Here's my order of perference:

Ritz

Marriott

Westin

GC Beach Suites

It's your honeymoon, which is generally not the time to skimp. I don't remember how much I spent on our honeymoon 12 years ago, but I do remember the trip.

If you can afford the Ritz, then I think it is the best of the group. I like fancy; I don't like pretentious. So, when people say, "we're not into fancy things." What that usually means is the place is snooty, or they don't feel the value is worth the cost. I can assure you that the former is not the case at the Ritz (the opposite is actually the truth). Only you can decide the latter. My general rule is that I like to stay in hotels that are better than my home. Otherwise, I'll stay home.

None of these hotels will provide an advantage over the other in terms of location to restraurants or snokeling because they are all within close proximity of each other.

You should rent a car. I would not want to be limited to eating at restaurants within SMB or paying for a taxi (there's a real waste of money). If you plan on going to Rum Point, Hell, etc. You'll need a car.

For snorkeling, I don't think SMB is the place for it. But I dive, so seeing white sand and rocks is not what I consider interesting. Eden Rock and Devil's Grotto are some good, accessible spots in Georgetown, which is only about a 5-10 minute drive from the hotels you listed depending on the cruise ship traffic.

If you are into water sports, look into Fat Fish Adventures. You'll have a truly memorable experience with Peter Jarvis, the owner. He's on TA under things to do in GCM.

Good luck.

Beachsuites...ALL have direct ocean views. Half have step out balconies, other half have roomy sit out balconies. Building is shaped like an "L" and the one bedroom suites on the "side" of the L have the step out balconies, the ones at the base of the L have the sit outs. Honestly, I really think the Beachsuites are outstanding...especially if staying there when it is not during the busy seasons of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Feb/March. Nice bedroom, very nice bathroom, plus separate living room with kitchenette (undercounter frig, microwave, coffee maker, toaster) which is really great. When staying there we keep a few snacks/drinks in the refrigerator and love relaxing in the living room or on the balcony over morning coffee and pre-dinner wine!

We once reserved and prepaid for an oceanfront room at Westin. They gave us a room on the side of the building and only possible view of the ocean was to go out on the small balcony, stand in a corner and try to peek between trees. Refused to accept that as oceanfront! Were moved to another room, which technically was, but it was on the 3rd floor so with all the foliage from trees around the pool, could not see much of the ocean. Rooms are small and I did not care for the bathrooms. Beach is huge and gorgeous. Good snorkling just steps away in front of the Governor's House.

Ritz is a huge convention style hotel. If staying there definitely get an oceanfront room in the building on the Seven Mile Beach side of the road. Be sure to specify it be in THAT building (I think it's called the Reserve) and NOT the other one on the opposite side of the street where most rooms are located. Beach very nice, also extremely crowded. Barely 2" of space between lounge chairs.

Marriott rooms larger than Westin and a nice hotel. Good snorkling right in front of the hotel due to all the ironshore, but their beach is very small and doesn't have the nice sand of Beachsuites, Westin, Ritz.

Have you considered a condo? We stayed in a hotel the first few times to SMB and decided we perfer a condo. We like the north end of SMB and always rent a car. Look at Christopher Columbus & Discovery Point. We have stayed at Discovery Point the last 4 trips. All units are ocean front, very comfortable, and have every convienence of home including a washer & dryer (so you can pack light on clothes). We paid $295/nt for 2 BRs (low season), but you can rent just one bedroom (they lock off the other one).

DP & CC are next to one another. Both have a beautiful beach, a pool and hot tub, and plenty of shade if you want it. The entrance to the ocean is easier at CC. There is snorkeling right off the beach, but I too am a diver so I'm a little spoiled.

Rent your car before your trip. Also call your credit card company to notify them you will be traveling outside the USA. Otherwise, they may put a hold on your card and it is impossible to get it re-activated while on your trip. I suggest buying trip insurance since you are going during hurricane season.

Have a great trip and Congrats!!

In terms of condos, the Caribbean Club, Meridian are newer and right in mid SMB. Compare at caymanvacations.com. Out of the hotels the RC would not be my first pick. It is newer than the others and more costly. Sadly it is not very exclusive. It keeps room occupancy up with conventions and comped guests. At low season this might not be a big deal, but the beach and pools can be very crowded. I would pick the Beachsuites or the Westin over the RC anyday. Haven't been in the Marriott for many years so will not say yea or nay. You might find the Beachsuites ideal especially as you have a little kitchen area, great location and really lovely rooms (we stayed a couple of nights in December when our condo was being painted). Hope this helps!

I totally agree with Retrip. Since this is a wedding trip, perhaps you do not want to go the condo route (she has apprised you of the best ones if you do) and if not, the Beachsuites offers best of both worlds as far as beautiful spacious units directly overlooking the best part of SMB, a kitchenette to keep snacks & for that special bottle of wine, no crowds in October, and in tandem with the nice, uncrowded beach area, in close proximity to many excellent restaurants, shops...plus the services of a hotel!

I've only stayed at the Westin and it was many years ago and always with family. Since then we prefer to stay in condos.

I happened to be at a party this weekend and started chatting with a couple who were just in Grand Cayman in May. Small world :) They stayed at the Ritz and LOVED it. They were there for an anniversary and had mentioned it to the staff. The husband said one night there was rose petals on the floor leading to the bed. Another time a lovely fruit display was set out for them; more than they could enjoy. Still more surprises at their meals in particular breakfast. There was another 'special' something that was done for them but I can't recall what the heck it was. From what this couple had said, they've traveled quite a bit and while the island as a whole was a little slower than they would have liked, they thought the Ritz was superb in their treatment. I just wanted to mention it in case you did want to stay at the Ritz. It may not be for everyone, but apparently there are plenty of people that like it. And as you said 'it is your honeymoon' :)

Great advice by all. Thanks for all the help, I think I'm leaning towards the GC Beach Suites.

Does anyone know the best way to purchase travel insurance? I'm not booked with an agent so I guess I need a 3rd party company?

Thanks again.

By Googling "Travel Insurance" you will see that there are numerous companies that provide this, inlcuding those that you can purchase on-line. There are different policies covering different options and of course at different costs. Make sure you read the fine print to make sure that you know what is and is not covered, what the procedure for making a claim is, etc.

You might also see if you credit card company offers insurance -- I know Amex does. They might have better offerings as you are actually a "client". Have a lovely trip!

Beach Suites and asked for a walk out balcony. All those rooms face the ocean straight on. We were on the top floor.