Saving for your next Caribbean getaway can be easier than you think—especially if you're willing to forgo a few amenities, such as room service or poolside drink service. Stay at an unfussy property, and you can be on vacation sooner, and with more loot in your pocket for day trips, dinners and souvenirs. Here are some of the most affordable hotels and resorts in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
If you don't need to stay right on the beach but do want to be within walking distance of one, try Two Sandals By the Sea Inn on St. Thomas, just a four-minute walk from the white sands of Secret Harbour Beach. Rooms are basic, with a white and neutral color palette, kept super clean. All the must-haves—fast WiFi, a fridge and AC—are part of each stay, along with a simple breakfast, starting at $160 a night in low season.
St. Thomas doesn't offer branded hotels with room rates less than $500 a night. If you're the type who likes hotel rooms on vacation to be much as they are at home in the States, then try Windward Passage Hotel, which definitely has more of an urban, rather than island, vibe and starts at $175 a night. Plus, the hotel has an onsite casino, bar, restaurant, fitness center, tour desk and everything you'd expect from a big hotel.
Rumored to have been the setting for Herman Wouk's "Don't Stop the Carnival" novel, Hotel on the Cay exudes exactly the laid-back beachy vibe you'd expect. We love that the property sits on its own private island within the Christiansted harbor—giving you ample beach real estate for escapism, but also quick access to the Christiansted boardwalk, a lineup of bars and restaurants. The hotel's 53 rooms aren't fancy, but they're clean and recently updated—a great value for prices starting at $179 a night.
The entire Point Pleasant Resort is oceanfront—but only the eastern edge of the property is sandy, known as Pineapple Beach. To the far right of the resort lies another beach, rocky and perfect for snorkeling. We love that you get two different ocean experiences for nightly rates starting at $210—which includes snorkel gear and beach coolers so you can pack your goodies for the day as opposed to schlepping back to your room.
Chenay Bay Beach Resort, just a 10-minute drive east of the town of Christiansted, is located right on the water along a sandy beach that rarely experiences waves. We love that the accommodations are stand-alone cottages, allowing for extra privacy—and each has a small porch in front. A bonus is that the snorkeling right off the property can serve up encounters with stingrays, sea turtles and other big animals. Rates start at $170 a night.
Right in the heart of downtown Christiansted, Hotel Caravelle has long been a favorite among divers, foodies and active types who don't need a beach so much as access to what's fun and happening. Just steps from the Christiansted boardwalk and its lineup of bars, including Shupe's on the Boardwalk, The Mill Boardwalk Bar and Brew STX, Hotel Caravelle is also a wise choice for those who like to indulge in a few rum drinks or beers. The rooms are all recently renovated, with a bright, airy feel—think lots of white with pops of color. Rates starting at $169 a night.
Some hotels boast up-to-the-minute amenities, from televisions in the mirrors to voice-activated music systems. That's not Olga's Fancy. This charming inn located hillside just outside St. Thomas gives you that timeless Caribbean feel, yet with a fresh, updated look. Nightly rates start at just $150, and, because you're so close to town, active types can save further by hoofing it to the beach or to town for dinner.
There's a certain allure and magic to staying in a property dating back to the 1760s, as is the case with Company House Hotel in downtown Christiansted. The property is historic, but modern inside, with all 33 rooms recently renovated—and, yes, there's fast WiFi and AC. Even if you're not into island history, you'll be interested in the price: Rates start at $209 a night, giving you more green to rent a car and explore all the beaches on island, not just the one that would otherwise be in front of your hotel.
Treetops isn't a treehouse exactly, but it sure feels like one. This intimate cabin-style property with just three rooms is so named for its up-island location amid the rainforest. Super affordable, rates start at $99 a night in off-season for the room called the bunkhouse, a cozy space with smart, nautical-themed styling and efficient use of space to include a fridge and shower. We love the prices, so low that renting a car becomes an option for the 15-minute drive into the town of Cruz Bay.
The Fred is just the sort of place you want to be on a first-name basis with. The newest offering on St. Croix, the Fred is hip, fun and stylish—like that cool, in-the-know friend who's always up on the trends. Find The Fred just a five-minute walk from town, oceanside with a beach. The rooms, starting at $209 a night, are bright and airy, with each one is styled with its own mix of retro furniture and funky, playful art. Plus, the hotel also offers a gift shop and spa onsite.
