Frequent Question Topics
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Introduction:
Address: # 30735 Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, KY1-1203
Local Telephone: (345) 949-8533
Fax: (345) 949-8531Location: The resort is approx. two miles from George Town, the capital of the Cayman Islands. The villas overlook a private waterway or the golf course. A rental car is recommended when staying at the villas.
Room Amenities: Villas are air-conditioned and offer a fully-equipped kitchen with all the modern conveniences of home: cable television, telephone, laundry, iron and ironing board, hairdryer, and clothes washer/dryer. Daily bath towel service and every third day full maid service is included (except Sundays and Cayman holidays).
History: Opened in 1986
Activities: The resort and the water sports operator offer a variety of land and water sports activities. Some additional activities to enjoy are trips to Stingray City and Rum Point, golf, horticultural tours, water aerobics, land aerobics, and the health club.
Airlines: Airlines serving Grand Cayman are:
- Cayman Airways, US Air, Delta Airlines, American Airlines, Northwest Airlines, British Airways, Air Jamaica, United Airlines, Air Canada, Continental Airlines (some operate seasonally)
- Island Air (inter-island)
Airport: Owen Roberts International airport is located 4 miles from the resort. There is a large departure lounge with duty free shops as well as a full service cocktail lounge.
Beaches: All beaches in the Cayman Islands are public. There are no lifeguards on duty. The water is usually warm and very calm on the Seven Mile Beach area.
Boats: Fishing boats as well as other dive and recreational boats can be chartered through the hotel's water sports operation, Red Sail Sports. Prices are based on half day and full day charters.
Check-In: Daily at 3:00pm at Paradise Properties Rental Office, located on the Treasure Island Condominiums property.
Check-out: Daily at 11:00 am.
Churches: All major denominations are represented on the island. They all welcome visitors to their services. A complete listing of locations and service times is available at the Concierge desk.
Citizenship: A valid passport is required by all persons (infant to adult) traveling to/from Cayman.
Clothing: Resort casual is the recommended attire with casual, lightweight clothing being the key. Collared shirts for gentlemen, may be required in some restaurants for evening dining. Shoes are definitely required.
Cribs: A limited number of cribs are available at no charge upon a request and first come, first served basis. For more information contact our U.S. reservations office prior to your arrival.
Currency: Cl$.80=US$1.00 and CI$1.00=US$1.25. To convert from CI to US dollars, divide the CI amount by .80. It is not necessary to exchange US dollars, as US currency is accepted everywhere.
Driving: Remember, in the Cayman Islands we drive on the LEFT. A valid drivers license is required to drive any motor vehicle. The rental agency will issue a temporary local driver's license for a fee if you meet the minimum age requirements and hold a valid driver's license. There are many car rental agencies to choose from on the island. For further information, contact our U.S. reservations office.
Drugs: The Cayman Islands have very severe laws on the use of marijuana and other controlled drugs. Large fines and prison terms will be issued to those who are in possession of, or importing, any controlled drugs.
Early Departures: There are no refunds for early departures or late arrivals.
Electric Current: 110 volt, 60 cycles. Same as in the United States.
Gambling: Gambling is not permitted on the Islands.
Geography: Grand Cayman is approximately 480 miles south of Miami with an estimated air time of one hour and ten minutes. Grand Cayman is 28 miles by 8 miles at its longest and widest point respectively. No part of the island is higher than 60 feet above sea level. The " Sister Islands" lie northeast in the direction from the district of East End. The two smaller islands are separated by a channel about 7 miles wide. Little Cayman is 9 miles by 1 mile. Cayman Brac is 10 miles by 1 mile.
George Town: The capital of Grand Cayman is located approximately 2.2 miles south of the property. It is the center of government business, banking and shopping. The harbor front (Port Authority) is where the cruise ship passengers arrive and depart via tenders.
Golf: The Britannia Golf Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, is a unique course that can be played three ways. Basically, it is a nine-hole championship course with a second set of nine tees greens superimposed to create an 18-hole short course. Tees open at 8am and twilight rates are available year round.
