Where to Stay in the US Virgin Islands • 3 TOP Islands

A coastal town with numerous white sailboats anchored in a calm bay. Several houses and buildings are nestled among lush greenery with a dramatic, cloudy sky overhead.

These beautiful islands in the Caribbean are a paradise for divers, beaches, and nature lovers. And because they’re a part of the US, American tourists don’t need a passport to come here! All that’s left for you to decide is where to stay in the US Virgin Islands – and I’m here to help.

I’ve researched and compared all the US Virgin Islands (USVI for short) and highlighted the 3 top islands. Even though there are 4 main islands in the US Virgin Islands, Water Island is essentially a private island for its inhabitants, with no good hotels or tourist facilities. But that still leaves us with 3 amazing options!

The best place to stay in US Virgin Islands is the island of St. Thomas, home to the capital city of the archipelago and some amazing beaches.

In each section, you’ll find a carefully curated list of the best hotels and resorts. By the way, I highly recommend booking your accommodations in advance to get the best deals on top-rated properties.

Let’s dive in already!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Eager to book your US Virgin Islands vacation? Then have a look at the list below, with the best hotels and resorts in St. Thomas:

luxury hotel

A modern bedroom features a wooden canopy bed with white bedding and patterned pillows. A throw blanket is draped over the end of the bed. The room includes a large window and wall decorations.

THE RITZ-CARLTON

Best luxury hotel

Check price

mid-range hotel

A hillside infinity pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas overlooks a scenic ocean view with distant islands and boats.

MAFOLIE HOTEL

Best value for money

Check price

budget hotel

A hotel room with two beds, striped bedding, two bedside tables with lamps, a small seating area near a window, and light yellow walls.

The Green Iguana Hotel

Best affordable accommodation in the center

Check price

Contents

Quick Picks for Your Stay
1. St. Thomas – where to stay in USVI for first-timers
2. St. John – where to stay in the Virgin Islands for nature
3. St. Croix – best area in the US Virgin Islands for history
BONUS 1: Best hotels on the beach in the US Virgin Islands
BONUS 2: Best adults-only resorts in the Virgin Islands
FAQs about where to stay in the US Virgin Islands
Final words on where to stay in the US Virgin Islands

Take a look at this map of the 3 best places to stay in the US Virgin Islands to help you visualize where you’ll be staying:

Map highlighting recommended areas to stay in the US Virgin Islands: 1. St. Thomas (Charlotte Amalie), 2. St. John, and 3. St. Croix (Christiansted), with ferry routes and travel times indicated.

St. Thomas: for first-timers
St. John: for nature lovers
St. Croix: for history lovers

1. St. Thomas – where to stay in USVI for first-timers

Aerial view of a harbor with multiple cruise ships docked, surrounded by mountains and buildings, and a blue ocean with smaller boats.

Who’s in the mood for a holiday where you can lay on the white sand beach all day long, drink cocktails at noon, and swim in the bluest waters? You can get all of this – and more – on the lively island of St. Thomas, the best place to stay in the US Virgin Islands if you’re visiting for the first time.

This destination is famous for its cruise ships, which dock in Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the Virgin Islands. Thanks to its popularity, St. Thomas is also the busiest out of all the US Virgin Islands, and it’s also one of the safest Caribbean islands to visit.

St. Thomas is an upscale holiday destination that tourists love for its wide range of attractions, such as scuba diving, beaches, and stunning coral gardens. There are also many tours from St. Thomas, as well as a ferry to the island of St. John, so you can have a holiday packed with activities.

There’s plenty to do in St. Thomas, so I highly recommend renting a car and exploring all the top attractions and beaches. This also applies to the other islands – St. John and St. Croix – as it will give you the freedom to visit everything you want, regardless of where you’re staying.

You can start in the capital, Charlotte Amalie, where you should visit Bluebeard’s Castle (map) and Fort Christian (map) – both important historical landmarks.

View of a coastal hillside with numerous houses surrounded by lush greenery. Multiple sailboats are anchored in the calm blue waters in the foreground.

