Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Turtle Nest Inn & Grand Cayman
1. About Grand Cayman
2. Around Turtle Nest Inn
3. Inside Turtle Nest Inn
4. Reserving at Turtle Nest Inn
Who flies directly to Grand Cayman, and from which cities in the US?
To the best of our knowledge, the following information is accurate
and current, but given the number of flight changes constantly being made these
days in the airline industry world-wide, this information is only meant to be a
guide, subject to confirmation by the respective airline. There are daily flights from Miami (Cayman Airways, American Airlines), Tampa,
Orlando and Fort Lauderdale
(Cayman Airways), Atlanta (Delta Airlines), Philadelphia (US Air) and Charlotte, NC (US Air). As well, there
are one or more direct flights a week from Detroit (Northwest Airlines -- high season only) and Houston
(Cayman Airways, Continental Airlines). Cayman
Airways offers non-stop service between Chicago and Grand Cayman. This route
now offers twice weekly service.
Flight #KX504 will depart Grand Cayman at 8:10am on Wednesday and Sunday
arriving in Chicago at 11:05am. The return flight #KX505 on those same days
will depart Chicago at 12:35pm arriving in Grand Cayman at 5:30pm. Cayman
Airways has been featuring special introductory pricing for this
service. Also from Chicago, United Airlines just began direct
service again to Grand Cayman with a weekly return flight on Saturday. Boston
now enjoys direct service by Cayman Airways to Grand Cayman, and,
on February 9th 2006, the low-fare carrier Spirit Airlines
inaugurated daily non-stop service from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to
Grand Cayman, via a number of gateways to Fort Lauderdale from across the US. We'd very much appreciate being notified of any omissions,
inaccuracies, or terminated service, so that we can do our best to keep our
website as up-to-date as possible!
Are there direct flights to Grand Cayman from cities outside the US?
There are daily flights from Kingston, Jamaica (Cayman Airways, Air Jamaica). As well, there are
one or more direct flights a week from London (British Airways,
via Nassau), Havana (Aero Caribbean, and Cayman Airways, with
direct round-trip flights on Friday, Sunday and Wednesday, with
more planned), Montego Bay, Jamaica (Cayman
Airways), and La Ceiba, Honduras (Islena Airlines). Air Canada offers twice-weekly service from Toronto to
Grand Cayman, with direct flights on Sunday and Wednesday (and a Friday flight during high season).
Should we count on any extra charges or fees at the airport when leaving the island?
Unless your airfare was bought before August 2001, all departure taxes are included in the price you paid for
your tickets.
To get to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, is it best by boat or air?
Almost all travellers to the Sister Islands (Little Cayman and Cayman Brac) take a plane, and we don't know of
any accessible sea link -- unless you charter a boat privately. Island Air
and Cayman Airways
are your only options. Another popular "side
trip" from Grand Cayman is to Cuba.
Do we need to change money before or upon arrival -- at a bank?
No, it's not necessary. US$ cash, travellers' cheques and major credit cards are accepted everywhere on the
island. And the exchange rate is the same as at the local banks. Generally, prices for hotels and other lodging,
as well as car rental and scuba diving, are quoted in US$, while all else, including restaurant meals, are posted
in CI$ (one CI$ is worth US$1.25 -- US$1.00 is worth CI$0.80). This is a fixed rate, and does not fluctuate
according to the currency market. Consult our website money converter for US and other currencies. There's a
slight advantage in bringing US$ travellers' cheques rather than cash -- you'll get CI$0.82 for each US dollar,
but only when exchanging them at a local bank. Since the CI dollar is not an internationally negociated
currency, it's not available outside the Cayman Islands and you'll want to reconvert any you have left into US$
or another currency before you leave the islands. By the way, don't bother emptying your piggy bank and
hauling your loose change with you when you leave home -- US and other foreign coins are not accepted at
banks or anywhere else in the Cayman Islands.
Do we need adaptors or transformers for our electrical devices?
Not if you're from the USA or Canada -- all electrical outlets are 110VAC, 60 cycles. If you're from the UK and
other parts of Europe, and your devices are dual-voltage (110VAC/240VAC), we have a good selection of plug
adaptors on hand at the Inn that are compatible with local outlets. We can also lend you a low-wattage
transformer with which you can use a number of small, 220-240VAC devices (e.g., electric razors,
toothbrushes, radios, tape recorders, etc.).
