10 Best Hotels in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

Glamping is a good way to describe the vibe here, especially if you book an eco-tent, complete with bunks, basic cooking gear, and electricity, or a cottage, sturdily built on concrete pads with beds, ceiling fans, kitchen utensils, electricity, and outdoor picnic tables. There are bare spots too for those who want to bring their own tent or rent one. Restrooms and showers, a small store, a restaurant, and water-sports rental right on the beach make for a complete campground resort.

You're a short walk from restaurants and shops at this waterfront location just outside Cruz Bay, but once you step into your condo, the hustle and bustle are left behind. The upper-level apartments have loft bedrooms and the best views. The harborside villas get better trade winds, but they're a tad noisier. Tropical rooms have wicker furniture, tile floors, and brightly colored spreads in colors that reflect the sea and sky. Solar power makes the energy you use here green. There is a small convenience store--coffee shop on property.

This small condominium complex with studio, two-, and three-bedroom apartments is a 10-minute walk from Cruz Bay, but it's insulated from the town's noise in a sleepy suburban neighborhood. You can swim and snorkel at the small beach or relax poolside and catch some rays. Rooms have a fresh feel; each is a little bit different in decor, with whites, blues, and greens predominating in the color scheme. Colorful artwork by St. John artist Elaine Estern graces the walls.

This off-the-beaten-path resort on the remote Salt Pond peninsula has a back-to-nature bent and a decent level of comfort. The casual, spacious villas have queen-size beds, kitchenettes, air-conditioning, and balconies with lovely sea views. Ecocabanas have a tree-house feel and are more modestly equipped with mini-refrigerators, kitchen utensils, and filtered rainwater showers; still, they have a bird's-eye view of Salt Pond Bay and the Caribbean Sea to the south. There's a pool, small gift shop, and a yoga pavilion on the premises.

Built among 18th-century stone ruins on a lushly planted hill overlooking Cruz Bay, Estate Lindholm has an enchanting setting—you'll feel as if you're out of the fray, but still near enough to run into town when you want. Rooms are sophisticated and have teak furniture that contrasts with crisp white fabrics. The sunset views from the pool deck provide a stunning end to your day.

Located in a middle-class residential neighborhood, this cozy, adults-only bed-and-breakfast is an easy walk from Cruz Bay, and it's perfect for folks who want to disconnect, as there are no in-room phones or TVs. White spreads and curtains provide pristine counterpoints to the blue and green hues in your room. Your hosts serve a delightful breakfast—piña colada French toast is a specialty—on the front deck.

Good for travelers on a budget, the Inn at Tamarind Court has rooms with rather pedestrian décor, but they're clean, and you can't beat the location, a five-minute walk from the heart of Cruz Bay's action. If you're up for a bit of a hike, you can even walk to the beach at Salomon Bay. Ask at the national park visitor center for directions. Single rooms share a bath, but the rest have private baths. The hotel's courtyard restaurant, filled with umbrella-covered tables, is popular with locals.

Located at the water's edge in a residential neighborhood, Sea Shore Allure combines attractive and modern décor with an easy, and safe, walk to Cruz Bay's restaurants and shops. Soundproof windows in the one-, two-, and three-bedroom units keep out noise from the marine traffic that passes the condominium complex. Each unit is outfitted with full kitchens and appliances. The property features a pool and outdoor hot tub.

This complex offers modern studio and one-bedroom apartments on lush grounds with lovely views (plus a shared pool) and makes a great pick for a budget stay in a residential locale. Although this is a property from the 1960s, the units don't feel dated. There are colorful spreads, fully equipped kitchens, and bookshelves filled with good vacation reads. You definitely need a car if you stay here, though; it's about 1 mile (1½ km) up a steep hill from Cruz Bay.

Spread over 47 acres adjacent to Great Cruz Bay, the island's largest resort has contemporary studios and villas done in earth tones, a nice sandy beach, and enough activities to keep you busy. That said, most guests rent a car for at least a couple of days to explore the area's many lovely beaches. Amenities include lushly planted gardens and a spacious pool with comfortable loungers. Even the hillside villas are only a seven-minute stroll from the sand.