Let's face it: Bargain hotel rooms in Provo are few and far between (you can still find affordable lodging on the other islands, however; see below). Keep in mind that one way to save on hotel rates is by taking advantage of the special packages advertised on most hotel websites, offering decreased rates and extra perks with extended stays. You can also find hotel (and hotel/air) packages on popular travel-booking websites like Expedia and Travelocity, particularly in the off-season (mid-Apr to Nov). And don't forget to look into villa rentals. Here are my choices for the best of the islands' less-expensive accommodations.

  • Sibonné Beach Hotel, Grace Bay, Provo (www.sibonne.com): A stay here means a room just steps away from the waters of Grace Bay for a steal. Small and charming Sibonné is one of the oldest resorts on Grace Bay, and its rooms -- all of which have sea views, by the way -- are nothin' fancy but nicely appointed. But the real steal is the oceanfront apartment with full kitchen and two patios -- one screened and one open, each with the same meltingly lovely view of Grace Bay that many of its pricier neighbors share.
  • Ports of Call, Grace Bay, Provo (www.portsofcallresort.com): This is a very good deal indeed, with solid rooms, complimentary breakfast, barbecue grills, and a lovely central pool courtyard. It's not beachside, but it's just 1 block from Grace Bay and you're within walking range of many restaurants. If you've got family and friends in tow, ask about the three-bedroom villas.
  • Hollywood Beach Suites, Whitby Beach, North Caicos (www.hollywoodbeachsuites.com): Four suites, right on the gin-clear turquoise waters of Whitby Beach, each with fully equipped kitchens and ocean views. Cook your day's catch on the barbecue grills and join other guests on the large oceanfront deck.   
  • Pelican Beach Hotel, Pelican Beach, North Caicos (tel. 649/946-7112): The price is right at this small, comfortable spot smack-dab on Pelican Point. Rooms are admittedly nothing special, but the beach is grand -- and the food in the onsite Barracude Bar & Restaurant is superb home-style island fare.
  • Osprey Beach Hotel, Duke Street, Grand Turk (www.ospreybeachhotel.com): You're in the thick of the Duke Street action, yet just steps away from the solitude of the island's southwestern beach. Many of the 32 rooms have four-poster beds and cool white linens, and all are large and clean; those in the main section have private oceanfront patios. You'll see lots of familiar faces from all over the island around the pool restaurant nightly.
  • Island House, Lighthouse Road, Grand Turk (www.islandhouse.tc): The late British-born owner, Colin Brooker, was charm personified, and his small inn (five suites) exemplified gracious island hospitality. Perched on a Grand Turk hilltop, the inn has killer views of the sea and the island's sloping green bluffs. The freshwater pool is set in a lovely courtyard framed in tropical vegetation. You aren't on the beach, but the inn provides all guests with a vehicle to get around the island and complimentary use of bikes.
  • Bohio Dive Resort, Front Street, Grand Turk (https://bohioresort.com): Set in a prime location on beautiful Pillory Beach, this hotel has spacious and clean rooms (the suites have kitchenettes); ask about the reasonable dive/lodging packages. The good onsite restaurant, Guanahani, overlooks the beach.

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.