Is there a time difference between the Cayman Islands and New York?
Like the east coast of the USA, the Cayman Islands are on Eastern Standard Time (EST), and there's no time
difference between October and April. But, since we don't adjust our clocks for Daylight Saving Time, there is
an hour difference between mid-April to mid-October. During those months, it's an hour earlier here.
Are the stores and supermarkets open late?
Stores are generally open from about 9:00am to 5:00 or 6:00pm, six days a week, although many close about
1:00pm on Saturday. The supermarkets keep longer hours, and are open from 7:00am to 10:00pm, Monday to
Saturday. Except for restaurants and gas stations (which often include a convenience store),
and a number of shops catering to cruiseship passengers, many stores closed on Sunday.
Can we buy wine and beer at the supermarket?
No, there are no alcoholic beverages sold at supermarkets. Beer, wine and spirits are sold at licensed liquor
stores, privately owned and located throughout Grand Cayman. These stores are closed on Sunday (although
liquor is available every day of the week at restaurants and hotels), but open generally from 10:00am to
7:00pm, Monday to Saturday. Compared to the US, prices are somewhat high except at duty-free shops when leaving the
island.
Can we bring alcohol and cigarettes with us when entering the Cayman Islands?
According to the latest Customs Declaration (October 2001), all arriving passengers aged 18 years or older
may bring with them up to one litre of spirits or four litres of wine or one case of beer (not exceeding eight
litres). They can also bring in up to two hundred cigarettes or one hundred cigarillos or twenty-five cigars or
two hundred and fifty grammes of tobacco.
Do US citizens have to have a passport to enter the Cayman Islands?
Yes, normally they do. However, it is possible to enter without a
passport if you can present either a sworn affidavit prepared by a Justice of
the Peace (or Notary Public), or a birth certificate along with photo
identification. But a passport is your quickest way through Immigration.
However, the U.S. State Department and the Department of Homeland Security have
mandated all travellers entering or re-entering the U.S. from the Caribbean to
carry passports starting January 1st 2008. This date should be verified, as
Caribbean countries are lobbying for an extention of this date, and the US
Congress may well agree to a delay.
Is there a speed limit in the Cayman Islands -- are seat belts required?
Yes, there are speed limits posted (in mph, not kilometres), and we'd caution you not to exceed them by more
than 10mph -- if you're caught, it can be quite costly. This applies as well to seat belts (up to a CI$500 fine),
which were made compulsory in 1998.
Will we be driving on the same side of the road as in the USA?
No, in the Cayman Islands you'll be driving on the left side of the road -- like in Britain, Japan and most British
colonies and former colonies. It won't take more than an hour or two of driving to get used to, especially if you
rent a non-US car, equipped with right-hand steering. With RH steering, overtaking is safer, and it's more
difficult to forget which side of the road to drive on. Entering and exiting parking lots is really all that'll take a
little concentration -- just remember to stay to the left! And, keep in
mind that although the speedometer in many rental cars may be in kmh,
posted speed limits are in mph.
Do we need a Cayman driving permit -- does it require a test?
Yes, and no. When renting a car here, the car hire firm will issue you a temporary permit for about US$7.50,
simply upon presentation of a valid driving permit from your home country. No test is required.
Is insurance coverage mandatory when renting a car?
No, it can be waived at your own responsability, so we suggest doing so only if you have alternate protection. A
number of credit cards (e.g. Visa Gold Card), when used for payment of the rental car, do provide automatic
insurance coverage, and your automobile insurance policy back home may also be valid. But, thanks to Jan
and Peter, former guests from Madison, Wisconsin, we've just learned that many such policies will only cover
you while renting a car in the US and Canada. So, check with your insurance company before leaving home.
Can we use our cell phone while on Grand Cayman?
Some guests from the US with a wide-range roaming or satellite-based service have
been able to use their cell phones without going through one of the local phone
companies. If your
phone doesn't work when you arrive, you'll have to go to a phone company outlet for connection and the purchase of "Pay as You Go" phone cards in CI$25, CI$40 and
CI$100 denominations. Of course, your best bet is to leave your phone at home, disconnect from the world, enjoy your holiday -- and
save money! Or check our "World
Phone" special.
