Overview
by FVC
“The (hotel that shall remain nameless) is classic; she’s Audrey Hepburn in pearls. We’re your slinky black dress with Louboutins.” That’s how the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa was described to us during a recent visit, and we discovered that statement to be 100-percent true. Yet, the Seafire is also kid- and pet-friendly, so it’s a win for families if you ask us — especially those seeking a luxurious resort for their vacation in the Cayman Islands.
Opened in 2016, Kimpton’s first resort in the Caribbean features stunning swimming pools, including a pool just for kids; a kids’ club; family games and kids’ offerings during complimentary wine hours; several onsite dining options; gorgeous guestrooms; and — calling all teens — funky, chic decor that begs to be photographed for Snapchat. The best feature, though, is the resort’s location on famed Seven Mile Beach.
Our Editor Loves
- Oceanfront location
- Stunning pools, including kids' pool
- Children's and family programming
Family Interests
- Beach
- Bicycling
- Museum/Cultural
- Water Sports
Family Amenities
- Babysitting
- Children Programs
- Connecting Rooms
- Cribs
- Family Room 5+
- Kids' Pool
- Kitchenettes
- Onsite Dining
- Pool
- Refrigerator
Room Information
Find the Best Price for Your Stay
The resort offers 266 accommodations, many with floor-to-ceiling windows and prime views of Seven Mile Beach. All rooms feature patios or balconies, as well as Kimpton's signature decor -- modern, funky and chic throughout. Mini-bars are also standard in all rooms. Tip: Sign up to become a Kimptom Karma member -- it's free -- and receive a $5 mini-bar credit, plus other perks!
Cribs and rollaway beds are available; there is no charge for cribs, and rollaway beds are $25 per night. Connecting guestrooms and accessible accommodations are also available for families; request in advance.
Guestrooms
Guestrooms offer ocean or non-ocean views, and are equipped with one king (440 square feet) or two queen beds (480 square feet). Studio rooms with two queen beds are slightly more spacious, ranging from 560 to 600 square feet.
Specialty Suites
Located on the hotel's upper floors, Specialty Suites provide wrap-around balconies with the best views, as well as fantastic amenities such as spacious bathrooms with double sinks, walk-in showers and free-standing tubs. The bathroom is connected to the master bedroom with a king bed. Specialty Suites also have living areas with sleeper sofas, work desks and complimentary coffee service.
Bungalows
The resort offers three bungalows, each one with six suites. These are perfect for families and/or large groups who want to stay together. Plus, some of the suites offer full kitchens! Those who book a stay in the bungalows also enjoy complimentary Champagne upon arrival, as well as two reserved beach chairs each day.
Reviews
by msgrinblatt
Long story. I had reservations at a Kimpton on Washington DC yesterday and by accident I found out that the hotel was closed!! Like what!?
Called corporate and they were terribly unsympathetic. Think twice my friends.
by Shortmar
Having read all the glowing reviews of this hotel and the service provided by the staff, I expected to be WOWed. And considering the price, I expected to be WOWed times 2. But I didn't expect to be overwhelmed. And I was. Hubby and I were celebrating a belated 27th year anniversary in Grand Cayman. We chose the Kimpton because of the reviews. Madalyn, our "personal" concierge, contacted us prior to our arrival, asking for specifics about our preferences so that she could customize our trip. And she did. What a sweetheart of a young woman -- filled with joy and positivity. We had champagne in the room (twice), chocolate covered strawberries, and a host of goodies that enhanced the romance and the experience, all thanks to Madalyn's thoughtfulness. Our room was spectacular. We paid a premium for the corner ocean front suite and it was absolutely phenomenal. The views were breath-taking.
As noted by so many other reviewers, the hotel service is exemplary. Everyone is so nice! We took the busses into town, rode bikes to the Turtle Center (check out Macabuca across the street for lunch), enjoyed the water sports, zenned out to the beach yoga (on the lawn -- no sand involved), and spent hours by the pool or in the crystal-clear water. We did the rum distillery tour and had a blast (free pouring tasting with Moses, the energetic and enthusiastic tour guide). Although Grand Cayman is quite expensive, we want to go back. The memories we have made are priceless.
As mentioned, the staff is exceptional – every one of them -- I do have to mention a few individuals by name because these people made a difference to my husband and I: the aforementioned Madalyn, the concierge, who made our trip so special. Edna who did the evening bed turndown was bubbly, kind, and incredibly helpful – clearly she enjoys her job and loves to make her guests happy. We looked for her each night to thank her for taking care of us. Christian, the bartender in Ave was knowledgeable and interesting – we had dinner at the bar just to keep talking to him. Adam, Lindsey, and Armand from Cocoloba made lots of cocktails for my husband and I – we thank them for their skills and their service. And, finally, we truly cared for Orlando who served us at the pool bar and Cocoloba. He’s not only hard-working and focused on his customers, he makes the best drinks!! It was sad to say goodbye to him because we truly appreciated how kind he was to us.
