11 Best Hotels In US Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands (a.k.a. USVI) are all about stunning verdant landscapes, the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, a friendly local community, a plethora of outdoor adventures, and living the good life. What’s more, the USVI, which comprises St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, also has many incredible places to stay. The best hotels in the US Virgin Islands range from luxurious, all-inclusive resorts and sea-fronting boutique stays to smaller, indie hotels and even B&Bs. Thus, they appeal equally to solo travelers, couples, large groups of friends, and families who are looking for a variety of adventures. Did we mention that there are a couple of dreamy villas too? Yes!

What makes the US Virgin Islands such a fantastic destination is that they’re one of the best places to visit in the US during winters. On top of that, they have tons of things to do, whether you love laidback beach holidays just sipping drinks by the water or indulging in thrilling watersports and land adventures. To that end, here’s a roundup of the best stays on the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Secret Harbour Beach Resort

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Most family-friendly. If you’re traveling to St. Thomas with the kids in tow, we’d highly recommend the Secret Harbor Beach Resort. Tucked into a protected bay on the eastern end of the island, the resort sits on a beach with calm waters ideal for snorkeling and swimming. In fact, the resort allows you to rent gear for water activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding. The children had a ball, admiring the marine life and jumping off a platform and swimming in the ocean. What helped was that the water was crystal clear! At the end of the day, we all even went on a sunset cruise, and it was a memorable experience.

Coming to the stays, the resort offered spacious condo-style accommodations with private balconies, living areas, and kitchens. Since we were with the kids and staying for a longer time, it was perfect for us. Thanks to the full kitchen, we could cook meals for the kids, which they would enjoy while watching the TV. Plus, the patio faced the beach, which is where we’d have a quiet time in the morning, drinking coffee. What more could we ask for?

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Bolongo Bay Beach Resort

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Best value-for-money. Sitting on a private stretch of a gorgeous golden sand beach, around 15 minutes southeast of Charlotte Amalie, is the over-45-years-old and family-owned-and-managed Bolongo Bay Beach Resort. This fun and relaxed vacation spot is affordable and offers both room-only and all-inclusive stays, making it one of the best value stays on the island. Choose from 74 rooms and suites, all of which

The 1,000-foot golden sand beach, peppered with palm trees and also home to iguanas, is the star of the property. That’s also where the restaurant, Iggies Oasis, sits, boasting poolside dining and ocean views. Right next to it sits the outdoor pool, peppered with deck chairs and parasols, where we’d enjoy drinks at the swim-up bar. Not only is there live entertainment five nights a week, but all guests receive complimentary use of their non-motorized water sports. These include kayaking gear, float mats, stand-up paddleboards, Hobie Cat, and snorkel gear. If that wasn’t enough, the five-star PADI dive center of the St. Thomas Dive Club sits right within the resort, offering diving excursions from the resort’s private dock. Did we mention swimming with the sea turtles and regular sunset sailing excursions? Yes!

The Westin St. Thomas Beach Resort & Spa

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Part of the Frenchman’s Reef collection on Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas, the brand-new Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef offers a stunning setting for adventures and relaxation. Perched high above the sparkling Morningstar Bay, we were immersed in a dreamy, world-class resort experience, especially since the design is inspired from the diversity of the region’s natural elements.

Every inch of this Westin outpost boasted breathtaking views of the gleaming Caribbean Sea. The amenities offered a world-class experience for the whole family, whether it was the signature spa and salon, the nine onsite dining options, including cafes, restaurants, and bars, or the exciting island excursions. There was even a beach club escape on the sands, where we’d enjoy cocktails, Caribbean drinks, and delicious finger food right on our daybeds on the sand.

Choose from a host of modern and spacious rooms and suites, all of which had spacious work desks, Wi-Fi, fridges, and coffee makers, besides flatscreen TVs, plush beds, and private balconies, which were there in most rooms.