What and when is Pirates Week?
Pirates Week is a multi-day, annual festival with fireworks, street dancing, heritage days, a pirate ship landing,
golf tournaments, children activities, and many other events. In the past, it's
always been held at the end of October,
beginning of November, but in recent years a couple of outdoor events were
affected by some rain and had to be cancelled. This has lead to the decision of
the Ministry of Tourism to delay the dates somewhat, and to officially schedule
the 2006 festival from November 9th to the 19th.
To contact the organisers, call 345.949.5078, fax to 345.949.5449, or write to P.O. Box 51GT, Grand Cayman,
BWI. Their website can be visited at www.piratesweekfestival.com.
The schedule of events will be forthcoming, and posted at their website.
Who do you recommend for diving and boat trips to Stingray City?
Our suggestions are listed under "Water Sports" at a section of our website called "Tourist Info & Links".
If we're into golf, tennis, horseback riding, does Grand Cayman offer anything?
It certainly does -- along with bowling, hiking, cycling, billiards, fitness, etc. See more details at "Tourist
Information and Links", under "Recreation".
Are there beauty spas on Grand Cayman that can help me prepare for my island wedding?
Yes, there are at least ten of them. For a list of names, location, services offered and phone numbers, just click
on Beauty Spas.
We've heard that Cayman restaurants are quite pricey -- is this true?
Like restaurants throughout the Caribbean, they tend to be more expensive than comparable ones in the US
and Canada. But Grand Cayman boasts a very broad selection of dining spots, including many
reasonably-priced ones, so it is possible to dine out on a budget. One could manage two to three meals a day
quite comfortably on as low as CI$35-40 (US$45), excluding booze.
What is the standard tipping practice in Cayman restaurants?
Many restaurants on Grand Cayman will automatically add 15% to your bill as gratuity, which is the suggested
tip percentage. Of course, you're encouraged to leave more if the service is particularly efficient and pleasant.
But, before leaving the gratuity, make sure that it's not already added to the meal total. Restaurant policy
regarding the tip is usually posted in the menu, as well as on the bill itself. If you don't see it, just ask!
And, if paying in CI$, make sure that you don't pay the often converted (and
higher) US$ total!
Does a Cayman vacation have to be very expensive?
No, it doesn't. Although the Cayman Islands do tend to be a more "upscale" tourist destination, with very few
charters, or "package deals" available, you don't have to be wealthy to vacation here. Once you've shopped
around for affordable airfare, choose reasonably priced accommodations (like Turtle Nest Inn), that include a
kitchen. Even if you're into dining out in the evenings, you'll save a lot on breakfasts, lunches, drinks and
snacks. And, if your holiday period is flexible, check out our Discounted Late Summer/Fall rates.
What's the weather like there -- what about hurricane season?
The weather on Grand Cayman is typically sunny, warm and beautiful, all year round. The hottest period is
between mid-July and mid-September, and it's rarely below 80°F during even "winter" days. Evenings in
January and February can be cool, dropping to about 70°F. There is usually little rain, even during the "rain
season" (officially, June 1st to October 31st). The hurricane season (same period) rarely involves more than a
nearby tropical depression, as the island is not directly in the main storm path. Exceptions occurred in 1932,
when Cayman Brac was wiped out, in 1988, when damage from Hurricane Gilbert was essentially limited to
the Turtle Farm in West Bay (at the other end of Grand Cayman), and Hurricane Michelle in November 2001.
Michelle caused limited destruction along the western and southern coast of the island, involving the Turtle
Farm, a number of resorts along SMB, and several businesses, but they all seemed to be operating normally
after a few days. The major exception was the disastrous Hurricane Ivan in
September 2004, which wreaked havoc right across Grand Cayman (but,
miraculously, only two deaths). While we haven't been seriously affected by many
storms, should you be booking a stay during the
hurricane season, you should consider purchasing travel insurance, to cover both your airfare and the cost of
your hotel accommodations.
Are there nude beaches in Cayman?
Topless and nude bathing is illegal in the Cayman Islands, as in other British colonies like Bermuda, Turks and
Caicos, Virgin Islands, etc. Nevertheless, there are a number of secluded beaches in less developed parts of the
island where people have gotten away with it.
