2221 Queens Highway, Colliers, East End, Cayman Islands
Property is right on lovely stretch of beach
Every unit is oceanfront and has a furnished balcony/patio
All units have kitchens or kitchenettes; Villas have living rooms and dining areas
Two outdoor pools and hot tubs, plus a kids' pool
Two restaurants, including a beach bar, plus a coffeeshop and Subway -- all-inclusive packages available
Spa offering facials, massages, and nail services
Fitness center and a tennis court
Water sports provider on-site
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Remote location -- not many dining options nearby
Room decor is lackluster and a bit dated
No kids' club
Wyndham Reef Resort is a sprawling mid-range property located on Grand Cayman’s quiet East End. There's not much in terms of dining options in the area and the airport is about 50 minutes away, but there are two restaurants on-site, as well as a a Subway sandwich restaurant and a cafe. All-inclusive packages are available. Every one of the 152 units is oceanfront, with private balconies/patios that offer gorgeous views -- though decor is a bit lackluster. Studios have kitchenettes, while one- and two-bedroom units have kitchens, living rooms, and dining areas. Property features include two outdoor pools and hot tubs (plus a kids' pool), spa and fitness facilities, a tennis court, and water sports on the beach. Guests might want to compare rates with next-door Morritts Tortuga Club and Resort, which has a kids' club.
Scene
Mid-range all-inclusive beachfront resort from the Wyndham chain
Wyndham Reef Resort is a large, sprawling property. The pale yellow, two-story buildings are topped with blue roofing and feature external hallways. They run in one long line, granting all guest rooms ocean views. Interiors feel fresh and beach-y; the bright lobby is doused in turquoise hues and contemporary white furnishings, with inviting sitting areas and a small bookshelf packed with tomes that guests are free to peruse. The space is also home to a small, pleasant coffee shop with seating and a business corner with a computer and a printer. Although the resort is large, it has a calm atmosphere and a private feel. The beachfront is large and relaxing, and lounge chairs are plentiful. The main pool is nicely landscaped, and the often lively beach bar makes for a fun ambience. Guests are mostly families, with a few couples and young singles mixed in.
Location
On the quiet East End, 50 minutes from Owen Roberts International Airport
The East End of Grand Cayman is quiet and tranquil. The beachfront resort is located on the one main road running through the East End and is located next to another resort. It's about a 50-minute drive to Owen Roberts International Airport; a car is recommended for getting around the island. Note that driving is on the left side of the street, and the quality of the roads are good and the island is small and easy to navigate. Dining options are limited out here. There is an Italian restaurant across the street from the hotel and two restaurants at the resort next door. There's also a small shopping center across the street with a Foster’s Express grocery store and a wine shop. Small local restaurants are a short drive away, and Rum Point, about a 20-minute drive, also has restaurants.
Rooms
All units are oceanfront suites with simple decor and private balconies/patios, plus kitchens/kitchenettes
One of the highlights is that all rooms at the Wyndham Reef are oceanfront. There's a couple of different options to choose from, including studios and one- and two-bedroom units. The units feel fresh and clean, with homey, simple decor dotted with some subtle tropical touches like generic framed prints on the walls and leaf-patterned accent pillows. It's a bit dated, but units are clean and pleasant. White tile floors and white walls are paired with wooden furnishings and some wicker accents. All units open onto private furnished patios or balconies with lovely beach vistas.
Studios have kitchenettes that are equipped with granite counters and appliances like mini-fridges, microwaves, toasters, and coffeemakers. One- and Two-Bedroom Villas add separate living rooms, dining areas, and full kitchens that in addition to the appliances found in kitchenettes also have stoves/ovens, full fridges, dishwashers, and blenders. Other standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are small and could use some updates. They have granite-topped vanities and shower/tub combos. Individual toiletries and hairdryers are supplied.
Features
Gorgeous beachfront, two outdoor pools, two restaurants and a Subway, plus fitness and spa facilities
One of the highlights is the hotel's beachfront location and lovely stretch of sand. The East End beaches aren’t quite as nice as Seven Mile Beach, on the west side of the island, but the water is clear and blue and the sand powdery. The hotel's beachfront is lined with plenty of loungers. A number of water sport rentals are available through White Sand Water Sports, the hotel's water sports provider. It offers a range of equipment, including kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, as well as excursions, including Jet Ski rentals, snorkeling trips, and kiteboarding. Diving packages are also available through Ocean Frontiers, a local diving operator.
The resort has two outdoor pools. Skirted by palm trees and greenery, they both offer beach views and hot tubs, plus one has a kids' pool. Blue loungers line the pool deck. The main pool, situated closer to the lobby, also has rock features, a waterfall, and a volleyball net.
There are two dining options on-site, as well as a Subway sandwich shop near the lobby. Tides is a full service restaurant that's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and serves Caribbean and international fare. It has a spacious indoor dining room and a bar with windows overlooking the beach, as well as lounge chairs and outdoor tables on an oceanfront deck. The Beach Bar is the more casual of the two and serves snacks and light bites in a lovely beachfront setting. It also offers a daily happy hour. There's also a cafe, Coffee Corner, that serves coffee, tea, and some baked goods. All-inclusive packages are available, and there are two different types -- Standard and Premium. Premium offers unlimited food and upgraded alcohol, while the Standard plan has a set dining package and cheaper booze options.
The hotel has a fitness center that's equipped with a good selection of Cybex machines, including stationary bikes, treadmills, and ellipticals, as well as strength machines and free weights. There are also men’s and women’s changing rooms and bathrooms. For some outdoor activity, there's a tennis court on-site. Le Soliel is the hotel's spa, which offers facials, massages, nail services, and waxing/threading in a relaxing atmosphere.
There is a small business corner in the lobby with a computer and printer. Meeting and event space is available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.