First thing - you've asked for recommendations for "affordable" accommodations but you didn't define what "affordable" means to you. In order for us to make meaningful recommendations we will need your actual budget range otherwise we can only speculate.

Island hopping is possible but you may find that because of the distances involved it will take more time then you want to spend and the cost may exceed your budget. Traveling between islands is not always inexpensive. With only six days you'll be better off staying on St. Lucia, it is a fairly large island with more than enough to do and you won't have time to see everything.

You really do not have enough time to relax if you move from St. Lucia. On a 6 day trip including the day you leave and return you often end up with only 4 or 5 full days. Also there is no real good sorkekling in St. Lucia or Martinique or St. Vincent. Off St. Vincent there is tobago Caye which is like snorkeling in a fish bowl but it is quite difficult to get to or stay in the area at Petit St. Vincent Resort but that is $750++ with meals based on when you go. Ladera is an elegant resort up in the mpintans but access to the beach is a pain based on our short stay. We actually checked out after 2 days because of it's access to others areas but it was beautiful. Have you looked at Nevis and staying at Nesbit Plantation?

Sun Links tours is a good start for activities and things to see and do. They also provide tours to Martinique and the Grenadines.

http://www.sunlinktours.com/trips_to_neighbouring_isla.htm

I would re-evaluate renting a car. The roads are quite winding and most everything is spread out. Taking one of the tours would probably be a better option.

What are you looking for in accomendations? Hotels that are within the Rodney Bay area will be closer to restaurants and other things. Whatever hotel you chose will also have a tour desk for activities.

my best friend just spent the day on st. lucia. she got off a cruise ship in castries & took a water taxi to jalousie plantation resort with a 2nd stop at anse chastenet (30-35 mins). she snorkeled at both and said both were pretty good. at jalousie you are between the pitons so very dramatic views. said both resorts are gorgeous but they are quite pricey.
another friend has a timeshare at windjammer landing. they love it but i don't know what it costs to stay there.
both say the roads are crumby & advise water taxi.
imho 6 days is not enough time to island hop.

Thans a lot for such quick and awesome replies!

We actually looked in the accomodations on Tripadvisor/lonely planet/etc and figure Ti Kaye Village resort is the one..affordable and access to the beach and the town and head the food is awesome there!

Still pondering over renting a car..mabe water taxi and tours are the way to go.

KVR - thanks for the link..really appreciate the honest views and opinions.

Are there any secluded beaches or bays anyone knows of? Also, any biobays in St. Lucia?

We actually have 6 days (excluding the travel to and fro) so I would love to atleast goto one more island..I can let that option go but still would atleast like to know..maybe as part of a day tour..

How do these tours usually are..I mean do they drag u along everywhere..or is it laid back with chillin time in between? The whole reason i dont pick tours is that u loose convenience to be at ur will..

I don't think 6 days is not enough time to do a day trip to another Island. We are planning 6 nights in Barbados for our vacation this year and are planning either a day trip to Grenada or the Grenadines. It can be done. Just be organized and plan your timely wisely.

We did tours when we went to St. Lucia. Land and Sea Tour and the Jeep Jungle Tour. The Land and Sea we got a good overview of all the ares plus stops at the bontanical gardens and the volcano. Then we did a catamaran snorkel trip. The snorkeling was very sub par due to the deep blue of the water. No visibility.

The Jeep Jungle tour, we went to a banana plantation, views of the Pitons, gorgeous water falls and a black sand beach.

We also did the shopping tour downtown at the craft market and the duty free mall.

I actually prefer tours as I want to get there, see/experience it and move on. No dilly-dalling around or trying to find things. I've read so many reviews where people say they didn't get to do this or that because they couldn't find it or they ran out of time. I make and set an iteniary and stick to it. I want to get everything I can out of a destination as I may never get to go there again. I didn't feel that St. Lucia is an easy place to explore on our own.

If your interested I have our pictures posted:

http://travel.webshots.com/album/507163297vNDUfY

gosh i'm also thinking of st lucia for a short stay on our way to perú and te scred valley. just need a little beach before the mountains...