Are there casinos on Grand Cayman?
No, there are no casinos in the Cayman Islands, and no legalised form of gambling. If you're into casinos while
on holiday in the Caribbean, you might want to consider the Bahamas, St. Maarten (the Dutch-ruled half of St.
Martin), Turks and Caicos, etc.
Are there areas in Cayman to be avoided by a single, female traveller?
Along with Cuba, the Cayman Islands are probably the safest tourist destination in the Caribbean, with crimes
against visitors virtually unheard of. You can feel secure walking alone anywhere, anytime of day or night. We
haven't ever locked our jeep in almost four years, which isn't to say that we'd leave a camera or a cell phone
exposed on the seat. There's no sense tempting anyone needlessly, so we do encourage guests to keep their
apartments locked.
Where is the Inn located -- is it on Seven Mile Beach?
Turtle Nest Inn is pretty much in the geographical centre of Grand Cayman, 10 miles east from George Town
and the airport, and about midway to East End and Rum Point. Seven Mile Beach is to the west of George
Town, while the Inn is on Bodden Town Beach, a quieter and more secluded sandy beach away from the tourist
areas of the island. In the SMB area, whether on the beach or along West Bay Road, you'll mostly run into
tourists, and very few natives. It's the opposite in Bodden Town -- as one of our guests from Texas put it, this is
an area perhaps more appealing to the "traveller" than to the tourist. The exact coordinates of the Inn are
19°16"35'N by 81°15"3'W.
Where can I find more photos of your beach, and the beach at the Hyatt, Marriott, etc?
Although we don't have the resources to replace the Department of Tourism, or to promote other island hotels,
we have added a new page to our website consisting of a few photos of a number of hotel and other Grand
Cayman beaches.
Is Turtle Nest Inn a good spot for a couple on their honeymoon?
While we may be biaised, we can't think of a more tranquil and romantic tourist facility on Grand Cayman, and
virtually every guest who's honeymooned here has fully agreed (see "Guests' Comments"). However, if you're
into a honeymoon with action and nightlife on the premises, and lots of other tourists on the beach, you may
want to consider one of the large hotels on Seven Mile Beach (see "Hotel Guides"). It really depends on how
many others you want to spend your honeymoon with, although with a rental car, all nightclubs and
restaurants on the island are easily accessible from the Inn -- we're right at the geographical centre of Grand
Cayman! You may want to have a look at the website we've specifically designed to attract honeymooners.
Do you suggest renting a vehicle -- a car or a jeep?
Although there are taxis and buses on Grand Cayman (see below), we do think that you'll get more out of your
vacation with your own vehicle. There's really no other way to fully explore the island and all its sights and
beaches, and to have access to the full and varied range of about 130 restaurants. For stocking up with
groceries at the supermarkets, it's difficult without a car. For Inn guests, car rental is also affordable, given the
discounted rates we've negociated with a few of the rental agencies right at the
airport (see "Car
Rental"). Other than the fun of open-air driving, there's no necessity for a jeep, since all roads are
well finished, there's no mountainous terrain, and driving on the beach is illegal. With easier access to more
reasonable dining spots and the supermarkets, and being able to avoid taxis -- you'll probably end up spending
less with a rental car, especially during low season -- as well as having a more enjoyable stay.
Can we rent a moped, scooter or bike?
Yes, they are readily available. We don't have rates posted at our website and don't recommend them, mainly
because of the high incidence of serious accidents involving tourists on scooters. And, although we have had
guests who've arrived with their own bicycles and survived some long-distance biking on the island, there are
no cycle paths, quite a bit of truck traffic, and almost all roads are limited to just one lane in each direction. If
you're still not convinced by our safety concerns, there are motorscooter and bike rental agencies listed at our
website, under "Recreation".
Is there bus service on Grand Cayman -- what about taxis?
