Where to Stay in Saint Thomas ✔ 4 TOP Areas + Hotels
Gorgeous white-sand beaches, lush mountain landscapes, and a vibrant atmosphere. If this sounds like the perfect destination for your next holiday, you should start thinking about where to stay in Saint Thomas!
I went ahead and compared all the areas of the island to create a list of the 5 best places to stay in St. Thomas. So, I can tell you that the best area to stay in St. Thomas is Charlotte Amalie, the island’s capital. The city abounds with restaurants, bars, shops, and the island’s most notable landmarks!
Besides talking about what part of St. Thomas is the best to stay, I also looked at all the available accommodations in St. Thomas and the best hotels in each area. Then, I handpicked the best options for each price category and for every type of traveler!
Once you decide where to stay, hurry up and make a reservation! St. Thomas is a popular holiday spot and a gateway to other Caribbean islands, so the best accommodations are quick to sell out.
Let’s dive in!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
If you want to book now, these are the best hotels in St. Thomas, located in Charlotte Amalie:
Here’s a map with the 4 best areas to stay in St. Thomas featured in this post:
1. Charlotte Amalie – where to stay for the first time
Charlotte Amalie is the capital of St. Thomas, and of the the US Virgin Islands (USVI). As an important port for cruise ships, this vibrant city on the island’s South coast attracts a lot of visitors and hosts the island’s top attractions. So, if you were wondering where is the best place to stay in St. Thomas for the first time, Charlotte Amalie is the answer!
The city is recognizable for the Danish colonial architecture, especially Blackbeard’s Castle (map), a hilltop watchtower that provides stunning views of the harbor (currently closed for visitors). There’s also Bluebeard’s Castle (map), a historic building that’s been transformed into a resort – you can find more info here.
During your stay in Charlotte Amalie, you absolutely have to go on the Skyride to Paradise Point (map). This is a gondola ride that takes you up to an observation deck where you can enjoy the most scenic views of the bay. More info on pricing and schedules is available on the Paradise Point website.
As you can expect from an island capital, Charlotte Amalie abounds with cafes, bars, and restaurants, so it’s great for nightlife, but also for couples who want to enjoy a romantic dinner with a view. I recommend checking out The Twisted Cork Cafe (map) and the French Quarter Bistro (map), both located in the Frenchtown area of Charlotte Amalie.
PRO TIP: If you’re looking for a quick meal, Moe’s Fresh Market Waterfront (map) sells fresh food and cooked meals at affordable prices. You can enjoy a delicious meal on the go!
Finally, you can’t pass by Charlotte Amalie without checking out Fort Christian (map), a historic red fort dating back to the 17th century. You should also stop by Emancipation Garden (map), a lovely green space dedicated to the abolition of slavery!
Being well connected to basically any other area on St. Thomas, the territory’s capital is also the perfect place to start discovering the rest of the island, either through walking, taking a super cheap taxi, or hopping on one of the countless boat tours! So, if you’re planning on visiting without a car, this is the best place to stay in St. Thomas!
Luxury hotel
The Pink Palm Hotel – Adults Only
Even though this is a 3-star hotel, it offers many luxuries, and it’s one of the best hotels in St. Thomas. During your stay at this hotel, you can swim in the outdoor swimming pool, grab a drink from the bar, and lounge on the terrace. Other perks of staying here include free private parking and an airport shuttle service.
Other accommodation options in Charlotte Amalie
Mid-Range
At this hotel, you’ll get access to an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, and barbecue facilities
Budget
This lovely guesthouse offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, an on-site coffee shop, and free self-parking
Airbnb
This stylish apartment boasts a private plunge pool and a deck, a projector screen, and a fully equipped kitchen
Things to do in Charlotte Amalie
- Snap some photos of Blackbeard’s Castle and Bluebeard’s Castle
- Go on a ride at the Skyride to Paradise Point and enjoy the views
- Get dinner at The Twisted Cork Cafe or the French Quarter Bistro
- Sign up for a high-speed boat tour of the St. Thomas Harbor
- Enjoy a fresh and delicious meal from Moe’s Fresh Market Waterfront
- Visit Fort Christian and the Emancipation Garden
2. Charlotte Amalie West – where to stay on a budget
The Charlotte Amalie West area is located, as you might have already guessed, West of the capital. An 8-min drive West, to be exact! Compared to the capital, this city is quieter and more laid-back. Plus, it’s more affordable than its neighbor, making the best part of St. Thomas to stay in if you’re traveling a tighter budget.
This neighborhood has a strategic location close to the airport but also to some stunning and more quiet beaches, like the beautiful Lindbergh Bay Beach (map), less crowded compared to the ones that you can find in other parts of the island.
If you want to do some shopping, there’s the Crown Bay Center (map), with a variety of shops and some great food places. And if you’re looking for a place to enjoy a relaxed meal, the Tickles Dockside Pub (map) is a great place to get lunch or dinner.
In a nutshell, Charlotte Amalie West is a perfect choice either if you want to be close to the airport, if you’re traveling on a budget or if you enjoy a more laid-back vibe!
NOTE: There are no luxury hotels in Charlotte Amalie West – this is where you’ll find the cheap hotels in St. Thomas, but not much more in terms of accommodation. So, if you want to enjoy a more upscale stay, check out my recommendation for Charlotte Amalie.
