The U.S. Virgin Islands are often termed ‘America’s Caribbean Paradise’, owing to their exquisite blend of pampering, undisturbed nature, and colonial history. Sprawling beaches known for their emerald waters and bright coral sand permeate the three islands, which celebrate diversity through a tapestry of West Indian, African, European, and American influences.
Jamming to the captivating rhythms of Calypso and Quelbe music, feeling the pulsating energy, tasting the delicious local cuisine, and casting your eyes on the stunning fusion of art and ocean – a visit to the Virgin Islands is to delight all the senses at once.
The islands house some of the world’s most awe-inspiring hotels, offering the perfect base to dive into the reef-ridden waters. From beachfront boutiques to chic illustrations of historical splendor, here are the best cool and unusual hotels in the U.S. Virgin Islands (in no particular order)…
Best For Partying
Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham
Pros
Overlooking the Water Bay
Restaurant with beach shack vibe
Outdoor pool with a hot tub
Rustic bar with beach hammocks
Best For Trendy Design
King Christian Hotel
This epic waterfront hotel overlooks Fort Christiansvaern from a 300-year-old fixture in downtown Christiansted, where the traditions and charm of the Danish West Indies come alive through stunning historical architecture.
Offering 46 fully remodeled rooms, custom-designed terra cotta flooring complements the bespoke furniture and floor-to-ceiling marble-clad bathrooms.
The beautifully landscaped pool and sundeck are embellished with a bountiful array of lounge chairs and tables with umbrellas, offering the perfect place to kick back and soak up the island charm.
Incredible snorkeling experiences await at Cay Beach, which can be accessed with a water taxi across the harbour from the hotel.
Pros
Charm of the Danish West Indies
Landscaped pool and sundeck
Snorkeling and water fun activities
Water taxi across the harbor
Best For Instagrammable Decor
The Waves at Cane Bay
This intimate oceanfront boutique saw a full re-imagination in 2021, transforming it into a blissful sanctuary backdropped by towering coconut palms.
Each of the 11 air-conditioned suites evokes a unique charm and boasts full kitchenettes as well as private patios with direct ocean views, where you can sit out and listen to the soothing sounds of the waves crashing into shore.
Built directly on the water with a natural cave and endless St. Thomas views, once-in-a-lifetime snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities await.
The on-site restaurant AMA serves sustainable seafood and offers an open-air setting with two bars featuring handcrafted cocktails.
Pros
Seafront hotel with colorful decor
Private balconies with sea views
Grotto saltwater pool with sea life
Waterfront restaurant and bar
Best For Beachside Location
Lovango Resort and Beach Club
Relax among the lush tropical beauty of Lovango, where wraparound ocean views spark a breath-taking tropical atmosphere.
A boho-chic vibe is radiated effortlessly through treetop accommodations, freestanding glamping tents, and exclusive villas, where outdoor showers and bright accents pair perfectly with the island breezes.
Plenty of Cumaru wood seating areas allow you to relish the unobstructed cay views, and the luxe touches like mosquito nets that drape over the elegant bed frames showcases a design which pays homage to the island’s sultry ambiance.
If you like the sound of waking up hillside, grabbing your snorkel and jumping straight into a private stretch of ocean, then Lovango Resort is a must-visit sanctuary for you!
Pros
Treetop stay with boho-chic vibe
Swish restaurant with a poolside bar
Continental breakfast served daily
Best For Unique Stay
The Fred – Adults-only Hotel
Named after King Frederik V of Denmark, The Fred adds a flash of contemporary elegance to its 6 preserved historic structures, each with its unique personality and story.
Boasting 22 eco-friendly guestrooms, The Fred has received a plethora of awards, including the ‘Best New Boutique Resort’ by Caribbean Journal and ‘Best New Business/Spa’ by the readers of the VI daily news.
Here, guests can unwind on the beach or lounge next to one of two salt-water pools before enjoying a fruity cocktail in the view of a scintillating sunset. The ‘West Is Best’ reputation of Frederiksted is reflected elegantly in the barefoot chic restaurant.
Pros
Direct access to a private beach
Rooms with balconies or terraces
Beauty salon and an outdoor pool
Best For Luxury
The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas
This beloved St. Thomas masterpiece welcomes you to a new era of island-inspired elegance, ready to enchant you with Great Bay and verdant mountain views, as well as extensive water sports offerings.
An alluring sense of nautically inspired luxury is the result of an all-encompassing revamp, and the lavish rooms and suites boast one-of-a-kind views from pristine balconies.
Reflecting the charm of Caribbean culture, the on-site restaurants are designed to embrace local elements, with fresh, locally sourced delicacies set to let your taste buds run wild.
Against an awe-inspiring Caribbean sea backdrop, a gentle respite place is nurtured at the seaside enclave spa, which offers one of the most diverse selections of therapies and spa treatments in the Virgin Islands.
Pros
Airy rooms with bay views
Open-air eatery and Italian restaurants
Tennis courts and outdoor pools
Kids’ club and Catamaran rentals
Best For Budget-Friendly
The Mafolie Hotel
This independently owned St. Thomas hotel invites you to experience an unparalleled combo of luxury amenities, gourmet dining, and boutique services, catering to the budget-conscious traveller.
The Mafolie strikingly overlooks the harbour, town, and sea, owing to its impeccable location on the hillside. Through the hotel’s many stone & tile walkways and arched doorways, a quaint ambiance can be relished amid tropical greenery.
Ranked by Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine as one of the top value resorts in St. Thomas, a welcoming world of comforts enhances the lure of the palm-ridden setting, and the 22 rustic, character-filled guestrooms are decorated with tropical wood furnishings and artsy Caribbean accents.