Buoy Haus Beach Resort St Thomas Autograph Collection

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The second resort in the Frenchman’s Reef collection on Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas is the Buoy Haus Beach Resort St Thomas Autograph Collection at Frenchman’s Reef, Autograph Collection. This boutique-style resort under the Marriott banner is a testament to just how far the boutique-hotel revolution has come. Firstly, we loved the design that effortlessly blended minimalist and modernist influences with classic Caribbean aesthetics.

However, the star was the amenities here, which included the spa, the infinity pool, and a well-equipped fitness center. Moreover, the stretch of beach was absolutely heavenly. Not only was it empty and spic and span, but also it offered access to a more organized approach to ocean exploration. For instance, the Coral World Ocean Park & Undersea Observatory was just a few minutes’ drive.

That being said, the fact that they offered rooms and suites, some even with private plunge pools, makes this resort very popular with couples. That, along with the chic, secluded vibe and Frenchman’s Reef’s exclusive amenities, such as a private catamaran for sunset cruises and snorkel excursions make this ideal for a luxurious, laidback St. Thomas holiday.

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The Pink Palm Hotel

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Best adults-only. Perched on a hilltop in Queen’s Quarter in Charlotte Amalie, the funky, rose-colored wonderland that is the Pink Palm Hotel had us amazed, impressed, and enthralled. The adults-only property was all about gorgeous harbor views, pink-hued furnishings, and hanging terrace gardens swathed in greenery.

Everything about the Pink Palm reminds us of the very first boutique hotels on the island, complete with a 1940s and ’50s atmosphere and vibe but with thoroughly modern comforts. We had the choice of 27 ultra-chic rooms and suites which pay homage to the structure’s mid-century heyday. The King Suite was our favorite, as it came with a spa bath and a wonderful balcony with even more wonderful views. However, if you’re in Charlotte Amalie for more than a week, we’d highly recommend the Deluxe One-Bedroom Apartment with Harbor View, which has a bathtub on the balcony!

Downstairs, our second-favorite hangout place was the poolside restaurant, El Barsito, which boasted impressive views out to sea. Our absolute favorite was the rooftop swimming pool on the sun terrace, and the lush gardens that surrounded the hotel. Outdoor seating areas, a hot tub, a bar, and free on-site private parking rounded up the amenities.

At Home in The Tropics Inn

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Tucked in a quiet residential neighborhood overlooking St. Thomas’ Charlotte Amalie Harbor is the At Home in the Tropics Inn. A life force and passion project for mainlanders Jessica Geller and Mark Wiechnik, this inn sits just beneath the infamous Blackbeard’s Castle.

This historic Danish-barracks-turned-historic hotel is captivating, to say the least. Think cool terracotta floor tiles, tranquil turquoise and white hues, and high ceilings. Soothing breezes sweep through the entire house, which has breathtaking views of the Charlotte Amalie Harbor from practically everywhere. We had the choice of four distinct guest rooms and suites, all quiet, indulgent, and tranquil. What’s more, they were flush with modern amenities, with high-speed Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and ensuite bathrooms stocked with bath products.

However, the best part of the inn was outside the rooms, especially the outdoor pool where we’d enjoy refreshing plunges. On hot afternoons, we’d curl up by the pool or on the porch with a book from the lending library. Plus, they even had chairs, towels, coolers, and snorkeling gear for our beach adventures. Did we mention the hilltop barbecue grill and the scrumptious “tree-to-table” breakfast that changes daily? Yep.

Villa Santana, Charlotte Amalie

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Are you looking for some place historic? Villa Santana in the capital Charlotte Amalie is perfect for history and culture buffs. According to the history lesson, Mexican general Antonio López de Santa Anna was exiled to St. Thomas, decades after his victory over Texan forces at The Alamo. Since he was in and out of favor with the then-Mexican president, he began constructing a villa high perched high above the harbor in Charlotte-Amalie, directly beneath the governor’s mansion. Today, that grand estate, which boasts some of the most commanding views of the area, is now the six-room hotel that is Villa Santana.

