The Ultimate List: Top 10 Hotels in the US Virgin Islands

1. The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas (St. Thomas)

Best For: Unapologetic Luxury and Pampering Island: St. Thomas

Let’s just get this one out of the way. When you hear “Ritz-Carlton,” you expect a certain level of fabulous, and this property does not disappoint. Perched on a 30-acre estate overlooking the stunning Great Bay, this resort is a masterclass in luxury. After a massive renovation, it’s more beautiful than ever. With an adults-only infinity pool, a family pool with a waterslide, four restaurants, and a luxury catamaran for sunset sails, the only reason to leave is to remind yourself what the real world looks like. (Spoiler: it’s less impressive.)

TripAdvisor Review: “We loved the Ritz at St. Thomas. The pool is absolutely incredible. Poolside treats and snacks made our stay in the sun… I’ve stayed at luxury hotels around the world, and this is the best service and most comfortable bed and elegant surroundings…”

2. The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort (St. Croix)

Best For: Historic Charm, Families, and Golfers Island: St. Croix

“Beautiful views in every direction, amazing beaches, and delicious dining. The staff are wonderful.”

Welcome to a legend. As the Caribbean’s longest-running resort (opened in 1947!), The Buccaneer has had plenty of time to perfect the art of hospitality. This iconic pink palace is set on 340 lush acres and boasts three separate beaches, an 18-hole golf course, eight tennis courts, and a full-service spa. It’s family-owned and operated, and you feel that warmth. It’s historic without being stuffy, and luxurious without being pretentious. It’s the kind of place you return to year after year.

Expedia Review: “Beautiful views in every direction, amazing beaches, and delicious dining. The staff are wonderful. From the seamless reservation process to the warm welcome at check-in, this hotel gets everything right.”

3. Gallows Point Resort (St. John)

Best For: Breathtaking Views and Walk-to-Town Convenience Island: St. John

If your dream vacation involves watching the sunset over the ocean from your private balcony with a drink in hand, book Gallows Point. This resort is set on a 5-acre peninsula with jaw-dropping, panoramic views of Cruz Bay and the distant lights of St. Thomas. It’s an all-suite, oceanfront property that feels secluded, yet it’s just a 5-minute walk from the amazing restaurants, bars, and ferry dock in Cruz Bay. It’s the perfect blend of serenity and access.

Booking.com Review: “Unlike the Ritz, St. Regis… and other luxury brand hotels, St. John and Gallows is more eco and naturally beautiful… The location is A+ with a short walk to town. The snorkeling off the resort’s beach was fantastic. We will be back!”

4. Lovango Resort and Beach Club (Lovango Cay)

Best For: A Unique, Eco-Luxe Private Island Escape Island: Lovango Cay (a 10-min boat ride from St. John & St. Thomas)

Want to really get away from it all? How about a private island? Lovango Resort is a newer addition to the USVI and is already one of the highest-rated. It’s a stunningly unique, eco-focused resort offering luxury treehouses, glamping tents, and villas. You get the seclusion of a private island with a world-class beach club, an incredible restaurant, and some of the best snorkeling in the territory. It’s rustic-chic at its absolute finest.

TripAdvisor Review: “If you want Paradise with the Best Service you have ever had, then Lovango Beach Resort is the way to go! Incredible service… Absolutely gorgeous resort! Luxurious accommodations that are truly one of a kind! You feel like royalty from the minute you arrive.”

5. Buoy Haus Beach Resort, Autograph Collection (St. Thomas)

Best For: Boutique Chic and Modern Island Vibes Island: St. Thomas

Part of the newly reimagined Frenchman’s Reef complex, Buoy Haus is the property’s intimate, 94-room boutique hotel. It’s fresh, modern, and incredibly stylish, with a focus on design that feels both European and Caribbean. It has its own private beach, a stunning cliffside pool, and a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. It’s the cool, sophisticated younger sister to the larger resort next door, and guests are loving the exclusive, upscale-but-relaxed atmosphere.

Booking.com Review: “Beautiful hotel. Our oceanfront rooms were just a few steps from the beach. The pool area was lovely. Quiet and relaxing. The staff were very helpful and friendly. Nice to use Westin facilities but much preferred staying at Buoy Haus.”

