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

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.

Built among old 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. The location puts you close to Cruz Bay's restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. Rooms are sophisticated, with crisp white spreads accented by teak furniture. The sunset views from the pool deck provide a stunning end to your day.

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.

Located in a middle-class residential neighborhood, this adults-only, cozy bed-and-breakfast is an easy walk from Cruz Bay, and it's perfect for folks who enjoy peace and quiet: there are no phones or TVs in the rooms. 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 decor, 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 decor 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.

This complex offers modern studio and 1-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 thanks to recent renovations. 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.

The island's largest resort, spread over 47 acres and adjacent to Great Cruz Bay, provides a nice beachfront location 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, a white sandy beach that beckons sunbathers, and a spacious pool with comfortable loungers. The attractive rooms have an earth-tone color scheme. Those strung out behind the beach put you closest to the water, but even the hillside villas are only a seven-minute stroll from the sand.