We were debating between the Marriott and VRBO, similar prices for our family of 4, elementary/middle school kids. Boy were we happy with our VRBO choice #36 with Trinda at Cayman Reef.
Location...perfectly situated on SMB within walking distance of grocery stores, restaurants, rental cars, plenty of snorkeling spots, the beach.
Views... The format of Cayman Reef gives lots of units patios with views to the water and beautifully landscaped courtyard. This unit is one of the closet to the beach, and you can see the water from the patio. We found the beach in early April to be nearly empty, as compared with the beach in front of the Marriott, which was a zoo. We spent a ton of our time on our screened in porch because we could see the water and the nice landscaping. It could use a ceiling fan as an improvement, but we loved eating our breakfasts and lunches as well as reading and playing cards out there.
Amenities... kitchen, nice hide-a-bed, nice linens in the bedroom, some beach towels. Wifi, and a super nice touch...a cell phone with 60 free minutes to call for reservations. The pool was clean and lovely for the kids to play in. We didn't find any spare tennis rackets, but there is a tennis court.
Logistics...no problems paying, a nice welcome letter with orientation and recommendations, and some initial "imperfections" taken care of swiftly.
Activities nearby...We really enjoyed walking the beach to various restaurants...Luca's, The Wharf, Hemingway's. The bus was easy to pick up outside the condo, and many activities would pick us up. We loved the snorkeling out in front of Plantation Village...walk south on the beach and enter the water when you get to the stone wall. Go out to the buoy for some gorgeous colorful reef.
Noise...we were on the condo porch parts of most days. Mostly quiet and able to hear the water most of the time. Only one day did we hear construction at the resort next door. In the evenings, we never heard Royal Palms noise once we went inside.
Great place!!