Taxis are available, particularly at the airport, but cab fare tends to be quite high priced and phoning for one is
unreliable. At about US$30 fare from the airport to the Inn (one way), renting a car for the whole day could
cost you considerably less (during low season -- and a dollar or two more during high season)). Public
transportation is quite pleasant and efficient during working hours, with buses usually every 30 minutes and a
bus stop right next to the Inn. The cost is CI$1.50 (figure US$2.00) per route (e.g., from the Inn to the central
terminus in George Town, with a transfer and additional fare required to go on to the public beach or any hotel
along Seven Mile Beach). But service is limited to the island's main road, and is sporadic during evenings and
weekends. There's more information, and the "official" schedule at the Department of Tourism website.
Are we limited to your beach, or can we take strolls further?
All beaches in the Cayman Islands are public, so you're welcome to stroll on, or swim from any beach you
please, regardless of where you're staying. Although the Inn has its own beach, and you can walk a couple of
miles beyond in either direction, it's a short drive to try out others, including Seven Mile Beach, Smith's Cove,
Rum Point, etc.
Can kids snorkel off your beach, or is the current too strong?
Yes, anyone can snorkel at the Inn, thanks to the reef-protected waters. The sea within our reef is no more than
5-6' deep. For more information on snorkelling at the Inn, see "Snorkelling".
Are there restaurants near Turtle Nest Inn?
Yes, there a couple within walking distance, including Main Street
Café (closed in the evening), and an excellent and inexpensive jerk chicken stand
about 1 mile from the Inn. And there are a couple of more complete dining spots a few miles down the road
by car. See
our more extensive list of suggested restaurants.
Are there grocery stores around the Inn?
There are two convenience stores, and two liquor stores, within walking distance, but serious grocery
shopping is best done at one of the large supermarkets closer to the airport. There
are two right on your route as you
drive from the airport to the Inn. These supermarkets are are all open
from 7:00am till 10:00pm, but closed on Sundays, Good Friday, Christmas Day, and
New Year's Day. On all other official holidays, they're open only from 9:00am to
6:00pm.
Not sure what to pack -- what amenities do your apartments come equipped with?
The kitchen in each apartment is fully equipped, with complete range (oven and four cooktops), microwave,
fridge, toaster, coffeemaker, blender, pots, pans, dishes and cutlery. There's also a hair dryer in the
bathroom, and an alarm clock.
The apartment is furnished with all linen, beach towels, toilet paper, soap, facial tissues, shampoo,
bubble bath, as well as
trash bags, filters for the coffeemaker, paper towels, dish detergent, and salt and pepper -- all refreshed every
weekday. There's also candles and matches, to add a little romantic ambience to your dinners, and you can
borrow an iron and ironing board, and even an electric corn-popper! For those with young children, a
"fold-a-crib"/playpen is available for your apartment, as well as a booster chair and beach toys.
Is there maid service like in the large hotels; is this an
extra-cost option like in some small inns?
Full housekeeping is done in all units at the Inn, every day from Monday
to Friday. This service is included in our rates even though
there's no "service charge" at the Inn like there is in all of the island's
large hotels and condo complexes. And, we believe that you'll find our
housekeepers much more thorough than those employed in most other hotels -- with
more attention to detail, more respect for your belongings, and a real personal
touch. There's no maid service on Saturday and Sunday, but our office
staff will be happy to tend to any particular housekeeping needs you may have on
the weekend, like replacing your beach towels, etc. Just come to the
reception desk, between 9:00am and 5:30pm. Although there's no routine maid
service on Saturday and Sunday, our housekeepers are usually on hand to clean
and prepare apartments for new arrivals.
Is there a safe in each apartment?
No, but at the office we have facilities for the safe-keeping of your valuables. They can be stored and accessed
anytime during office hours.
Are there beach chairs and sun umbrellas around the pool and on the beach?
Yes, there are adjustable lounge chairs, patio chairs, small tables, and
beach parasols available for guests, free of
charge. We normally keep them around the pool, but guests are welcome to use them on the beach (and return
them after).
Do you have any water sports equipment for rent?
Aside from snorkelling equipment (mentioned below), there's a two-seat sea kayak available for guests to use
off our beach -- at no charge.
Can we access the Internet from our apartment?
There's wireless high-speed
Internet access (free of charge) from
everywhere in and around the Inn. And, if your laptop isn't equipped with a
wireless network card, you can rent an adaptor allowing you access from your
apartment via a wired connection. However, if you'd prefer not dragging your computer
along, there is an available computer in the upper lobby with high-speed Internet access. Access to the
computer is at very reasonable rates -- on a daily or weekly basis.
