turks and Caicos is definitely of interest, but the direct is only once a week so we would have to extend our trip longer than we'd planned. Was hoping for somewhere we could go quickly for 4-5 days over a long weekend -- it doesn't need to be fancy, but with two small kids would prefer lots of amenities (so that, for example, we can order room service if I'm nursing the baby and the toddler is having a meltdown). Unfortunately looking for "family friendly" resorts leads to results for families with older kids that aren't relevant for us. We just need somewhere easy, clean, and that will have pack n plays or other baby amenities.

OK, yes, the Bermuda flights from DC are seasonal, and Bermuda is a summer destination anyway. I would probably go for T&C, and just suck up the Newark connection in one direction. You could try Aruba, which also has the benefit of US preclearance, but it’s a longer flight and less upscale.

PS, not sure if the St. Thomas flights are daily that time of year, but you could probably find a rental on St. John if you’re willing to deal with the ferry. It’s beautiful.

[Anonymous]

We just got back from Round Hill in Jamaica, which was exactly the trip you requested. I know you mentioned wanting to avoid, but we felt perfectly safe the whole time, so you may rethink your exclusion to widen your options a bit.

We've also done Hamilton Princess in Bermuda, and Puerto Rico (La Concha) thought that was pre-hurricane.

[Anonymous]

What about Mexico? I know people seem to have a hangup about Mexico, but we have been dozens of times and love it. The hotels around Playa del Carmen are safe, it is an easy flight. Most recently, we went to Grand Velas in Playa. Have also done Tulum, but that wouldn't be as good with kids in tow.

[Anonymous]

I know you said direct, but St Croix the Buccaneer has family suites and a kids club. Jet blue flies there via San Juan, I also think American via Miami. I’ve done it, even by myself with two young kids and it wasn’t a nightmar to take two flights, esp since second flight was 45 min.

Buccaneer family suits are two bedrooms with a shared bathroom. The hotel is extremely family friendly.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all the replies! Definitely some things to consider. We've actually been to the Buccaneer pre-kids; I think it would be good for us when they're a bit older (and can use the kids club) but right now really want a direct flight (and maybe a smaller hill down to the beach, since I imagine we'd end up carrying the 2 yr old up it!).

For Jamaica-- did you leave the resort at all? Would love easy access to a grocery store to pick up a few things for a picky toddler.

[Anonymous]

NP - I've filed the Buccaneer away for future reference, thanks!

[Anonymous]

We stay at the Marriott Grand Cayman often, and now that our toddler is older, have found ourselves in a similar dilemma. There are several great condos on Seven Mile Beach that solve the space issue, if you're open to not being at a resort.

[Anonymous]

I often recommend the Marriot Vacation Clubs on this thread for people that need suites. No room service (I think), but they have restaurants on site. There's one in Aruba, and one on St. Thomas.