Tips on Accommodations

Resorts and hotels in the Virgin Islands offer package deals galore, and though they have many disadvantages, the deals are always cheaper than rack rates. It's always best to consult a reliable travel agent to find out what's available in the way of land-and-air packages before booking accommodations.

There is no rigid classification of hotel properties on the islands. The word "deluxe" is often used, or misused, when "first-class" might be more appropriate. "First-class" itself isn't always what it's touted to be. For that and other reasons, we've presented fairly detailed descriptions of the properties, so that you'll get an idea of what to expect. However, even in the deluxe and first-class properties, don't expect top-rate service and efficiency. Life here moves pretty slowly, and that can have its disadvantages.

The facilities available at hotels in the Virgin Islands vary widely. All the big, first-class hotels have swimming pools and are usually located on or near a beach. If you book at less expensive accommodations, you can often pay a small fee to use the facilities of a larger, more expensive resort.

The good news: During the off season (from mid-Apr to mid-Dec) hotels slash prices 25% to 50%.

The West Indian Guesthouse -- Most Caribbean natives stay in guesthouses when they travel to the Virgin Islands. Many of these lodgings are comfortable, with private bathrooms in each room, air-conditioning or ceiling fans, and swimming pools. Don't expect the luxuries of a first-class resort, but for the money the guesthouse can't be beat. The guesthouses we've recommended in this guide are clean and comfortable.

Renting Your Own Villa or Vacation Home

Looking for something a little different? You might decide to rent a villa, condo, apartment, or cottage for your Virgin Islands vacation.

Private apartments and cottages are more no-frills options than villas and condos. Most can be rented with or without maid service. Cottages usually contain a simple bedroom with a small kitchen and bathroom. Many open onto a beach, while others are clustered around a communal swimming pool. If you're planning your trip for the high season, reservations should be made at least 5 to 6 months in advance.

Sometimes local tourist offices will advise you on vacation home rentals if you write or call them directly. In addition, dozens of agencies throughout the United States and Canada offer rentals in the Virgin Islands. Here are some of the best:

At Home Abroad, 405 E. 56th St., Suite 6H, New York, NY 10022 (tel. 212/421-9165; www.athomeabroadinc.com), has a roster of private homes, villas, and condos for rent in St. Thomas, St. John, Tortola, and Virgin Gorda; maid service is included in the price.

Caribbean Connection, P.O. Box 261, Trumbull, CT 06611 (tel. 203/261-8603; www.islandhoppingexperts.com), offers island-hopping itineraries and a variety of accommodations, including condos and villas. It specializes in the less developed Caribbean islands. The best part about Caribbean Connection is that it caters to four different budgets: shoestring, comfortable, deluxe, and fantasy.

Hideaways International, 767 Islington St., Portsmouth, NH 03801 (tel. 800/843-4433 or 603/430-4433; www.hideaways.com), has rentals ranging from cottages to villas to entire islands. In most cases, you deal directly with the owners. The company also arranges specialty cruises, yacht charters, airline tickets, rental cars, and hotel reservations. Annual membership is $145.

In the U.K., browse the options offered through Holiday Rentals (tel. 020/8740-3865; www.holiday-rentals.co.uk).

Island Villas, 340 Strand St., Frederiksted, St. Croix, U.S.V.I. 00840 (tel. 800/626-4512 or 340/772-0420; www.stcroixislandvillas.com), offers some of the best properties on St. Croix, specializing in villas, condos, and private homes, many of which are on the beach. One- to seven-bedroom units are available, with prices from $1,200 to $15,000 per week.

Villas of Distinction, P.O. Box 55, Armonk, NY 10504 (tel. 800/289-0900; www.villasofdistinction.com), offers "complete vacations," including car rental and domestic help. Its private villas have one to six bedrooms, and almost every villa has a swimming pool.

Renting Your Own Island

Extremely well-heeled escapists can look into renting a private island in the British Virgin Islands. Here's what's up for grabs:

Necker Island (tel. 800/557-4255; www.necker.com): This 30-hectare (74-acre) hideaway is enveloped by its own unpolluted coral reef. It's owned by Richard Branson (of Virgin Atlantic Airways), who is well-acquainted with its trio of sugar-white beaches. When he's not around, he leases the entire island to friends like Eddie Murphy. At the core of the island is a 10-bedroom villa, surrounded by three one-bedroom guesthouses. Sun pours into the lush tropical garden, which has a private freshwater pool and Jacuzzi. The daily rate is $22,500 to $36,000, depending on the number of guests, and includes food, drinks, and activities (tennis, snorkeling, windsurfing, boating, and sea kayaking, to name a few) for up to 26 people.

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Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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				Frommer's Virgin Islands, 9th Edition Author: Darwin Porter Pub Date: August 27, 2007 Price: $17.99				Related Titles: Bahamas For Dummies, 4th Edition Caribbean For Dummies, 4th Edition Frommer's Bahamas 2009