4 Best Hotels in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

You get beachfront ambience at this reasonably priced miniresort tucked beneath the palm trees, but the trade-off is that it's directly across from a noisy airport runway. You'll definitely want to spend time on the white-sand beach, which can be seen from nearly every room in the four three-story, lime-color buildings. Stay here if you need the beach on a budget or if you have an early-morning flight. The Emerald Cafe opens at 6 am with hot coffee, smoothies, and grab-and-go fare.

Atop Blackbeard's Hill, this small hotel offers the perfect mix of gorgeous harbor views, proximity to shopping (five-minute walk), and privacy provided by the surrounding showy trees and bushy hibiscus. Accommodations range from a roomy, top-floor junior suite with two queen beds to a balcony room with queen bed and full kitchen. All rooms have refrigerators, microwave ovens, and coffeemakers. There's also a pool and picnic area with a gas barbecue grill. The managing couple lives on the property and is very helpful in giving restaurant, sightseeing, or beach suggestions.

Built by exiled General Antonio López Santa Anna of Mexico, this 1857 landmark provides a panoramic view of the harbor, plenty of West Indian charm, and rooms that are both unique and lovely. Two favorites are La Mansion, a former library that is now an elegant villa with a large living area crowned by cathedral ceilings, full kitchen, two baths, and four-poster bed, and El Establo, a three-bedroom house with a full kitchen and laundry facilities that is rented by the week. 

Business travelers, tourists on their way to the British Virgin Islands, and laid-back vacationers who want the convenience of being able to walk to duty-free shopping, sights, and restaurants favor this harbor-front hotel. Contemporary rooms have such amenities as coffeemakers, hair dryers, ironing boards, and irons. There's also a free beach shuttle.