How can we be reached from home during our stay?
During office hours -- from 9:00am to 5:30pm EST -- you can be
phoned at the Inn's central number (345.947.8665) and we'll transfer the call to
your apartment. And, if you're out, the caller can leave a message that you can
pick up from your apartment. You can also receive faxes at 345.947.6379, and
e-mail messages at inguest1@candw.ky , but in both cases, please make sure that your name appears as
the subject. Outside of office hours, you can be reached by phone at
345.749.2222, but the caller will be prompted to dial your apartment number. To
receive such direct calls, anytime of the day or night -- without going through
the Inn office -- you must provide your contacts with your single-digit
room/apartment number.
Is there a TV in your apartments -- can we rent a VCR and movies?
Each unit at the Inn is equipped with 72-channel digital TV (with
another 40 music channels), a DVD/VHS/CD-player, and a free lending library for
guests of about two hundred films on DVD and VHS. Channels accessible on TV include CNN, CBS, ABC, NBC, PBS, BBC, FOX,
HBO, MAX, USA, A&E, the History channel, Disney, a cartoon channel, National
Geographic, and many others. Aside from our own
lending library, a full range of current movies is available for rental at a number of video stores in and around
George Town. But, the Block Buster next to the Hurley's supermarket in the Grand
Harbour Shopping Centre is the closest to the Inn, with no need to go through
the traffic in George Town.
Are there laundry facilities for guests?
There's a coin-operated washer and dryer in the ground floor laundry room, as well as an iron and ironing
board that you can borrow for use in your apartment.
Do you have a restaurant at the Inn?
No, there's no restaurant at the Inn, but each apartment is
equipped with its own full kitchen, and there's an excellent Weber gas BBQ on
the beach. There's also a couple of restaurants within walking distance, and
several others in the area.
Is there snorkelling equipment for rent, or do we need to bring our own?
We do have a small collection of masks, snorkels, beach shoes and fins at the Inn, and guests can borrow them
at no charge -- for use at the Inn, or elsewhere. Of course, nothing beats your own stuff, but if you're not into
snorkelling regularly, don't bother making the investment.
Is there a fitness centre
at the Inn or elsewhere on the island, with short-term memberships available?
With only eight rental units at the Inn, we have neither the resources
nor the space for a fitness centre. However, we've just installed a pretty
good treadmill in
our poolhouse, with the key rented on a daily or weekly basis. And, there are
other forms of exercise available in and around the Inn at no charge at all.
However, if a treadmill isn't enough, you can join one of the island's gyms on a
weekly basis, including Kings Sport Complex. It's the most conveniently
accessible from Bodden Town -- just past the Grand Harbour (Hurley's) shopping
centre, with no need to go as far as George Town. It's less convenient
than our treadmill, and more costly -- but, certainly more complete.
I need to stay in pretty constant contact with my office.
Should I be worried about the cost of phone calls to the US?
For the moment, Cable & Wireless still has a quasi-monopoly on
long-distance calling, and they offer none of the bargains available in the US.
But, the mark-up added to their charges at the Inn is the lowest of any hotel in
the Cayman Islands. However, if you intend on making more than a couple of calls
to the US or to Canada -- or to any other country -- the Inn
offers an exclusive "World
Phone" service that's an incredible deal, and
much less costly
than long-distance calls from any other hotel, anywhere in the world!
Are kids allowed at the Inn?
Yes, children are very welcome at the Inn, and there's no charge
for children 3 years old and under. For toddlers at the Inn, there's a "fold-a-crib"/playpen, a booster chair, and a number of beach toys.
We take pride in catering to singles, honeymoon couples, and families -- and any party fitting between these
categories...
Is there a baby-sitting service available at the Inn?
While there are no babysitters on staff at the Inn, there is an available service on the island with trained sitters
who'll come to the Inn.
Do you allow pets at Turtle Nest Inn?
Yes, we allow guests to have one dog or cat per apartment, subject to a number of regulations and restrictions,
as suggested by the Cayman Islands Humane Society.
How are your apartments laid out?
Although furnished similarly, and having the same features, no two apartments at Turtle Nest Inn are laid out
identically. You can get an idea of some layouts right here at our website by taking a look at a few sample
floorplans. There are also photos of all our units at Inside Glimpses.
