US Virgin Islands Hotel Guide
The Best Places to Stay for Every Budget
Updated May 2022
Welcome to US Virgin Islands
The three islands that make up the US Virgin Islands may be small but they are mighty. Each one has its own personality and special traits that make it unique and worth a visit. If you can, we suggest going to all three! St. Thomas is a fantastic choice for those who love watersports, resorts, and shopping. The island is arguably the most developed and has endless options for entertainment, tours and shopping. St. John is the perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The majority of the island is a protected nature reserve and offers excellent hiking and exploring possibilities. The snorkeling here is also top notch. St. Croix is a scuba divers paradise with an abundance of famous sites to choose from. It offers a greater chance to really experience local culture and revel in the relative quiet and calm.
US Virgin Islands Map
Contents
Where to Sleep
The Top Neighborhoods
CHARLOTTE AMALIE ON ST. THOMAS
Charlotte Amalie is the bustling downtown area that is full of action and has the most to offer in terms of tourism. There are all sorts of good accommodation options available, from high end to budget.
RED HOOK ON ST. THOMAS
Red Hook is the second most popular area for guests to stay on the island. Located on the far east side, this neighborhood offers plenty of amenities and is known for its nightlife.
CRUZ BAY ON ST. JOHN
Cruz Bay is the heart of the island and has locals and tourists alike coming and going all day. Excellent access to the ferry terminal and is a very walkable area.
NORTH SHORE ON ST. JOHN
The North Shore area is the place for gorgeous beaches and easy access to the National Park. Lodging in the area can range from super luxury to rustic tents.
CHRISTIANSTED ON ST. CROIX
Christiansted is the capital and historic center of the island; it is full of entertainment and is easily walkable.
NORTH SHORE ON ST. CROIX
The North Shore is hands down the most touristy area of the island due to the incredible beaches, tons of shopping options and easily has the most hotel options to choose from.
Budget Hotels
Olga’s Fancy, St. Thomas
Price: $$ Average Reviews: 4.1/5
You’ll find Olga’s Fancy by the shores of Charlotte Amalie Harbor in the Frenchtown neighborhood of St. Thomas. Each brightly colored guest room is nestled along the hillside overlooking stunning views of the harbor. Each is decorated with stark white features and pops of blues to create a clean, modern feel. Enjoy a sea salt pool and ideal Frenchtown location with dining, nightlife, and charming shops all within walking distance of your room.
Flamboyan on the Bay Resort & Villas, St. Thomas
Price: $$ Average Reviews: 4.3/5
St. Thomas’ Flamboyan on the Bay Resort is a hillside paradise overlooking Magens Bay Beach. It’s seven acres are a peaceful retreat with pools, garden paths, restaurants and lounges, and plenty of space to unwind. The accommodations are decorated in tones of blue with a tropical aesthetic and plenty of amenities. Choose between a studio suite, one bedroom suite, or a two-bedroom suite. The resorts’ ideal location also places it minutes away from the white sand beaches, local attractions, shops, and adventures in the area.
The Green Iguana Hotel, St. Thomas
Price: $ Average Reviews: 4.1/5
Book your St. Thomas vacation at the award-winning Green Iguana Hotel. It’s nine guest rooms offer a home-away-from-home stay that is as environmentally conscious as it is cozy. The warm atmosphere can be attributed to the pride of running a family-owned hotel that is dedicated to green initiatives. These measures include filtering the water onsite, creating their own electricity with solar panels, and surrounding the property with local tropical gardens.
Caravelle Hotel & Casino, St. Croix
Price: $$$ Average Reviews: 4.4/5
Caravelle Hotel & Casino is a 43-room accommodation with modern rooms and warm décor. Beyond the rooms, the hotel has no shortage of entertainment. Try your luck on the Caravelle Hotel & Casino slots and enjoy live, outdoor concerts from local bands playing jazz and reggae. Similarly, there are tons of dining options at your fingertips, with the waterfront RumRunners boardwalk inside the hotel building and tasty joints like Nates Boathouse and Twin City Coffee House within walking distance.