From the city, you can move on to the island’s best beaches – Sapphire Beach (map) and Magens Bay Beach (map) are 2 of the most popular beaches on the island, and I highly recommend you visit both.

If you’re traveling with family, there are plenty of cool ways to spend your time and keep the kids entertained. The Tree Limin’ Extreme Zipline is one of the island’s most popular attractions and guaranteed fun. Other family-friendly spots on the island are the Coral World Ocean Park and the Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden – fun and educational at the same time!

The island also has plenty of amazing restaurants where you can enjoy local and international cuisine, so you won’t have any trouble finding a spot for a nice dinner.

Luxury hotel

The Ritz-Carlton

Aerial view of a beachfront resort with a marina, outdoor pools, and palm trees. Adjacent images show an elegant white bedroom with modern decor and a balcony with ocean views.

A short distance away from the beach, this 5-star resort offers 2 swimming pools, a spa and wellness center, and a spacious room with a balcony. During your stay here, you can make use of the fitness center, dine at one of the 4 restaurants, or hit the tennis court to show off your skills.

Check price

Other accommodation options in St. Thomas

Mid-Range

A vibrant yellow building with blue accents stands next to a pool with outdoor seating and surrounding palm trees.

Mafolie Hotel

Offering free breakfast and a pool, this 3-star hotel also features air-conditioned rooms and free parking

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Budget

A bright, single-room lodging with two beds, bedside tables, two lamps, a small seating area, and a dining table with chairs. The room has tile flooring and walls painted in light colors.

The Green Iguana Hotel

This affordable place in St. Thomas has many facilities, including family rooms with air conditioning and a pool

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Airbnb

View of a resort featuring a central pool surrounded by greenery and buildings, with a clear blue sky and ocean visible in the background.

Sunshine Daydream

Wake up to a fantastic sight of the sea at this home with a swimming pool and a private balcony

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Things to do in Saint Thomas

Explore the city of Charlotte Amalie and visit Bluebeard’s Castle and Fort Christian
Take the ferry to St. John and explore the island on a day trip
Relax on the white sand at Sapphire Beach and Magens Bay Beach
Take the kids ziplining at the Tree Limin’ Extreme Zipline
Join a mangrove kayak tour in St. Thomas
See the unique marine life at the Coral World Ocean Park
Admire the flowers at the Phantasea Tropical Botanical Gard
Take the Skyride to Paradise Point and enjoy the views from the top

2. St. John – where to stay in the Virgin Islands for nature

A coastal town with colorful buildings and lush greenery surrounds a bay filled with numerous sailboats and yachts, set against a backdrop of clear blue water and distant islands.

Looking to spend as much time hiking in nature as possible during this trip to the US Virgin Islands? Then St. John is the place for you! Just a 45-min ferry ride from St. Thomas, this lush and serene island is not as crowded as St. Thomas, so you can have a relaxing holiday, both lounging on the beach and exploring the surrounding nature.

A big chunk of the island is protected as it’s part of the Virgin Islands National Park (map), a large area that encompasses a forest, mangroves, beaches, and coral reefs. This is the best spot on the island for outdoor activities; you can go hiking or snorkeling within the park or try both!

A few hiking trails also go from the beach to the mountainous area in Virgin Islands National Park, where the views are spectacular, so you really have the best of both worlds here!

This island is so beautiful, and although you won’t find as many attractions as you would in St. Thomas, trust me, it’s totally worth your time. You can disconnect from the world and chill on the beach at Trunk Bay (map) and do some snorkeling to admire the vibrant marine life!

Waterfront view with a dock labeled "St. John," buildings, palm trees, boats, and clear blue water under a partly cloudy sky.

TIP: If you don’t want to spend your entire vacation on one island, you can always split your time between 2 (or even 3) islands. So, if both St. John and St. Thomas seem appealing to you, you can spend a few nights on St. Thomas, then move on to St. John or even St. Croix!

Plus, the great Cruz Bay, the largest town on the island, has plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment spots, including a casino! Also, this is where you’ll find the Cruz Bay Ferry Dock (map), from here you can catch a ferry to St. Thomas.

