Not one of our hotels made the 2013 top 25 Caribbean list! Hoorah for BT Turtle Nest

TripAdvisor, the travel website that assists customers in gathering travel information, posting reviews and opinions of travel-related content and engaging in interactive travel forums, just announced their latest Travellers’ Choice 2013 Top 25 Hotels in the Caribbean. Spice Island Beach Resort, St George’s Grenada, came first, The Tuscany on Providenciales was second and Grand Isle Resort & Spa, Great Exuma, was third. However, not one of these hotels made the top 25 best hotels in the World list.

In their 2012 Top 25 Best Destinations in the Caribbean 7- Mile Beach, Grand Cayman was placed fifth and George Town, Grand Cayman was placed 16^th.

The site’s readers said, “Situated on Grand Cayman’s west shore, Seven Mile Beach actually now measures only 5.5 miles. But its gorgeous clear waters and coral sands still lure visitors from around the world. Beach bars, such as the Royal Palms, provide drinks and a lively atmosphere, and restaurants abound. Swim with friendly stingrays at Stingray City, shop Seven Mile Shops, snorkel and scuba in the enticing waters around Cemetery Reef. Visit nearby Cayman capital George Town and the fascinating Cayman Turtle Farm.

And

“George Town is the capital of the Cayman Islands and one of the most popular cruise-ship destinations in the Caribbean, thanks to its year-round tropical weather, white-sand beaches and clear blue waters. Don’t miss Stingray City and diving and snorkelling near the coral reef. George Town offers plenty of duty-free shopping, restaurants and cafés. If you can tear yourself away from the beach, try an excursion to one of the West Indies’ few remaining tropical rain forests.”

Negril, Jamaica gained top spot with San Juan, Puerto Rico at second and Havana, Cuba in third.

The 2012 list of top destinations in the world was London, UK first, with New York City, NY second and Rome, Italy in third. Not one Caribbean destination made the top 25.

However, Caribbean Club, Grand Cayman came in fifthplace in the Top 25 Hotels for Families in the Caribbean with Grand Cayman Beach Suites, Grand Cayman in tenth place and the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman just scrapping in at #25!

One really good piece of news – Turtle Nest Inn & Condos, in Bodden Town, was singled out as first among the “Top 25 Hotels for Service in the Caribbean”. Although a very modest-sized and intimate tourist facility “off the beaten tourist path”, Turtle Nest Inn & Condos has consistently placed service to guests as a key priority, and has allocated its resources accordingly.  The staff and management strive to do everything possible to assure Inn guests of a comfortable, relaxing and enjoyable experience, not only during their stay, but from the moment the initial inquiry is received and responded to.  Courteous, clear and informative communications with guests preparing for their visit on Grand Cayman, along with meticulous housekeeping and candid information and advice during their stay, are all essential components of what the Inn promises and is committed to deliver.

Ensuring guests of attentive, caring and personalized service is of course dependent on the Inn’s staff.  Owners Marleine Gagnon and Alain Beiner, who built and opened the Inn in 1999, take this opportunity to congratulate and thank all members of the Turtle Nest Inn team, in particular Ms Donna Fatels, in charge of Guest Services, and Mr. Duane Turner, in Reservations. No less important in winning this year’s TripAdvisor award are Ms Hyacinth Brown in charge of Housekeeping Services and Mr. Ron Russell, in charge of Maintenance and Groundskeeping, as well as housekeepers Ms Sonia Miles, Ms Marlene Abrahams, and Ms Mauvreen McLaughlin  Most have been working at the Inn for many years.

Although a very small hotel, maintaining a high level of service and guest satisfaction requires considerable effort and hard work, seven days a week, all year round.  For this success, Ms Gagnon and Mr. Beiner extend their deepest gratitude to each staff member, and consider themselves fortunate to work with a team of loyal, hardworking, conscientious and professional people, constantly concerned with guests’ needs and comfort.

Not one of our beaches made the 2012 Top 10 Beach Destinations in the Caribbean. In top place was Providenciales that was also judged the best Beach Destination in the World!

There was no 2012 category for best Caribbean restaurant but we should take heart as the best restaurant in Miami, Florida, USA is Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink that has a branch at Camana Bay, Grand Cayman.

I hope Cayman’s Department of Tourism and the Cayman Islands Tourism Association are taking note.

There is definitely room for improvement.

TripAdvisor.com is by far, the most important travel site on the Internet.  It claims well over 10 million visitors every week, and has become an essential trip-planning tool for people the world over, making these annual awards very significant.