Oceanfront 3BR on 7MB Patio & Views

We have 2 families that travel together. One couple (without children) and one with several (high school and college). We planned our first trip to Cayman and needed a 3 bedroom to accommodate all of our needs. We contacted Ken and he was very responsive to our questions. We found all the reviews accurate, but somewhat optimistic.

The condo location on West Bay Drive and on the top floor (3rd floor) cannot be beat for the price (extremely good value). There are two very small party stores within easy walking distance. The main grocery store (Kirk's) is a long walk, but we could not imagine carrying groceries back from there. We rented an 8 passenger van. The north parking lot is very small and crowded. The southside parking lot (near XQ's) is a better choice. It's a little longer walk, but it has plenty of room. Treasure Island (the resort on the street side of Sunset Cove) is a dive. Sunset Cove is the real 'treasure'.

We arrived exhausted after flying most of the day with 2 stops (layovers). We came into the condo and flopped down on the very comfortable couches in the living room. Ellen (the local greater) was just finishing up some cleaning and waiting for the plumber to look at the garbage disposal. That is all she said to us. She was not friendly or cordial. It was a strange arrival in comparison to how great Ken was to us on the phone and email. The plumber came, looked under the sink, and they both left. The next day we tried using the disposal and it did not work. We emailed Ken and he had someone in here to fix it the first day after Easter Holiday.

The condo is very comfortable, with all amenities as described. It is in need of some TLC (no, that's not code for it being a dump...it is nice). For example, the beds are very hard, one set of curtains has holes/tear, coffee pot is a small 4 cup size, door to bathroom in master bedroom is broken/off the track, needs fresh painting, screen for bedroom 2 does not fit (out of square) so it allows bugs in.

The beach entry is rocky outside of the sheltered cove.

So, does this review sound too critical or are we just trying to give Ken's guests a more realistic view of what they are getting? We would stay here again in a heartbeat. We believe that Ken cares and will begin working on a priority list. We even imagine there are improvements he's made since purchasing it in the Fall 2012.

Summary: Excellent & caring owner. Great location on Grand Cayman. Right on ocean. Spectacular views. Great value.

If you are reading the owner's description of this condo and wondering if it is really as good as he says it is, I can personally tell you that it absolutely is! We stayed there just last week, and it was one of the best vacations we have ever had.

ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT: Sunset Cove is in a great location on 7MB, not too close to the cruise ship terminals but not too far away from anything else. It is set back away from the street, so it is private and quiet. The grounds are clean and well kept. Best of all it has a private beach, accessible only to Sunset Cove residents and guests, and a large pool with a swim up restaurant/bar. (The kids got a kick out of that.) Other people and families that we met were nice. Good crowd there overall.

ABOUT THE UNIT ITSELF: It is exactly ask Ken described. It is spacious, clean and bright. It is well stocked with everything from kitchen supplies and basic consumables, to a first aid kit and a flashlight.

ABOUT THE VIEW: I have lived in California my entire life and I have seen just about the entire west coast. I have done my fair share of vacationing to ocean destinations, and my family owns two rental properties in Hawaii.

When I walked into Ken's condo for the first time and saw the view from the living room outside the large patio door, my jaw dropped. It was magnificent. The view is similar from the master bedroom, and even more vast if you are standing out on the large patio.

ABOUT THE OWNER: Ken is a nice person. He is responsive and accommodating. He wants you to be happy, and he wants you to love his condo as much as he does. He makes you feel like a guest in his home. My family has already discussed dates with him to come back and stay again next year.

To keep it brief, you couldn't ask for a better place to stay on Grand Cayman Island. The condo is perfectly situated right on the beach with a huge private patio. You are located on your own private beach on seven mile beach with little to no foot traffic.

There is a reef right outside the condo which had amazing snorkeling. There is a swim up pool bar and outdoor restaurant as part of the complex for entertainment. The condo is located walking distance from the majority of the restaurants, bars, and outdoor excursions, as well as the grocery and liquor stores. Georgetown, is about a 20 minute walk if you would like to do some shopping.

In addition, Ken is an excellent host, making things very easy and a pleasure to deal with. Deposit was refunded within a couple days after departure, and he treats you as guests in his house instead of dollar signs. I will most certainly be staying here again on my next visit to the Cayman Islands!