Hotels in St. John, USVI

The number of accommodations on St. John is limited, and that's how most die-hard fans would like to keep it. There are four basic types of choices here: luxury resorts, condominiums and villas, guesthouses, and campgrounds. Prices are often slashed in summer by 30% to 60%.

Chances are that your location will be determined by your choice of resort. However, if you're dependent on public transportation and want to make one or two trips to St. Thomas by ferry, Cruz Bay is the most convenient place to stay. It also offers easy access to shopping, bars, and restaurants if you want to walk.

Condos & Villas

Villa vacations are on the rise in St. John for travelers who want a home away from home. There are actually more villa and condo beds available on St. John than there are hotel beds. These units offer spaciousness and comfort, as well as privacy and freedom, and they often come with fully equipped kitchens, dining areas, bedrooms, and such amenities as VCRs and patio grills. Rentals range from large multiroom resort homes to simply decorated one-bedroom condos.

Caribbean Villas & Resorts, P.O. Box 458, St. John, U.S.V.I. 00831 (tel. 800/338-0987 or 340/776-6152; fax 207/510-6308 in the U.S.; www.caribbeanvilla.com), the island's biggest real estate agency, is an excellent choice if you're seeking a villa, condo, or private home. Most condos go for between $125 and $295 per night, though private homes are more expensive. Villa rentals begin at $1,750 per week.

Family-Friendly Accommodations

Caneel Bay -- The resort's children's center, which caters to children ages 3 to 12, features arts and crafts, themed days, family vacation packages, activity-filled programs, and special kids menus.

Coconut Coast Villas -- This is one of the best places for families with up to six guests, because units have two to three bedrooms, with fully equipped kitchens for preparing your own meals to cut down on food costs.

Cinnamon Bay Campground -- Tents or cottages come with cooking gear at this National Park Service site.

Maho Bay Camp -- The tents in this laid-back hideaway are really more like small canvas houses with kitchen areas and sun decks.

Suite St. John at Lavender Hill Estates -- Families often save money by staying at one of these condos. There's a swimming pool, and units have fully equipped kitchens. Children age 11 and under stay free in their parent's room; older kids are charged $35 extra per night.

Westin St. John Resort & Villas -- Kids will love the giant pool, expansive beach, and varied dining choices at this luxury resort.