Pros
Overlooks the harbor town and sea
A sleek outdoor swimming pool
Gourmet dining and on-site restaurant
Best For Views
Estate Lindholm
This intimate bed and breakfast is set among Danish plantation ruins dating back to the 1720s, offering a unique hospitality twist through timeless charm and simple elegance.
The lush green landscaping and remnants of the original buildings provide a spot of blissful solitude, and the 16 homey, island-style rooms evoke a vintage charm through bespoke decor.
Natural stonework, wrought iron gates, and flower-covered pergolas complement the historical elements, while the carved tropical woodwork is designed to offer an air of intimacy.
A bountiful array of quirky, garden-style nooks sprinkled ornately around the grounds offers ambient spots for reading and relaxing.
Pros
Rooms have garden or harbor views
Tropical gardens and an outdoor pool
Continental breakfast in dining room
Snorkel rentals are offered
Cons
Limited options for breakfast
Best For Longer Stays
Villa Nautilus St. Thomas
Pros
Outdoor pool and water sports
On-site restaurant with BBQ grill
Horse riding and snorkeling
Cons
No airport shuttle service
Best For Boutique
St John Inn
Pros
Free breakfast and happy hour
Outdoor pool with a sundeck
Free beach equipment for guests
BBQ area overlooking the ocean
Best For Bed & Breakfast
St Thomas Bnb on Sailboat Ragamuffin
Pros
Balcony with mountain views
Private beach with water sports
Enjoy snorkeling and fishing nearby
Outdoor pool and a sun terrace
Best For Millennials and Gen Zs
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort All-Inclusive
This family-owned and operated beach resort is nestled in a pristine sandy bay in the heart of St. Thomas.
There’s no better place to see life in the Virgin Islands than at Bolongo Bay, with a delightful Caribbean band providing a light-hearted atmosphere.
The pool area is connected to a gorgeous white sand beach by a narrow patio area lined with comfy sunbeds beneath swaying palms. Your perfect tropical getaway will begin with a visit to the serene swim-up pool bar, where premium drinks and locally inspired cocktails can be savored.
The attentive staff presence is always on hand to ensure that the memories you create will last a lifetime!
Pros
Resort with balcony or patio
Sea views and direct beach access
Outdoor pool with swim-up bar
Water sports and regular entertainment
Cons
Parking needs reservation
Best For Couples
Sand Castle on the Beach
Pros
Villas with terrace and bay views
Beachfront cafe with a bar
Sleek outdoor swimming pool
Close to museum and waterpark
Cons
Only service animals allowed
In the table below, we have compared the top 13 cool and unusual hotels in US Virgin Islands. You can sort the table based on different factors like location, distance from attractions, price per night, and restaurants nearby:
Hotel Name | Location | Price Range (per night) | Fitness Facilities | Distance to Attraction(km) | Nearby Restaurants |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham | 6080 Estate Smith Bay, 00802 Frydendal, | $1228-$1616 (4 nights) | Yes | 0.7 | 9 |
King Christian Hotel | 1102 King’s Wharf, 00820 Christiansted | $232-$464 | Yes | 0.2 | 13 |
The Waves at Cane Bay | 112C Cane Bay, 00851 Kingshill, | $305-$428 | No | 0.3 | 7 |
Lovango Resort and Beach Club | 1 Lovango Cay, 00830 Cruz Bay | $1586 | Yes | 2.6 | 13 |
The Fred | 605 Strand Street, St Croix, 00840 Frederiksted, | $377-$579 | Yes | 0.1 | 6 |
The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas | 6900 Great Bay, 00802 Benner | $876-$7644 | Yes | 0.4 | 8 |
The Mafolie Hotel | 7091 Estate Mafolie, 00802 Mafolie | $143-$401 | Yes | 1.1 | 12 |
Estate Lindholm | 6B Caneel Bay, 00831 Saint John, | $300-$340 | Yes | 0.9 | 15 |
Villa Nautilus St. Thomas | 6345 Estate Smith Bay, 00802 East End | $1284-$1815 (3 nigts) | Yes | 0.1 | 6 |
St John Inn | 277 Contant & Enighed, 00830 Contant, | $215-$290 | Yes | 0.5 | 11 |
St Thomas Bnb on Sailboat Ragamuffin incl meals water toys | S/V Ragamuffin, PO Box 303476, 00803 Water Island | $400-$1000 (2 nights) | Yes | 0.8 | 12 |
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort All Inclusive | 7150 Estate Bolongo, 00802 Bolongo | $1890-$2190 (3 nights) | Yes | 0.1 | 12 |
Sand Castle on the Beach | 127 Estate Smithfield, Frederiksted, 00840 Frederiksted, | $549-$1247 | Yes | 0.1 | 10 |
![Top 13 Cool and Unusual Hotels in The US Virgin Islands 85 g8 l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled](https://globalgrasshopper.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/g8.jpg)
Michael Cowley – writer and photographer
Ever since he was knee-high to a grasshopper Michael has always had an affinity for adventure. Growing up he was lucky enough to live in a handful of exotic far flung locations including Hong Kong, Pakistan, Kenya and Tanzania and since then he’s continued seeking out new places and cultures. In his spare time he explores everywhere from the sizzling street markets in Bangkok to random back alleys in Sri Lanka and everything in between! He also has a special fondness for Cohibas, trying all kinds of street food, playing carrom with random strangers, and fine wine – he knows his clarets from his chiantis. He counts Cuba, Amsterdam, Indonesia, Goa, Cambodia and Italy as his favourite destinations. Find Michael on Instagram or Twitter.