Like so many other reviewers, I’m not a fan of the resort fee and feel it should be included in the price of the room. I was made aware in advance of our trip of the resort fee and the 10% gratuity charge so no surprises there. Almost every restaurant added a 15-18% gratuity to the bill which was fine. We tipped more if we felt that the service warranted it (we tip 20% at home). We didn’t have to exchange any currency because we often paid in USD and received CI in return.
Bottom line --- money well spent. We loved it and hope to return.
Family Activities
Pools
The resort features the oceanfront Seafire Pool, a family-friendly pool that's surrounded by lounge chairs and private cabanas. Cabanas can be rented by the day; pricing starts at $199 for three to four people.
The Seafire also has a separate kids' pool with fountain features; parents love the loungers positioned directly in front of the pool! A third pool, the secluded Oasis Pool, is reserved for adults only.
Beach
You'll find more loungers and chairs at the beach, as well as funky pods in which to relax. All equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports, such as kayaking and paddleboarding, are included in the resort fee and available to rent from the Red Sail Sports counter onsite.
Bike Rentals
A staple (we love) at most Kimpton Hotels & Resorts, complimentary bike rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bike rentals are available for guests age 12 and up; kids' seats are not available.
Camp Seafire
Half- and full-day programs are offered at Camp Seafire, should parents want to attend a yoga class or relax on the beach for a few hours. Evening programs are also offered. Kids are divided into two age groups: 4 to 8 and 9 to 12. And what we love about this program is that it's not glorified babysitting -- staff go beyond the usual arts and crafts and games to provide children with cultural island experiences, including off-site excursions! Excursions include visits to the farmer's market at Camana Bay and the Cayman Turtle Farm.
Family Dining
The Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa offers kids' menus or kid-friendly options at all of its dining establishments. Plus, kids age 5 and under eat free!
Ave
Ave serves breakfast and dinner daily; we especially love the breakfast buffet! Both indoor and outdoor seating are available. Ave is open 7 to 11 a.m. for breakfast, and then 5 to 11 p.m. (midnight. on Fridays and Saturdays) for dinner and cocktails.
Avecita
Located within Ave, Avecita is a culinary experience not to be missed. Spanish tapas are served nightly from 6 to 10 p.m. It's best for families with teens or a date night for parents.
Coccoloba Bar + Grill
The resort's pool bar, Coccoloboa Bar + Grill is the place to go for appetizers, sandwiches, salads, and of course, cocktails, by the pool and beach.
The Pantry at Seafire
Stop at The Pantry at Seafire for grab-and-go pastries, sandwiches, salads and more, plus a selection of coffee drinks. It's open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Room Service
Room service is offered 24 hours.
Planning & Tips
All About the Extras
Resort Fee
The daily resort fee is $60 -- a hefty charge, no doubt. But it includes A LOT: complimentary valet parking; Wi-Fi; fitness activities, such as yoga; morning coffee and tea service in the lobby; non-motorized water sports; evening wine receptions; two reserved chairs at the beach or pool per group; complimentary dining for kids age 5 and under; and -- get this -- GoPro underwater cameras!
Check-In/Check-Out
Check-in time is 4 p.m.; check-out is noon.
Pets
Pets are welcome to stay at the Seafire at no additional charge! Plus, the hotel offers treats, beds, bowls, local walking maps and more.
The Art of Smart Timing
High season at the resort is the fall through spring, with a surge in visitation during the winter holidays. You'll find the lowest rates in the summer months and, if you visit in June or July, will enjoy decent -- albeit very hot - weather. Stay in the pool!
Getting There
The Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa is just 15 minutes from Grand Cayman's airport, Owen Roberts International Airport.
Getting Around
Renting a car is the easiest way to get around Grand Cayman, but taxis and buses are also an option and readily available at the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa. Staff are happy to assist with transportation services.
For Mom and Dad
Complimentary Wine Hour
Who doesn't love a complimentary wine hour? That's what Kimpton Hotels and Resorts are known for, and the Seafire is no exception. Head to the lobby for a glass of red or white and play one of the complimentary board games with the kids, who will enjoy treats of their own, such as milk and cookies.
Spa
Treat yourself to the spa! The Seafire Spa offers a fantastic selection of massages, facials, scrubs, wraps and the like, and guests get to enjoy the relaxation rooms, saunas, hot tubs and more. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; reservations are recommended.