Choose from just six rooms and suites, which will make you feel like you’re living in a historic house with modern comforts. In fact, these rooms are where Santa Anna even wrote his memoirs. We loved interacting with owner Jeff Euwema, who was raised here and had endless tales of 80 years of family history of the property to share with us. Our absolute favorite place to relax was the hilltop swimming pool on the lush grounds, After a long day of exploring the island, we’d soak up the Caribbean sunsets with a Bushwacker (vodka, Kahlua, Amaretto, Cruzan rum, and Bailey’s).

On the inside, we had comforts such as air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, private balconies with stunning sea views, and a lovely dining room. On the outside, a gorgeous outdoor seating area and free on-site private parking rounded up the amenities.

The Ritz Carlton, St. Thomas

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The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas features on most best USVI hotel lists, and it’s easy to see why. Styled as a luxury-seeking set but with touches of traditional island architecture, this Ritz-Carlton outpost is one polished pearl sprawled across 30 breathtaking and verdant oceanfront acres.

The centerpiece is the pristine beach, which is sprinkled with gently swaying, lush palms and turquoise waters hitting the soft sand. We’d spend our days lounging at the chic, adults-only freeform infinity pool. However, the resort is also excellent for families, as it has a family pool with a waterslide, watersports out front at the beach, and even a kids’ club. For those who are looking for something special, the place also has a Topgolf suite as well as an exclusive catamaran yacht that you can charter for a day of island hopping. A spa and fine dining restaurants and bars round up the amenities.

We loved the chic and contemporary rooms and suites, which boast the Great Bay views and have spacious bathrooms with soaking tubs, balconies, and elegant furnishings. Our club-level suite even got us access to a dedicated concierge service as well as an exclusive lounge (including all meals). Are you looking for something special? The Reconnect Package includes breakfasts for 2 every day and a USD 100 daily resort credit, which could be redeemed for spa treatments, meals, and more.

Lovango Resort and Beach Club, St. John

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Most romantic. The best Caribbean boutique stays are sustainable, full of character, intimate, and romantic, like the Lovango Resort and Beach Club on St. John. Sprawled across the eponymous Lovango Cay, just off the coast of St. John, this resort is a 15-minute water taxi ride from St. Thomas. According to local legends, the island was (in)famous as a former brothel — in fact, it was the last one before sailors voyaged across the Atlantic Ocean. Today, this 118-acre island is home to the plush confines of the beach club resort we so loved staying at.

We loved the perfectly laidback, tastefully luxe, and unpretentious style of this family-owned resort, which showcased a wild side of the Caribbean that doesn’t exist anymore. The highlight here is signature luxury experiences: spending the night dancing to live music on the soft sands, traversing jungle paths, and strolling along the private beach. However, what makes it romantic, besides the intimate setting, is that the resort even has excursions to St. John’s Honeymoon Beach via its exclusive landing craft! When we wanted to unwind, the spa and the sparkling infinity pool overlooking a white sand beach awaited us. Even lunches and dinners were thoroughly enjoyable at the onsite restaurants and bars. 

Our mornings began with sumptuous spreads in breakfast hampers, which were left outside our door so we could enjoy them in the privacy of our terrace. We loved the cliffside treehouses that served as “rooms,” taking “off-the-grid” to the next level with forest sounds, outdoor showers, and tranquil sea breezes. What’s more, there were also regular private, two/three-bedroom homes on offer with similarly sweeping ocean views.

Please note: The hotel is open only seasonally between December and July. Also, some holiday periods and villas have minimum night rules.

The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort, St. Croix

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Best for snorkeling. One of the Caribbean’s best snorkeling resorts is The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort, which we loved for its low-key vibe. What’s more, with three different beaches right out front, we had no dearth of the sun, the sand, and the sea.

