Fodor's Expert Review Ocean Terrace Inn

"OTI," as locals call it, is a rarity: a smart, intimate, "boutique-y" business hotel that also appeals to vacationers. The hillside location, convenient to downtown Basseterre, guarantees marvelous bay views from virtually every room. Luxuriant gardens, room blocks, and a split-level free-form waterfall lagoon pool tumble down to the sea. Island touches from masks to murals animate nooks and crannies. Handsomely decorated rooms in an earthy color scheme vary widely in size (new management conducted a major property-wide upgrade through spring 2015), but all feature free Wi-Fi and mini-fridge and have kitchenettes or whirlpool tubs. The urbane hilltop Verandah Restaurant (a local must on Friday night for its West Indian buffet with live music) entices island power brokers. With regular shuttle service to Southeast Peninsula beaches, courteous helpful staff, and an on-site gym, peaceful OTI promotes rest, not revelries.