Are your accommodations limited to one-bedroom apartments -- anything larger or smaller?
On the smaller side, we have available a village-view room -- basically a small hotel room described at Inside
Glimpses. For larger accommodations,
please have a look at our affiliated
properties.
Are all your units beachfront?
Most are, but there are three apartments which are "ocean view", rather than "beachfront". They are located
along the sides of the Inn, with a good view of the Caribbean from the balcony or patio. But these units
include two of our largest one-bedroom apartments, and are often preferred by parties of three or four sharing.
The beachfront apartments are located at the rear of the Inn, directly overlooking our sandy beach, pool, and
the Caribbean Sea, and offer superb ocean views. There are ocean view and beachfront apartments on both
the ground floor and the upper floor.
How many can sleep in your apartments?
Our one-bedroom apartments can sleep up to four, with two in the bedroom, and two on the double sofa-bed.
We have on occasion slept five guests, with the addition of a comfortable,
inflated floor mattress. Our rates, though, are based on lodging two, with a small supplement for each extra person over three years
old. The small, village-view room sleeps two.
Is there additional information supplied in the
apartments?
Every unit at the Inn has available a very detailed "Guest
Information" binder, which includes instructions for operating all electronic
and other devices; information on snorkelling; where to find common conveniences
and facilities (kayak, washer, dryer, iron, etc.); recommended dining spots,
etc.
How do we reach you to inquiry about availability, and to reserve?
Simply go to the "Contact the Inn" page, and you'll find our phone and fax numbers, postal address, e-mail
address, and a convenient submit form. Should you not receive a reply to your submission within 24 hours,
please resend your inquiry by clicking on one of the e-mail addresses listed.
What credit cards do you accept?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards, and to process a deposit on your card, we require the credit
card number and the expiry date.
Do you offer any package deals?
Since every apartment comes with a full kitchen, we do not offer
packages that include meals. Neither do we offer any with airfare. However, we
do feature excellent package deals that include car rental.
Can we reserve through our travel agent -- will we end up paying more?
You can, and you won't pay any more than when reserving directly -- unless you're booking accommodations
that are featured at our website as reduced-price promotions. Of course, we prefer you reserving directly with
the Inn. Accurate and up-to-date availability status and rates are immediately accessible, with less chance of
any booking errors...and we save the travel agent commission! But, if you feel more comfortable going through
an agent, rest assured that you'll be welcomed here just as warmly. Our policy regarding relations with travel
agents can be found elsewhere at this website.
For a stay at the Inn, do we have to arrive on a specific day of the week?
There are no preset weeks at the Inn, no minimum stay, and no specific day of arrival. You can arrive and
depart on any day of the week, subject only to availability.
What are your check-in/check-out times?
Check-in is normally at 4:00pm, with check-out at noon. The
four-hour spread is required for the very thorough housekeeping that is our
standard when preparing the apartment for the next guests. Of course, some flexibility is possible with prior notice,
subject to the departure/arrival times of the previous/following guests. And, those arriving earlier than
4:00pm
are certainly welcome -- we'll gladly store your luggage for you until your accommodations are ready, and
you're free to use the common facilities of the Inn (public washrooms, pool, beach, terrace, etc.). The same
applies to departing guests with flights booked in the evening.
When the Inn is fully booked, what do you suggest for alternate lodging?
Please have a look at our
affiliated properties. And, if these properties aren't suitable, there's a
list of hotel guides, at "Tourist Information and Links", where you'll find just about
every tourist facility in the Cayman Islands.
Most Cayman hotels seem to charge 6-10% "service charge" -- do you?
No, Turtle Nest Inn -- and our affiliated properties -- are the rare exceptions among island hotels and condos.
The Inn offers full maid service,
five days a week, but it's included in our rates. The only extra is the government-imposed Accommodation Tax
of 10% -- the only sales tax in the Cayman Islands. If you're happy with the maid service, you can, of course,
leave your housekeeper a gratuity. We would suggest between 3% and 6%, but you can use your own
disgression, and we're certain that, no matter what the amount, it would be appreciated.
What is your deposit/cancellation policy?
Just click on our deposit and cancellation policy.
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