The leading hotels are located on the coast. Some of the best-known overlook Grand Cayman's Seven Mile Beach: a dazzling stretch of fine powdery sand said to be one of the world's most beautiful beaches. Hotels providing accommodation with 100 rooms are considered large in the Cayman Islands, and are generally only found only on Grand Cayman.

Prices are seasonal; the high season begins in mid December and usually runs through to mid April. During that time, visitors should expect to pay up to 50% more for a room, peaking over the Christmas and New Year period. A 10% government accommodation tax is payable to the hotel on departure. Most also add a service charge of around 10%.

Grading: A government board of control monitors accommodation standards. Hotels vary in standard, from luxury (very comfortable, with some outstanding features) to tourist class (budget hotel).

There is a wide variety of apartments and villas available, and some are quite luxurious. Most of Grand Cayman's apartments are superbly situated on coastal areas, a mere few footsteps away from beautiful beaches and crystal-clear water. They often have central facilities such as swimming pools and tennis courts.

There is a fine selection of diving resort hotels and lodges, which can be a more economical option. The quieter Little Cayman has a selection of unique properties.

For further accommodation information, contact the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (see Contact Addresses), which also provides an online accommodation service.