To fully enjoy the island, it’s a good idea to rent a car and drive to the top attractions. If you’re continuing your trip from St. Thomas, you can bring the same rental car to St. John – just check whether it’s allowed! Some car rental companies don’t allow taking their cars over on the ferry, so be sure to ask. If it’s not allowed, you can just get another rental in St. John!

Now, let’s check out the best hotels in St. John, USVI!

Luxury hotel

The Westin St. John

Collage showing a resort's exterior with palm trees at sunset and two interior images: a modern dining area and a bedroom with a large window.

Overlooking the beach, the resort offers comfortable rooms and private villas, as well as access to a pool and 3 restaurants. Other perks of staying here include room service, airport transfers, an on-site ATM, and gym access.

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Other accommodation options in St. John

Mid-Range

A balcony with a white chair overlooks a tropical scene with palm trees, a beach, and a docked ship. A wooden pergola provides shade overhead.

Wharfside Village Hotel

A short walk away from Cruz Bay Beach, this comfortable hotel features an on-site casino and a shopping mall

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Budget

A small, bright yellow room with a double bed, green nightstand, built-in shelves, and a kitchenette featuring a stove, sink, and white cabinets. Large windows allow natural light to stream in.

Lameshur Cottage’s Guest House

A great choice for budget travelers, this property offers cottages with queen-sized beds and a full kitchen

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Airbnb

A small house with a red roof, stone wall accents, and a gravel yard featuring a white patio umbrella and outdoor furniture set. Trees surround the area, and the sky is clear.

Caribbean Style Cottage

You’ll love this cozy cottage, perfect for 2 people in St. John, that has a comfortable bed and a backyard

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Things to do in St. John

Explore the beautiful Virgin Islands National Park
Go snorkeling at Trunk Bay
Spend a relaxing day at Hansen Bay Beach (map) or Honeymoon Beach (map)
Spend a fun night in Cruz Bay
Join a boat tour around St. John
Visit the Catherineberg Estate Ruins (map)

3. St. Croix – best area in the US Virgin Islands for history

A panoramic view of a coastal town with a dock extending into clear blue water, surrounded by lush green hills and various buildings, including a large red structure and white-roofed buildings.

Want to combine your 2 favorite things this holiday: history and beach time? Then head over to St. Croix, another beautiful US Virgin Island and the largest island out Want to combine your 2 favorite things this holiday: history and beach time? Head over to St. Croix, the largest island of the 4 islands in the archipelago and the best place to stay in the Virgin Islands for history buffs. Located a 2-hour ferry ride away from St. Thomas, this tranquil island offers everything you need for a memorable holiday.

Although the island is bigger, it surely doesn’t get as many tourists as St. Thomas, which is a great thing because, let’s face it, we all want some peace and quiet during our holidays.

St. Croix is home to many historical places, most notably the Christiansted National Historic Site (map) and Fort Frederik (map), 2 very significant places in the island’s history. The island’s rich history comes as no surprise, seeing as Christiansted, the largest town on the island, was the former capital city of the Danish West Indies!

On your visit to Christiansted, take some time to walk around the Christiansted Boardwalk (map) and enjoy the stunning ocean views. In the evening, you can enjoy a lovely dinner at one of the many Christiansted restaurants – I recommend Savant (map) for its delicious food, as well as the lovely atmosphere.

A waterfront scene with a dockside restaurant featuring red umbrellas and patrons dining. Boats are moored along the water, and buildings with palm trees are in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

But at one point or another, I’m sure all you’ll want to do is sit on a white sandy beach or by the large infinity pool of your hotel and admire those stunning views. And yes, there are plenty of beaches and bays on the island, like Rainbow Beach (map) and Cane Bay Beach (map).

Another cool thing to do is take a day trip to St. Thomas! The Native Son Ferry provides connections between the islands on select days, specifically on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. So, if these days work for you, I suggest you make the trip out to St. Thomas!

Even though there’s public transport on the island, the better choice is renting a car, so you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace. And if you’re coming from St. Thomas, keep in mind that you can’t bring your rental over to St. Croix; the ferry is designed for island-hopping, i.e., people only, so as soon as you arrive, you’ll need to rent a different car.

