Just east of Puerto Rico, the beautiful US Virgin Islands are a paradise for divers, sun-seekers and fans of the great outdoors. Accommodation options vary enormously, and include everything from simple B&Bs to swish seaside resorts. The group is made up of 50-odd islands and cays, but St Thomas — where the capital of Charlotte Amalie is located — St John and St Croix are the most popular. Our pick of the best places to stay in the US Virgin Islands features beautiful properties on all three of these larger islands. Regular regular ferries from St Thomas make it possible to visit all three during your time in the Caribbean, if you choose to do so!

St. Thomas is the group’s main island. Once a notorious pirate enclave and later a thriving trading port, the island now attracts high-end cruise ship crowds. These extra visitors ensure that St Thomas boasts an excellent selection of boutiques, chic restaurants and trendy bars. There are also striking beaches, ample water sports opportunities and activities aplenty on land, too. Nearby Water Island is fun for a day trip! Base yourself here for a fun and lively holiday.

Easily accessible by ferry, St. John has a very different feel. The Virgin Islands National Park covers two-thirds of this laid-back and very leafy island, making it a brilliant pick for wildlife or adventure enthusiasts. There are some great coastal campsites as well as small B&Bs, and we’re big fans of an eco-lodge on the south-east coast.

Larger and flatter, St. Croix sits 40 miles to the south. The pretty historic towns of Christiansted and Frederiksted are wonderful to explore on foot, and the island features smaller beach hotels. Once again, it is fabulous for diving and snorkelling, as well as cycling, horse riding and hiking. Don’t miss Buck Island Reef National Monument if you’re keen to marvel at the region’s rich marine life.

These islands are understandably popular — especially with holidaymakers from the USA. The best places to stay in the US Virgin Islands fill up fast during the festive season and over the school holidays, so book your trip well in advance!

The Best Places to Stay on The US Virgin Islands

For Historic Charm

• Company House Hotel offers 33 elegant rooms in a recently restored 18th-century building. Pick this place for the sense of history, comfortable bedrooms and inviting courtyard pool. An ideal base for exploring historic Christiansted as a family or couple.
• Estate Lindholm is perched on a hillside just north of St John's Cruz Bay. Set in the grounds of an old Danish estate, many of the 14 guestrooms have superb sea views, classic four-poster beds and big balconies. Cool off in the pool before heading into town. A tranquil couples' retreat.

For an Intimate B&B

• Garden by the Sea B&B has just three romantic guestrooms, with characterful furnishings and bold blue and green-painted walls. A gorgeous spot to kick back and relax within sight of the sea on St John.
• Carringtons Inn is an intimate, adults-only B&B with just four pastel-coloured rooms and one suite. Expect big breakfasts, a lovely pool and pretty views from the tranquil hillside location, just inland of Christiansted on St Croix.

For Families or Groups

• Tamarind Reef Resort is a laid-back St Croix beach hotel with landscaped gardens, four tennis courts, two restaurants and a plethora of land & sea-based activities. Great for families, spacious guestrooms are traditionally-decorated and have private, ocean-facing balconies. Friendly and affordable.
• Sandcastle on the Beach features 21 bright studios, suites and villas, some of which have two bedrooms. With two swimming pools, a great seafood restaurant and direct beach access, this is a fun mini-resort for a family or couples' trip. Close to Frederiksted, on the west coast of St Croix.
• Pavilions & Pools is a collection of 25 villas set in tropical gardens, not far from Lindquist Beach on St Thomas. Multi-room villas are ideal for families or groups, and feature private BBQ areas, swimming pools, terraces and well-equipped kitchens. The hotel has its own restaurant, and there are plenty more nearby. A great choice for independent-minded families or friends.
• Bolongo Bay offers simple, comfortable accommodation overlooking the ocean in the south of St Thomas. Two-bedroom apartments sleep up to four guests, and the resort has tennis courts, a swimming pool, great watersports and three restaurants. There are also excellent sailing lessons! For active families or groups.
• Coconut Coast Villas offers a collection of self-catering waterfront apartments in a quiet part of Cruz Bay. With up to three bedrooms, the larger apartments are perfect for families and groups. There are pretty balconies, as well as a shared swimming pool and hot tub. Very relaxed.

For Nature Lovers

• Concordia Eco Resort sits in a secluded location on St John's southeast coast, within the Virgin Islands National Park. Pick this place for the striking seaside setting, charming tents & simple studios, as well as the appealingly laid-back vibe. A rustic hideaway for nature lovers.

For Luxury

• The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort promises a very special St Croix stay. Rooms, suites and cottages have a classic Caribbean feel, and there are eight tennis courts, three pools, an 18-hole golf course, a superb spa and three restaurants. A wonderful luxury resort for families, couples and keen golfers, set on 340 oceanfront acres.
• Gallows Point Resort is a luxurious beach property with panoramic views of sparkling blue waters. Spacious rooms and suites feature stylish, Caribbean-inspired interiors, there are great watersports, a swimming pool, sundecks and a lively bar for sundowners. An indulgent choice.
• The Ritz Carlton promises a fantastically indulgent stay on a 30-acre tropical estate on St Thomas. 155 sophisticated rooms and suites share four gourmet restaurants, a sumptuous spa and health club, tennis courts, mutliple swimming pools, top-notch yachts and access to a private beach. A lavish escape for romantic couples or families.

For Great Value

• St John Inn is a colourful guesthouse in the heart of St John's Cruz Bay. The 10 rooms and suites are simple and brightly painted, with space for families or small groups. Kick back in a hammock, take a dip in the pool, or cook fresh seafood on the outdoor grill in the evenings. Close to Cruz Bay's many eateries. A very affordable choice.
• Chenay Bay Beach Resort on St Croix promises a fun, good value family holiday at the seaside, with flexible accommodation in stone cottages, as well as a large infinity pool, a tennis court, snorkelling gear and kayaks. Cottages are self-catering, and there's also an onsite restaurant.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR VILLA

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to US Virgin Islands?

• Fly to St Thomas' Cyril E. King Airport, or to St Croix's Henry E Rohlson International Airport. Both St John and St Croix are also accessible by ferry from St Thomas.
• To explore any of the islands in your own rental car, contact our online partner Rentalcars.
• Expect balmy temperatures of around 25-30°C throughout the year. Peak season is between mid-December and mid-April and there can be lots of cruise ships arriving at St Thomas in particular. Travel between mid-April and June for great hotel deals and fewer crowds.
• The rainy season lasts from June to November, with hurricanes most likely to arrive in August and September. It's best to avoid these months.

Still not sure?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in St Thomas.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in the British Virgin Islands.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in US Virgin Islands