The Riviera, Grand Cayman

The Riviera bills itself as a “European Style Boutique Resort,” but the only boutique quality about this property is its small number of guest rooms. While contemporary and clean, rooms feature lifeless decor that's far from the design-conscious look most travelers associate with boutique properties. The hotel’s entrance sign includes an idealized image of the property; but in reality, the Riviera only has one of the two buildings pictured and only a few stray palm trees planted around the pool.

The hotel building is set along one side of a small courtyard where the pool and restaurant are located. The property is well-maintained, but the low-rise building with exterior hallways has the feel of a motel. The pool and restaurant are the property’s only common areas, and both were quiet during our visit. The small reception area is more of an office, and it closes in the early evening. Combined with the sparse rooms, isolated location, and the refineries visible on either side of the property, the hotel has a bit of a middle-of-nowhere, deserted atmosphere.

The Riviera is located on a nondescript coastal road lined with a few other hotels and wide stretches of nothingness. It’s bordered by refineries on either side, making for less than picturesque scenery, and according to some guests, an unpleasant smell. There are a handful of restaurants found within walking distance, but attractions and dining options in the area are otherwise relatively limited. It’s a 10-minute walk to pretty Smith Cove Public Beach, which offers excellent snorkeling and swimming. The atmosphere at Smith Cove is much more low-key than busy Seven Mile Beach, which is just under a 15-minute drive away. The closest bus stop is in George Town (although sometimes it’s possible to flag buses down from the road). A number of guests report it can be challenging to get a taxi, with few passing by and reception closed in the evening. The airport is a 10-minute drive away. 

Guest rooms at the Riviera are basic, with dark wood furniture, tiled flooring, and white or cream bed linens. Most have no more than a single piece of generic artwork, with the off-white walls otherwise bare. All include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and small dining tables. Bathrooms are tiny and simple with small granite countertops, white cabinets, showers, and wall-mounted dispensers with shampoo, conditioner, and soap.

Studios have kitchenettes with microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and hot plates. Light wood cabinets are stocked with cookware and cutlery, along with a few tea bags and a single serving of coffee. Apartments have full kitchens with dishwashers and ovens, small living areas, as well as larger bathrooms. Living areas include sofas, desks, and flat-screen TVs. A second flat-screen TV is noticeably absent from the bedrooms and, combined with the limited artwork, gives the rooms a half-finished look. 

The Riviera has a pleasant outdoor pool with an attached hot tub, surrounded by an appealing wooden sundeck with blue lounge chairs. The swim-up bar has submerged seating and connects to the hotel’s no-frills, open-air restaurant, Blue Parrot Bar and Grill. There are also a few picnic tables with umbrellas, as well as patio tables sheltered under the restaurant’s roof. The restaurant’s opening hours are reportedly inconsistent.

The coast is found just beyond the restaurant, but there’s no beach, and the shoreline is far too rocky for any kind of wading or swimming. There’s a ping-pong table set in the courtyard, and free Wi-Fi is offered throughout. Free parking is available on-site as well.