Luxury hotel

The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort

Collage of a tropical beach resort including a pool area with ocean views, a bedroom with a balcony, and an aerial view of the resort and surroundings.

This all-inclusive beachfront resort offers so many luxurious amenities that you won’t want to leave it! With tennis courts, 5 restaurants, its own golf course, and a private beach area, this accommodation can’t be missed! The rooms are super spacious and have private balconies. During the day you can relax in the swimming pools and hit the fitness center.

Check price

Other accommodation options in St. Croix

Mid-Range

A cozy bedroom with a wooden ceiling fan, a bed with white and gray linens, a decorative wall hanging, a mirror, bedside lamps, a wicker bench, and light-colored curtains.

The Waves at Cane Bay

Featuring a unique decor with brown aesthetics, this St. Croix hotel has comfortable rooms and a private beach

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Budget

A bright yellow courtyard with patio furniture, red umbrellas, and potted plants. Two levels with white railings surround the space. A lounge chair and side table are in the foreground.

Caravelle Hotel

A modern hotel equipped with all the necessary facilities like air-conditioned rooms, a restaurant, and a bar

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Airbnb

House with large windows, a palm tree, and a pool overlooking a vast body of water and blue sky in the background.

Spectacular View

You’ll love the ocean views of this place – it has lots of space, large windows, and a swimming pool

Check price

Things to do in St.Croix

Visit the Christiansted National Historic Site and Fort Frederik
Walk along the Christiansted Boardwalk and end the day with dinner at Savant
Go scuba diving at Cane Bay Beach
Spend a fun day at St. George Village Botanical Gardens
Sunbathe on the white sands at Rainbow Beach
Take the Native Son Ferry to St. Thomas
Go out to Hams Bluff Lighthouse (map), enjoy the view, and snap some photos

👑 Luxury price:	US$600
💵 Mid-range:	US$350
🛏️ Budget:	US$200
📍 Best area:	Saint Thomas
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	The Ritz-Carlton
🧳 Best mid-range hotel:	Mafolie Hotel
👛 Best budget hotel:	The Green Iguana Hotel

BONUS 1: Best hotels on the beach in the US Virgin Islands

Aerial view of a coastal resort with multiple buildings on a rocky shoreline, a central swimming pool, and surrounding greenery, set against a backdrop of blue ocean and distant hills.

Let’s face it: hotels on the beach have it all! Great views, proximity to the ocean, you might even feel the ocean breeze up in your room! Although there aren’t so many accommodations right on the beach in the US Virgin Islands (more reason to book in advance), I’ve found 6 amazing ones that I’m sure you’ll love!

So let’s check them out:

The Hideaway Hull Bay – this upscale farm stay in St. Thomas is located right by the ocean and features a beach bar, a garden, and an outdoor pool. Other perks of staying here include free self-parking and concierge services.
Limetree Beach Resort – a St. Thomas beachfront property offering 3-star service and accommodation in spacious studios and 1-bedrooms condos. You can also swim in the pool or lounge on the private beach.
Gallows Point Resort – a short distance away from Honeymoon Bay Beach on St. John, this 4-star resort has an outdoor swimming pool, a hot tub, and a fitness center. You’ll also benefit from shuttle services and a 24-hour front desk.
Grande Bay Resort – in a great location, overlooking the beautiful Cruz Bay on St. John, this resort offers spacious rooms with a living area and a balcony with views of the ocean!
Tamarind Reef Resort Spa & Marina – a St. Croix resort with a private beach, offering free beach cabanas, a poolside bar, spa services, an 18-hole golf course, and a restaurant where you can enjoy dinner with an ocean view.
Grapetree Bay Hotel & Villas – this St. Croix hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms and beachfront villas, plus offers facilities like a swimming pool, a spa, and free self-parking.

BONUS 2: Best adults-only resorts in the Virgin Islands

Aerial view of a resort featuring white buildings with red roofs, outdoor seating under umbrellas, a tiered pool, and palm trees.

