My wife and 2 chidren (ages 13 & 10) arrived at TNI for a week stay on July 30, 2008. We flew from Richmond, VA, with a connection in Charlotte, NC. We had visited the island as a couple before we had children, maybe 15 years ago. The location on the island could not be better for exploring. We were very busy every day, and snorkeled everyday but one. On arrival, we were greeted by Donna, who informed us that Marleine and Alain were on vacation, which at first concerned me, as we had heard great things about them. Our concerns were without merit, as Donna was the sweetest, most accomodating friend we could have hoped for. Donna helped us plan our excursions (The Turtle Farm, Atlantis Submarine Ride, Captain Dexters Stingray Bar boatride), and was a daily wealth of information. We stayed in condo #1, and it was a perfect size for our family. The wonderful view, two pools to choose from (which were never busy), and tremendous snorkeling out front made this place the perfect package. The rental car was small (a midsize), but was great for going around the island. I quickly got used to "giving way" at the roundabouts and not so quickly got used to using my turn signal. For those going to the Georgetown waterfront to shop, eat at Margaritaville or the Hard Rock, Snorkel at Eden Rock or Smiths Cove, I would highly recommend taking South Sound Road, as it is simple, as well as beautiful. We discovered the drive the day before we left, and find it a treasure and a relaxing way to go. Our dinner at the Lighthouse rest. was great and we enjoyed our outing to Rum Point one day for the Beach. The Turtle Farm was fun, where we enjoyed both the pool and the lagoon. On the way back from the Turtle Farm we stopped at Cemetery Beach to snorkel. Our Children, who had never snorkeled, impressed us with their quick adaptation to expert snokelers. Our 10 year old son would swim 100 yards out and back with ease, and no flotation assistance. The day we went with Capt. Dexter and his mate John, we had a great time. The stingrays are a memory we will not forget, and the reef we went to after the bar was beautiful. Food is expensive, but we enjoyed our outings to Fosters Food Fair in Savannah, as out kitchen and dining room in the condo was used most days, and we had Pizza Hutt twice in the week. The kindness and friendliness of people all over Cayman makes it one of our favorite places ever. We loved TNI, and Donna, Vitamine, Blackie, and friends we met there from all over. The small size of TNI allows personal service not found elsewhere. We hope to return one day, it is highly recommended.

We very much enjoyed our stay at the Turtle Nest Inn (myself, wife and 2 year old son). We booked an ocean front condo (#4) - here are a few points to note -

The Beach:

This is not 7 mile beach - the beach has coral and stones in the sand, but we did go on without water shoes and had no problems. The sand is very soft and nice, just watch where you are stepping to avoid the coral bits. A couple of reviews mention garbage on the beach - we noticed garbage on either side of the Turtle Nest's beach, but our beach was cleared (I witnessed them picking up garbage on more than one ocassion). Stuff does wash up on shore, but it is not a major issue at all.

There are a lot of rocks and weeds at the water's edge - wear water shoes if going snorkling and you will be fine.

As stated, this is not 7 mile beach - if that is your thing, it is not a big deal to drive over to 7 mile to spend time in the water there

The pools -

We used the condo pool, but neither was very busy. There were many occassions when we had the pool all to ourselves. Everyone was respectful and took turns in the small condo pool so that kids could splash and then adults could lounge in peace after the kids left.

The condo -

Can't speak for the rest of the condos or the apartments, but our condo #4 was excellent. It was very clean, large and very tastefully decorated. The living room furniture was amazingly comfortable! Everything worked well in the kitchen, bathrooms, etc. - AC kept us cool, had no problems except the DVD player broke - which they attended to quickly with many apologies and it was not a big deal. The only thing I would mention is the stairs are very long and steep (and tiled). We purchased a baby gate at a local store because our 2 year old would have got himself killed on the stairs. Just keep it in mind if you have children or are elderly/have mobility issues. The stairs are a bit of a chore! The beds are a tad uncomfortable from our viewpoint, but that is all up to personal preference. If you like really soft beds, they might be great for you!

The staff and owners -

Very nice and very helpful. They were very polite and seem to take pride in their inn.

Summary -

Great place if you are looking for what it offers - It is out of the way and quiet - very much out of the tourist trap locales. We enjoyed the privacy and freedom of being out of the cruise ship/tourist sector. But if you are looking for the beach bar/nightlife, typical white sand, turquoise calm water for miles and room service, 7 mile beach resorts are probably more up your alley.

THE CONDO:
Fully equipped kitchen, new, clean, steps from an amazing (and clean) beach with excellent snorkeling right at your backyard, BBQ pit and dining tables next to the pool, for dinner overlooking the ocean. I recommend buying some fresh fish or conch during your day excursion, and bring them home. Enjoy and nice mojito or pina colada while grilling your dinner and watching a fantastic sunset.

THE STAFF:
From the day we made our reservations online to the week after we left, the managers, Marleine and Alain, were attentive, accommodating, pleasant, thoughtful, knowledgeable, and very service-oriented. We couldn’t have asked for a better concierge/guide.

Turtle Nest Inn is an excellent value. Compared to the other hotels in their class, the average room rate at Turtle Nest Inn is pleasantly deceptive. You get way more than you pay for at this Inn.
I stayed in apt. 6 and it was just like moving into a fully furnished apartment complete with electronics. But what really makes this place click is the ambience you feel while on the property. Being a real estate investor, I visited many different properties on Grand Cayman and no other hotel, regardless of price, ranked higher than Turtle Nest in terms of class, service and attitude. The curb appeal sets the mood and the transition inside and on to the pool and out to the beach all work in smooth harmony. The staff further adds to this balance. Humble and pleasant personalities that will go beyond the normal standards. They are non-intrusive so just ask and you will receive.
If Seven mile beach is a ten then the beach behind Turtle Nest Inn is a 6. But the views of the ocean are parallel and the snorkeling is better at Turtle Nest. So, unless you want to take long walks on the beach Turtle Nest Inn's beach is more than adequate.
A huge plus to this Inn is it's location. Right in the midst of local residences. This adds to the overall experience by allowing a more intimate feel of what living on this island is all about. There is an excellent food stand about a mile west down the road. The jerk chicken is top notch served with rice and beans. Good food and good prices. The Pirates Cave is a nice place to visit. They have caves and a small zoo complete with sting rays and turtles. Pedro St. James castle is a must for the history buffs. This is the birth place of democracy and the multi dimensional theater is outstanding.