Tee times can be reserved up to 48 hours in advance with rental clubs available. Carts are mandatory and collared shirts and shoes are required.
Hair Salons: The Beauty Spa has services available for men and women. Massages and manicures are also available. There are several other salons on the island.
Health Club: Health Club on property is complimentary. Fully-equipped with Nautilus weight station, free weights, life cycles, treadmills, Nordic tracks and stair masters. Available to hotel guests and villa occupants only.
Hospital: The George Town hospital is located approximately 4 miles from the property. For an emergency, dial 911.
Immigration: Upon arrival in Grand Cayman you will clear immigration after deplaning and before departing from the airport. You will be asked at this time to show proof of citizenship as well as to state your purpose for coming to the island. When departing Grand Cayman you will go through local immigration. You will not clear customs or US Immigration until you reach your first destination in the Unites States.
Island Info: There are excellent free booklets on the island which are ideal for answering questions about the island's culture, government, restaurants, shopping, etc. If you have specific questions prior to your arrival, contact our U.S. reservations office.
Jogging: Running is a popular pastime on the island with the flat terrain and clean air. The resort provides a map that shows a popular running route near the resort.
Jeeps: Jeeps are available from several rental agencies on the island: Just Jeeps, Coconut Car Rentals, Andy's Auto and Soto Jeeps to name a few.
Kosher: Kosher meals are available-please request in advance if possible.
Language: English is the dominant language spoken on all three islands. The resort has many employees who are competent in other languages and can serve as translators for those guests who do not speak English. Please check with the Villas Manager.
Lost & Found: Items found at the resort are logged through the hotel Security & Housekeeping departments. Articles will be held for 60 days after which time they will be turned over to the finder or discarded.
Marine Life: The motto is "look, but do not touch."
Marriages: Non-resident marriages are increasing in popularity in the Cayman Islands. In the Cayman Islands you can get married as soon as the necessary paper work is processed, approximately 24 hours. Required documents are: Proof of identity, Cayman Islands International embarkation/disembarkation pink slip and, if divorced or widowed, certified or original copies of divorce decree or death certificates. A fee of CI$150.00 plus $10.00 stamp duty must accompany the above documents. A booklet providing more information is available from the Cayman Islands Government Information Services.
Newspapers: The Cayman Compass, The Miami Herald, USA Today, New York Times, London Times and Wall Street Journal are all available. Current day US papers are not available until late afternoon.
Nudity: Topless or nude sunbathing is not permitted. Pornographic material/magazines are not allowed.
Population: Total population on all three islands is approximately 32,000. Grand Cayman boasts approximately 27,000 of that number.
Red Sail Sports: The resort's preferred full-service water sports operator offers catamaran trips to Stingray City, deep-sea fishing, every imaginable water toy, diving trips, dive instruction courses, group activities, shopping for beach accessories and resort wear, and much more! Contact them directly at (345) 945-5965. They also offer a full sales staff to assist with group planning.
Restaurants: See Amenities: Restaurants.
Taxes: The Cayman Islands have no sales tax on any articles. There is a government tax of 10% added to the hotel room rate. This is a mandatory tax and cannot be waived.
Taxis: Taxis are readily available both at the airport and all hotels. One way from the airport to the Britannia Resort costs approximately US$22.00, based on up to 4 persons with two pieces of luggage per person.
Time and Tide: Cayman is in the Eastern standard time zone but does not switch to daylight savings in summer months. Tide information is publicized daily in the newspaper and on the radio.
Telephones: Local calls are free of charge. Upon check-in, the villas manager will provide you with long-distance phone call instructions.
Tipping: Most, but not all, restaurants on the island add the 15% automatically to the check. Those who do not usually indicate this on the check "gratuity not included."
Water: Grand Cayman has a state of the art Reverse Osmosis plant that services the island. This pure water is safe to drink. However, all fresh water is produced from seawater and is very precious – please do not waste it.