We returned last week from a vacation at The Turtle Nest Inn from May 3rd to May 10th. I would say that the accommodations are nice; however the condo is in need of updating.

The unit we stayed in was so close to the road, we heard everything including cars honking, loud stereos, trucks sifting, along with roosters early in the morning. Locals would stop late at night to talk to each other with radios blasting I am glad to be home so that I can get some sleep after that experience.

The unit itself is worn out with a bathroom that was remodeled with an old bathtub with embedded dirt from years of use. The bed was actually wobbly because apparently the mattress is old and a board is broken in the frame. The sofa was also spotted.

Now the size of the unit was great and the amenities are abundant. But I wish the location was different and the updating would be taken into consideration.

The view from this unit is an abandoned home and the patio was right next to the street. As I learned from another visitor, exiting the condos is an experience in itself. Cars are very close to the condo and visibility is difficult.

Now the beach
Yes, there is a place to snorkel after negotiating the rocky shore, which you need to have water shoes for fear of cutting your feet on sharp rocks or broken glass. It seems that the beach has a lot of broken green glass-must be from the beer bottle thrown into the ocean.

We also observed the locals taking their morning baths right in the ocean. The poverty in the area is very apparent when you see homes with glass in the windows and some without doors.

Bodden Town is right in the middle of the island and I would not feel safe walking in the area since the road has very little shoulder and the night after we arrived someone was stabbed and left in the road in Bodden Town.

The owners of this establishment are very friendly and helpful, they answer all the questions with a smile.

As far as the restaurants in the area, you do have to drive to find some good ones. We tried to eat at different locations everyday, breakfast is a meal that most people on the island do not seem to eat out. I would suggest either eating in the condo or going to Morritt's on the East End-brunch on Sundays and Mondays or Over the Edge on the way to Rum Point. In town The Brickhouse was a nice restaurant and reasonable; The Lighthouse was expensive and the servers were snobby; The restaurant called Portabella or something close to that had good food with friendly service.

Also, you will want to be careful driving not only because you drive on the left, but the roundabouts can be tricky.

If you want to do some good snorkeling try Cemetery Beach near 7 Mile Beach. We saw some neat fish there and it is not rocky like by the inn.

This is our first trip to Grand Cayman and we selected it based on the reviews regarding the Inn. If I would return to the Cayman Islands, I would stay at the Morritt's, which appeared to have a nice beach and they have an onsite restaurant. If you decide to stay at the Turtle Nest Inn make sure that your bedroom is not near the road or your will regret it. If you want to see the pictures of the Inn let me know and I will send them to you.

We have been to various islands in the Carribean, but this was by far the most fun we have ever had on a vacation. At first, we were unsure of the location, but I must say, this was the best decision we could have made. Seven-mile beach was over-rated and boring, but TNI was located perfectly in the middle of the island. We were able to hit up the snorkeling spots in West Bay (Cemetary Beach is the best in the AM) and Rum Point in just 30 minutes. The staff at TNI was terrific and the owners were always around and helpful. Our condo was perfectly equipped with everything (dishes, detergents, linens, soaps/bathroom supplies, etc.). The only thing we needed to provide was the food and clothes for the trip. Definitely hit up the grocery store and take advantage of the full kitchen and grill near the pool. We also visited the jerk stands and the Seaside Paradise Cafe (right down the beach) for cheap eats. The Thursday night dinner was very enjoyable, as we had an excellent meal and met some wonderful guests. We would also recommend eating at the Lighthouse (look for the coupon for 10% off in the activity book). I was concerned about driving prior to arriving, but it ended up being a blast. The car was small, but efficient, and the driving was very easy. Just a FYI...the snorkeling is best in the west bay area, but the Rum Point Beach is great to layout and swim (just get there before the tours come at 10:30).

Overall, a fantastic vacation and we are already planning our return trip!

This was the first 1 week stay on our 2 week trip. Our company was paying for the second week at the Ritz which was fabulous. But when we look back on this trip our most fond memories will be of our "home" at the Turtle Nest. It was a quaint hideaway with incredible staff. It was also the perfect location from which to get out and explore the island. Having stayed at seven mile beach and at the Turtle Nest, I can honestly say that they are both paradise. It's just that one costs 5 times the money!

This is a lovely place to stay. The condos are beautifully decorated with bright colors and island designs. The staff are very helpful and friendly. The location is excellent for snorkeling and beach sitting, and they have a kayak you can use for free to explore up and down the coast. It's quiet and away from the overcrowded 7 mile beach. We really enjoyed our time here - happy and relaxing.