We chose the resort because of its reputation for being one of the best snorkeling spots around. We could walk straight from the sand to a reef nearby that stretched along the side of the bay. In fact, the more-experienced snorkelers could even make a half-day trip to Buck Island. The best bit? The resort provided snorkel gear for free! Do you want to carry a bit of your own, though? Check out the best water shoes for snorkeling and swimming goggles with a snorkel. During the day, we’d be either at the three private beaches, or at one of the pools, or indulging in watersports, or playing golf. Multiple restaurants and bars, and a long activity roster that included ping pong, corn hole, tennis, kayaking, and horseback riding, rounded up the amenities here.

We had the choice of many rooms and suites, but since we were traveling with children, the two-bedroom family cottage suite was perfect for us. Nevertheless, all digs had comfy beds, modern bathrooms, and mod-cons.

Carina Bay Boutique All-Inclusive Resort & Casino, St. Croix

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Best all-inclusive resort. Sitting at the top of the list is the all-inclusive, adults-only Carina Bay Boutique All-Inclusive Resort & Casino in St. Croix. We loved the picture-perfect setting: think calm, turquoise, swimmable waters, soft sand, and lots of sun — and shade.

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Carina Bay offered an excellent mix of activities and amenities. Our favorite place was the beach area, where we’d swim in the clear waters, lounge on the daybeds with a drink, and even play volleyball on the soft sands. When we weren’t at the beach, we’d be at one of the freshwater pools with drinks. Furthermore, when we wanted to stay active, we’d play pickleball or go kayaking and paddleboarding. Besides the on-site casino and trips to the bioluminescent lagoon, the resort also had all-inclusive dining, so we didn’t have to step out for anything.

Thanks to its recent complete makeover, the rooms and suites at this resort have been transformed. Think airy, bright, and spacious rooms and suites, with either partial or complete views of the sea from the balconies. We loved our Ocean Beachfront King room, which came with a plush bed, an espresso machine, a sleek bathroom, and beachy touches.

Our Verdict!

While we loved all hotels in the USVI, this specialized list might help you actually decide where to live.

• Best value for money: Bolongo Bay Beach Resort
• Best for snorkeling: The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort, St. Croix
• Best romantic: Lovango Resort and Beach Club, St. John
• Best adults-only: The Pink Palm Hotel
• Best all-inclusive resort: Carina Bay Boutique All-Inclusive Resort & Casino, St. Croix

Where to Stay in the U.S. Virgin Islands?

The U.S. Virgin Islands include the main islands of St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John, along with 50 other surrounding minor islands and cays.

St. Croix is a dream destination for history buffs, foodies, and culture aficionados. It’s the largest and the most historically rich of all the U.S. Virgin Islands. What’s more, the old sugar plantations, white-sand beaches, and a unique blend of mixed Caribbean heritages make it all the more amazing. Did we mention that St. Croix is also one of the world’s most welcoming gay-friendly islands? Yes!

St. John might be the least populated and smallest of the three US Virgin Islands, but it makes up for its small size in sheer magnificence. Since it doesn’t have a major airport, you arrive at St. Thomas/St. Croix and then take the ferry across the crystal clear ocean waters. It’s also one of the best US winter vacation destinations.

Finally, there’s St. Thomas, the cosmopolitan center of the USVI that buzzes with Caribbean energy. Its buzzing harbor town and capital, Charlotte Amalie, has lovely 18th-century step streets, delicious food, and distinctive architecture.

Do U.S. citizens need passports to enter the U.S. Virgin Islands?

No, U.S. citizens don’t need to bring passports to visit the USVI. However, they’ll need to show some government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license.

Do all islands in the USVI have their own airport?

No, while St. Croix and St. Thomas have their own airports, St. John doesn’t. So, you’ll have to fly into one of the former islands and take ferry services to reach St. John.

Which is the best time to travel to the USVI?

While December to April is the peak tourist season, we’d recommend the shoulder season of March/April to June as the best time to visit the USVI. Please note that it’s storm season from June through November.