Maybe you just want to relax without any kids around. That’s okay; I’ve got you covered! There are many amazing USVI resorts for adults only, but I chose only the best of the best to ensure you have a great stay!

The Fred – this adults-only hotel in Frederiksted offers beachfront accommodations where each room includes a desk, private bathroom, and microwave. Guests can also enjoy a terrace and nearby activities like snorkeling and hiking.
The Pink Palm Hotel – located in Charlotte Amalie this resort offers a 3-star escape near Morningstar Beach. The hotel features an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, a continental breakfast, and a hot tub.
Sand Castle on the Beach – located on Frederiksted Beach, this hotel offers studios with Caribbean decor, pools, a gym, and dining at the Beach Side Café. Water activities are easily accessible through the reception desk.

Check the rates

FAQs about where to stay in the US Virgin Islands

Aerial view of a harbor with multiple cruise ships docked near a coastal town surrounded by green hills and islands.

📍 What island is best to stay on in US Virgin Islands?

The best area to stay in the US Virgin Islands is St. Thomas. Here, you’ll find the capital city of the islands, plenty of attractions and stunning beaches, plus amazing hotels like The Ritz-Carlton and the Mafolie Hotel.

🏖️ Which US Virgin Island has the best beaches?

All the islands have incredible beaches, but you’ll find some of the most amazing ones on St. John. The island is home to some truly stunning beaches, like Trunk Bay, Hansen Bay Beach, and Honeymoon Beach.

☀️ What is the best time to visit the Virgin Islands?

April to June is the best time to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands. During that time the weather is perfect, with pleasant temperatures and without much rain.

📅 How many days do I need in the U.S. Virgin Islands?

The ideal amount of time for your vacation on the US Virgin Islands is 7 days. This should be enough time to relax and explore the island where you’ll be staying but also take day trips to the other islands in the archipelago.

🏨 Which are the best US Virgin Islands hotels on the beach?

The Hideaway Hull Bay on St. Thomas and Grande Bay Resort on St. Croix are some of the best hotels on the beach in the US Virgin Islands. Both accommodations offer amazing facilities and great ocean views.

👪 What is the best place to vacation in the Virgin Islands for families?

St. John offers the best family-friendly vacation experience in the Virgin Islands with its pristine beaches, hiking trails, and the enchanting Virgin Islands National Park. There are also amazing family-friendly hotels, such as The Westin St. John and the Wharfside Village Hotel.

🏝️ Which US Virgin Island is the least touristy?

St. Croix is the least touristy island – it’s a bit further away from the popular St. Thomas, and the ferry doesn’t run every day. However, there are many things to do and great hotels, like The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort and The Waves at Cane Bay.

💑 Which USVI island offers the most intimate atmosphere for couples?

St. Croix, known for its quiet charm, historic sites, and uncrowded beaches, is the top choice for couples seeking an intimate and tranquil USVI getaway.

✅ What is the safest island in the U.S. Virgin Islands?

All of the US Virgin Islands are quite safe, but St. Thomas, the most popular destination, is considered to be the safest island in this archipelago.

Final words on where to stay in the US Virgin Islands

A sailboat on water near a coastline with several red-roofed buildings, under a cloudy sky at sunset.

I’m so happy you decided to stick with me until the end of this guide on where to stay in the US Virgin Islands. I hope I helped you in choosing the best island and picking the perfect hotel for your stay.

There are lots of hotel options in this post, so here are my top 2 favorite hotels, both located in St. Thomas:

The Ritz-Carlton – an upscale beachfront hotel with 2 pools, spa services, and an amazing restaurant
Mafolie Hotel – this comfortable hotel near the beach offers a complimentary breakfast, access to a pool, and free parking

Remember what I said about booking in advance! Whether you’re planning on staying in all-inclusive resorts or budget accommodations, you need to hurry up and make a reservation. And if you’re unsure about booking so far ahead, many of these hotels offer free cancelation, so it’s risk-free!

By the way, if you have any questions about the US Virgin Islands and where to stay, you can leave me a comment below, and I’ll get you an answer as soon as possible!

Safe travels,

Victoria

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