It’s not often that you hear of a Marriott Hotel being design-forward. Unless, perhaps the word EDITION is attached. Which is why the recent $ 16-million renovation of the Grand Cayman Marriott is such a breath of fresh (seabreeze) air.
Just look at how welcoming that new entrance is. And doesn’t it feel like it’s a portal to a lifestyle or boutique hotel? Some beach-chic, independent, pretty young thing? We haven’t seen the results of the overhaul in person but the photos and the accompanying brochures have a fresh, modern look that we have not typically associated with Marriott’s main brand.
That’s because the team at Grand Cayman have created their own concept, The Beach House Experience, complete with its own branding from the typography all the way to the tacos.
The renovation included a new lobby, ballroom, meeting rooms, fitness center and, most excitingly, new restaurants.
Anchor & Den (yes, Brooklyn-style hipster names were part of the reno) serves comfort food in a contemporary setting and there is also Anchor Bar & Lounge in the lobby, serving a grab ‘n’ go menu along with handcrafted cocktails, local draft beers and specialty stations that rotate during the day — creperies when the sun’s out and a ceviche bar at night.
Drinks are a major focus, with Apothecary turning out special juices and sodas along with the requisite cocktails. Outside by the pool is Vista Bar, the spot for a serve of conch fritters, while Veranda is more of a fancy, airy beachside seafood grill.
We hear that the Boulangerie Brunch on Sundays is super popular, especially with Cayman’s cashed-up locals, while special nights like a Lobster Fete, El Mercat Tapas Night and Taqueria also bring out the foodies, whether residents or guests of this hotel or others up the beach.
There’s a whole lot more in the Beach House concept (Linus bikes! Sunset rituals!) but we’ll save that for another update with even more Instagram-ready photo bait.
Rooms at Grand Cayman Marriott start at around $ 229 a night plus tax mid-week in August and around $ 304 plus tax on summer weekends.
[Photos: Grand Cayman Marriott]