6. The Westin St. John Resort Villas (St. John)

Best For: Families Needing Space and Resort Amenities Island: St. John

If you’re traveling with the whole crew, the Westin is a lifesaver. This sprawling resort is set in a beautiful cove and features spacious studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas, all with kitchenettes or full kitchens. This means you can save a few bucks by making your own breakfast before hitting the resort’s massive quarter-acre pool or its private beach. There’s a kids’ club, watersports, and easy access to explore the National Park. It’s a proven, reliable choice for a stress-free family vacation.

TripAdvisor Review: “The resort is beautifully maintained-beautiful grounds. The room… was comfortable. Great bed, pillows and… The Westin St John Resort Villas is a laid-back resort on St. John’s Great Cruz Bay, this spot offers a relaxed, tropical vibe with modern island-inspired… accommodations.”

7. Sand Castle on the Beach (St. Croix)

Best For: Adults-Only Bliss and a Welcoming Atmosphere Island: St. Croix

“The sunsets were beyond beautiful.”

Located on the quieter, western side of St. Croix in Frederiksted, Sand Castle is an adults-only oasis that consistently gets rave reviews for its incredible staff and welcoming, inclusive vibe. It’s a boutique hotel with just 21 rooms, so the service is personal and friendly. The property is right on a beautiful, calm beach perfect for swimming. With two pools (one is clothing-optional) and a fantastic beachfront restaurant, it’s the ideal place to unplug, relax, and feel completely at ease.

Booking.com Review: “The relaxed atmosphere. The amenities. The staff and other guests were very friendly and multiple guests told us they’ve been coming back for many years. The sunsets were beyond beautiful.”

8. Secret Harbour Beach Resort (St. Thomas)

Best For: Beachfront Condos and Amazing Snorkeling Island: St. Thomas

The name says it all. This resort is tucked away in a quiet, secret-feeling cove with a “no-cruise-ship-guests” policy, making it a peaceful haven on bustling St. Thomas. The secret, however, is out among travelers who love it. All accommodations are beachfront, fully-equipped condo-style suites (studios, one, and two-bedrooms). You can literally roll out of bed and be snorkeling in the stunningly clear, calm bay in under a minute. It’s unpretentious, comfortable, and all about the beach.

Expedia Review: “We just returned from a five day stay… and we enjoyed our stay. We stayed in Room 633, which I believe to be a… beachfront gem… direct access to the beach, allowing for leisurely strolls along the shore. Enjoy… the on-site restaurant is very convenient with good food.”

9. Bolongo Bay Beach Resort (St. Thomas)

Best For: All-Inclusive Fun and a Social Vibe Island: St. Thomas

If your vacation motto is “fun and unpretentious,” Bolongo Bay is your spot. This is one of the island’s originals and one of the very few that offers a fantastic, non-mega-resort all-inclusive plan. The vibe here is laid-back, social, and a little bit silly (in the best way). They’re famous for their “Snorkel Booze Hunt” where they hide bottles of rum in the bay for guests to find. It’s not a five-star luxury property, but its heart is pure gold, and the staff is famously friendly.

TripAdvisor Review: “It’s literally perfect, the all inclusive plan takes the day-to-day planning out of eating which makes the trip that much more… Laid back and perfect for an easy-going stay. The service, staff, food and atmosphere are all 5-star.”

10. Cruz Bay Boutique Hotel (St. John)

Best For: The Smart, “In-the-Know” Traveler Island: St. John

“We thoroughly enjoyed our week-long stay and would recommend it to anyone seeking modestly priced”

This isn’t a sprawling resort. It’s a small, 14-room European-style hotel set right in the heart of Cruz Bay. Why do guests love it so much? Location, value, and impeccable service. You are steps away from all the restaurants, bars, and shops. The ferry dock is a 2-minute walk. You don’t need a car (though you can rent one for day trips). The rooms are clean, modern, and comfortable, and the continental breakfast is a perfect start to your day of exploring. It’s the perfect home base for adventurers who would rather spend their money on experiences (and painkillers at the beach bar) than on a fancy pool.

TripAdvisor Review: “One of the highlights of our recent trip to STJ was staying at the Cruz Bay Boutique Hotel! Just a short, very manageable walk from the ferry terminal… We thoroughly enjoyed our week-long stay and would recommend it to anyone seeking modestly priced… clean, and friendly accommodations.”