Hampton by Hilton Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach

Hampton by Hilton Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach is at 22 Piper Way, just inland from the beach. The hotel offers a free hot breakfast buffet, free self-parking, free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, a fitness centre and a concierge. Check-in is at 3 pm and check-out at 11 am. There is no airport shuttle and no beach frontage, so it is a straightforward base for travellers who plan to spend their days on the water and the sand.

Location and getting around: the hotel is named for Seven Mile Beach but sits a short distance back, so expect to walk or drive to the sand, and nearby casual restaurants and shops are within easy reach. Owen Roberts International Airport is a short drive, and taxis, rental cars and tours cover the main sights.

Rooms and who it suits: rooms follow the brand's simple, comfortable formula, and the free breakfast and parking help budget-minded couples and families. It suits travellers who prefer to spend on activities such as Stingray City and diving instead of on a resort.

Good to know: no shuttle is offered from the airport, so plan a taxi or rental car. Compare the price with beachfront resorts, which can cost much more in winter, and look at whether you want a hotel directly on the sand. Book early for the peak season and ask for a quiet room away from the street.

Make the most of it: eat the free hot breakfast before your morning boat trip, use the pool as a cool-down at the end of the day and spend the money you save on a diving excursion or a Stingray City trip. Pick up a rental car at the airport if you want to explore the north side, since there is no shuttle and taxis add up. The location is practical rather than scenic, so plan to spend your days elsewhere and treat the room as a clean, comfortable place to sleep.