Hotel on the Cay, St. Croix
Price: $$ Average Reviews: 4.0/5
Hotel on the Cay is not your average holiday getaway. The hotel is located on a five-acre cay which is a low bank or reef of coral, rock, or sand. In the 17th century, pirates used to anchor their ship in the same spot that is now designated for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. This rich history is combined with contemporary suites designed to accommodate all styles of travel including families, couples, singles, and groups. Additionally, guests can enjoy two onsite restaurants, the Beach Bar for snacks and drinks, and Rolling Smoke on the Cay for authentic barbeque.
ISLAND LIFE TRAVEL TIP #1 : GET TRAVEL INSURANCE
When going on vacation in the time of Covid, Travel Insurance is a must in our opinion. Most of the current policies cover Covid medical issues as well as vacation delays due to Covid. They typically even cover your hotel if you test positive while on vacation and have to extend your trip a few days until you get a negative test. You can easily compare and choose from the top travel insurance policies here.
Midrange Hotels
Company House Hotel, St. Croix
Price: $$$ Average Reviews: 4.4/5
Company House is a classic Caribbean boutique hotel in St. Croix’s historic Christiansted neighborhood. While the building is quite historic, it has been recently renovated to offer a modern, comfortable experience. Choose between the classic rooms located in the most historic part of the building, the superior rooms that are larger and overlook the courtyard, or the deluxe rooms that are spacious and unique. The hotel also offers a brand-new bar and lounge area for you to relax in and a saltwater swimming pool. Just outside the hotel are numerous pubs, restaurants, and St. Croix attractions within a short walk from your stay.
Alexandra Cottage, St. John
Price: $$$ Average Reviews: 4.7/5
If the bustle of a hotel is not your style, Alexandra Cottage is the accommodation for you. The property is an Airbnb style located just outside downtown Cruz Bay in St. John. The cottage sits on a hill with far-reaching views of St. John and the ten surrounding islands. The interior is comfortable, modern, and cozy. The primary suite overlooks the sea and the patio has tables, chairs, loungers and a balcony for you to relax in a secluded tropical setting. Additionally, the cottage has a living, dining, kitchen and an herb garden should you choose to cook.
Concordia Eco Resort, St. John
Price: $$$ Average Reviews: 4.0/5
Concordia Eco Resort is in St. John, right next to the Virgin Islands National Park. It is secluded, completely immersed in nature, and sits on 20 acres of cliffside with gorgeous views of Salt Pond Bay and Drunk Bay. The accommodations include 25 platform tents for a “glamping” kind of experience, and 17 resort style studios that are all designed around sustainability. You’ll find composting toilets, photovoltaic power systems, no TVs, and a water collection and filtration system built to reduce water waste. While the rooms are minimalist, you’ll still find a pool and restaurant and bar onsite and be completely dazzled by the views and nature surrounding you.
Mafolie Hotel, St. Thomas
Price: $$$ Average Reviews: 4.6/5
As a top ranked value resort by Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine, this St. Thomas oasis is the ideal boutique hotel for your tropical vacation. Enjoy elevated views of downtown Charlotte Amalie and the harbor from more than 800 feet above sea level. Each of the 22 rooms and suites offer tropical-style comfort with the care and hospitality you can only find at an independently owned establishment. You’ll also find a host of other attractive amenities including a restaurant with a complimentary breakfast buffet and a pool and bar.
Castle Villas at Bluebeards, St. Thomas
Price: $$$ Average Reviews: 4.0/5
The Castle Villas are your home away from home on the island of St. Thomas. Their newly renovated studios and suites and are bright, modern, and come with fully equipped kitchens and plenty of space to make the place feel yours. Beyond the rooms, you’ll find plenty of entertainment right outside your door at the Castle Gastropub featuring live entertainment, a lively happy hour, and traditional pub fare and drinks. There is also the Castle Coffee & Deli and the Sunnyside Café & Poolside Bar with everything you can imagine –pizza, frozen cocktails, fresh baked goods, or sea salt caramel lattes.
ISLAND LIFE TRAVEL TIP #2 : USE A VPN
When traveling internationally, we highly recommend using a VPN on your smartphone, tablet and computer to protect your security while using public or hotel Wi-Fi. VPN’s are easily installed App services that protect all your internet use, from emails to web searches. The most secure and easy to use (in our honest opinion) is NordVPN which is inexpensive and top-rated in the industry. You can check it out here.
