The Caribbean exists in many of our mind’s eyes as a homogenous tropical idyll. Sunshine, palm-fringed coral sand coves, reefs rife with life and colour, the odd historic fort, luxurious honeymoon resorts and hotels, and maybe a sugar plantation? And the best places to stay in the Caribbean? Saying that there’s a lot of choice when it comes to hotels and resorts would be an understatement, but the best hotels in the Caribbean for you are the ones that tick your boxes, and The Hotel Guru is here to help you work out what boxes you want ticked, and then to match up you up to your perfect island or property.
Almost everywhere you go in the Caribbean you’ll find picture-perfect beaches, turquoise waters and a range of hotel options running through from fairly basic to fit-for-a-king. But broadly:
Don't forget that the best places to stay in the Caribbean will be extremely busy during the peak holiday season, which is broadly between December and April, so if you plan to visit during this period book well ahead.
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Bahamas (Lucaya)
Charming hotel on the beach on Grand Bahama Island. Simple rooms have balconies, tiled floors and some with small kitchenettes. Outdoor pool, garden and dive shop. Good seafood menu and buzzing bar with live music. For location and amenities, ideal for those wanting to learn or improve diving.
Bahamas (Cat Island)
Pretty, colourful beachfront hotel. Rooms are spread across the gardens, and interiors are decorated with white washed walls, bamboo furniture and patios. Outdoor pool, direct beach access. Restaurant serving local cuisine and beach front bar. Secluded, idyllic and great for divers.
Negril
Charming family-owned beach-front resort. Fresh and cosy white-washed rooms, suites and apartments with outdoor space are spread over gardens and lead to a beach bar and grill with sunset views. Some come with kitchenettes for longer stays. Offers a great-value holiday in paradise.
Jamaica (Treasure Beach)
Popular hillside property with a happening bar, restaurant and nearby beach club. Quirky rooms and terraces decorated with rattan furniture, local artwork and reclaimed wood boast impressive ocean views, as does the large infinity pool. Rustic cool; the place to stay for party-lovers on a budget.
Puerto Rico (Ponce)
Family owned, charming city B&B in the heart of Ponce's historic district. Elegant rooms have tiled floors and wrought iron furniture, some with balconies. Excellent location and value.
Puerto Rico (Lajas)
Friendly beach side hotel. Rooms have sea-facing balconies, colourful prints and bamboo furniture. Outdoor pool, terrace, direct beach access. Laid back international cuisine in restaurant, outside bar. Relaxed, and a lovely choice for a great value seaside weekend.
Turks and Caicos (Grand Turk)
An excellent value inn in the heart of the old town and just a few moments from the beach and diving centres. Lovely rooms and suites, simply decorated, but chic in style with white washed walls and balconies onto the garden. Lovely little restaurant with verandah. Excellent value and laid back.
Turks and Caicos
One of the chicest spots in Grand Turk for anyone on a budget. Rooms and suites are beautiful with private balconies, four poster beds, and creamy furnishings. Access to the beach through the garden, walking distance to all the attractions, daily changing menus for poolside dining. Value bliss!
Santo Domingo
Quaint boutique hotel set within a historic colonial villa in central Santo Domingo. The atmospheric inner courtyard boasts a swimming pool, while a rooftop offers a hot tub with a view. Decor ranges from vintage charm to contemporary across well-appointed rooms & public areas. Unbeatable value.
Dominican Republic (Las Terrenas)
Pretty boutique B&B located in the charming seaside village of Las Terrenas. Channelling a Balinese vibe, light & airy rooms combine blonde woods, ornate carving & romantic four-poster beds draped in netting - each faces the verdant gardens & come with private terraces. Perfect base for exploring.
Antigua
Relaxed family-run hotel just two minutes drive from some of Antigua's best beaches. Large rooms have colourful fabrics and balconies. Outdoor pool and spa treatments available. Breakfast is served in the sunny gardens. Casual, friendly, pretty and perfect for those on a budget.
Antigua
Pleasant self-catering villas near the St Johns. The rooms are spacious and filled with tropical prints, bamboo furniture and living areas. Outdoor pool, fragrant gardens and spa treatments available. Family friendly and laid back.
St Lucia
Elegant hotel in French colonial style building. The rooms are spacious and filled with mahogany furniture, sleigh beds and with claw-foot baths. Outdoor pool, gardens, spa and gym. Some rooms are swim up from the pool. Great Caribbean menu and lively bar. Charming, pretty and good value.
St Lucia
Inviting suites, studios & apartments on a hillside overlooking quaint Marigot Bay. Located around a sea-facing pool, contemporary & spacious self-catered apartments with vast terraces feel like home; breakfast can be included. Return from exploring & relax in lush gardens. A great-value base.