High-End Hotels
The Waves at Cane Bay, St. Croix
Price: $$$$ Average Reviews: 4.6/5
On the Northshore of St. Croix, you’ll find the luxurious and secludedWaves at Cane Bay. This boutique hotel is an oceanfront sanctuary for guests looking for a tranquil stay in the Caribbean. The waves from the sea can be heard from the balconies of each of their 11 newly renovated suites. The standard suites are decorated in a chic bohemian style with venetian plaster walls, tropical wood décor, and sophisticated technology. The superior rooms offer additional space and a kitchenette but you can expect that both are eco-friendly and comfortable. Their onsite restaurant, Ama Cane Bay is equally committed to sustainability through use of locally sourced ingredients and eco conscious fisherman. Enjoy the bar upstairs at sunset with some appetizers before your gourmet meal.
The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort, St. Croix
Price: $$$$ Average Reviews: 4.4/5
The buccaneer is uniquely positioned between three distinctive beaches and an oceanfront golf course. It is easily St. Croix’s most luxurious resort because of its added amenities, such as a full-service spa and salon, three restaurants, fitness center, water sports center, two pools, and eight tennis courts. Because of how expansive the resort is, there are numerous packages for you to customize your vacation to your desires and budget. This includes the golf, engagement, honeymoon, celebrations, and explore and rejuvenate packages.
The Ritz Carlton, St. Thomas
Price: $$$$ Average Reviews: 4.7/5
Any room in the Ritz Carlton St. Thomas will boast state of the art amenities and top-notch service, but what separates the Ritz from other luxury resorts is their expertise in luxury in all the finest details. For starters, the resort is located in Great Bay where the ocean breeze and view of the lush mountains are intoxicating. Both the pools and the beach guarantee food and beverage service or enjoy the privacy and exclusivity of a private attendant in a cabana. In addition to sunbathing, The Ritz takes care of all water sports and excursions, including a catamaran for sunset cruises so that you don’t have to lift a finger while creating lifelong memories. Retreat to a cozy yet elegant room with balconies overlooking the sea and dedicated concierge for Club Level Rooms and Suites.
Secret Harbour Beach Resort, St. Thomas
Price: $$$$ Average Reviews: 4.4/10
At Secret Harbour Beach Resort in St. Thomas, luxurious hotel rooms overlook the hillside and sea, while beachfront villas open directly to the white sandy paradise of the bay. During your stay in paradise, you’ll find a freshwater pool, tennis courts, a dive shop and watersports center and plenty of sea and land excursions. At Secret Harbor, you won’t have to worry about working up an appetite as you explore –the beach bar and service will make sure you won’t have to get up out of your sunlounge, and the two award winning restaurants will satisfy your cravings at night. Not only that, but the hotel is partnered with St. Thomas’s premier grocer so that fresh foods will be delivered straight to your door.
Estate Lindholm, St. John
Price: $$$$ Average Reviews: 4.6/5
St. John’s best kept secret is the intimate, luxury bed & breakfast at Estate Lindholm. It’s hillside location has stunning views of Cruz Bay and deep historical significance. The property dates back to the 1720’s where it served as a Danish plantation. Of the 17 rooms on the property, the most historic is a renovation of one of the original stone buildings. Despite a celebrated history, modern furnishings and amenities run throughout. While not a beachfront property, the hike through the national forest to the waters of Honeymoon and Salomon beach are impressive in their own right. Additionally, the inn has a freshwater pool as well as beach chairs, towels, coolers, and snorkeling gear that are yours for the taking. Book Estate Lindholm for a home away from home experience.
The Westin St. John Resort, St. John
Price: $$$$ Average Reviews: 4.2/10
If you’re planning a trip to the Virgin Islands, St. John is regarded as the most unspoiled, paradisical of the islands and if you stay at the Westin, over 1,200 feet of coastline will be yours to enjoy. This ownership resort has every amenity imaginable –quarter-acre pool, private beach, water sports, restaurants—that are yours to enjoy without having to pay resort fees. As for sleeping arrangements, the Westin offers studio, one-, two-, or three-bedroom villas and rentals that are spacious, modern, and fashioned with full-sized kitchens, washer/dryer and priceless views.
Love it! Thank you for taking the guess work out of traveling to the Islands.