Other accommodation options in Charlotte Amalie West
Mid-Range
At this guesthouse, you’ll enjoy a free breakfast, get access to an outdoor pool, and dine at the farm-to-table steakhouse
Budget
This inn can accommodate up to 6 people and offers a full kitchen, complimentary coffee, and air conditioning
Airbnb
This bungalow is tastefully decorated and provides a harbor view and an art table to create your own art
Things to do in Charlotte Amalie West
- Spend the day at Lindbergh Bay Beach
- Do some shopping at the Crown Bay Center
- Enjoy a meal at Tickles Dockside Pub
- Go swimming at the nearby Brewers Bay Beach (map)
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3. Red Hook & Nazareth – best areas for nightlife
The Red Hook and Nazareth areas are located on the Eastern corner of the island, approximately a 25-min drive East from Charlotte Amalie. Both of these spots are great if your ideal vacation is relaxing on the beach during the day and having some crazy fun at night – this is the heart of the island’s nightlife, hosting the best bars and clubs!
During the day, the quiet beaches of Red Hook and Nazareth are the ideal places to sunbathe, relax and recharge! But they’re also a great starting point to reach all of the best snorkeling spots on the island. Sapphire Beach (map) is the most popular beach on this side of the island and the ultimate destination for snorkeling!
If you venture a little further along the East coast, you’ll come across the stunning Lindquist Beach (map) – just a a 3-min drive from Red Hook! This is a more low-key beach and not as crowded, perfect if you want to unwind and relax. And if you’re traveling with family, I highly recommend making the 10-min drive to Coral World Ocean Park – totally worth it!
TIP: If you want to stay closer to the Coral World aquarium, you can book your stay at the Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham. This all-inclusive hotel is slightly lower-rated than what I usually recommend, bit it’s still a good choice if your priority is to be near the aquarium or close to Coki Point Beach (map).
But since you were asking where to stay in St. Thomas for nightlife, I can’t move on without giving you some recs for a night out! The Tap & Still Redhook (map) is a chill pub where you can grab a drink and grab a quick bite, while Duffy’s Love Shack (map) serves some very unique (and delicious!) drinks.
Does this sound like everything you are looking for? Then check out the top-rated hotels in Red Hook and Nazareth – featured below!
Luxury hotel
The Ritz is one of the best resorts in St. Thomas; it’s situated right on the beach and has 2 swimming pools and an on-site spa. There’s also a restaurant that’s open for dinner, a 24-hour gym, and a business center. The resort is also family-friendly and offers babysitting services at an extra charge.
Other accommodation options in Red Hook & Nazareth
Mid-Range
A very comfortable B&B situated very close to the beach, offering individually furnished rooms with free Wi-Fi
Budget
Within walking distance of the beach, this studio provides access to 2 swimming pools and offers an ocean view
Airbnb
A newly renovated studio with an outdoor living area, a full kitchen, and a bedroom with a king-sized bed
Things to do in Red Hook & Nazareth
- Go snorkeling at Sapphire Beach
- Drive out and spend the day at Lindquist Beach
- Have fun at the Coral World Ocean Park
- Embark on a day trip to St. John Island
- Grab a drink at The Tap & Still Redhook or at Duffy’s Love Shack
- Relax under the shade at Secret Harbor Beach (map)
4. Magens Bay – where to stay in St. Thomas with family
Set on the North side of the island and a 15-min drive away from Charlotte Amalie, Magens Bay is St. Thomas’ most beautiful beach! If you were looking for the best place to stay in St. Thomas on the beach or the most family-friendly area on the island, then book your stay in Magens Bay and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
Magens Bay Beach (map) is possibly the most popular beach on the island. But even though it’s highly frequented, it stretches over a large surface and doesn’t feel as crowded. The Magens Point Bar and Grill (map) is situated right on the beach and it’s a great spot to grab a quick lunch without interrupting your beach day.
I’m sure you can spend your entire holiday on the beach, swimming and making sandcastle with the little ones. But Magens Bay Beach is not all about lounging in the sun! Here, you can choose from a wide range of fun water sports like paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling – fun for kids and adults alike.
One thing I’d defintiely recommend is exploring the Peterborg peninsula – it’s right next to Magens Bay, and this is where you’ll find another cool neach – Little Magens Beach (map)! So, if you were wondering which side of St. Thomas is better for a beach getaway, I can tell you it’s definitely the North!
And if you’re hiking, you should go up to Drake’s Seat (map) – this is where you can enjoy the most spectacular view of Magens Bay!
Other cool and family-friendly activities near Magens Bay include a visit to the Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden and a zipline experience at Tree Limin’ Extreme Zipline St. Thomas. I think the kids will particularly appreciate the second one!
Luxury hotel
Stay at one of the private villas, enjoy an open-air bath, and make the most of the barbecue facilities. Each villa has a private entrance, air conditioning, private parking, and free Wi-Fi, as well as a terrace offering stunning ocean views.
Other accommodation options in Magens Bay
Mid-Range
This condo resort is located close to Magens Bay Beach and offers access to an outdoor pool and 2 restaurants
Budget
A quaint cottage overlooking the bay featuring an outdoor shower, a comfy bed, and a small kitchen
Airbnb
A 1-bedroom house with a porch overlooking the bay, a full kitchen, Wi-Fi, and satellite TV
Things to do in Magens Bay
- Spend your days relaxing at Magens Bay Beach
- Grab some lunch at Magens Point Bar and Grill
- Explore the Peterborg peninsula and Little Magens Beach
- Hike up to Drake’s Seat and enjoy the views
- Visit the Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden
- Take the kids ziplining at Tree Limin’ Extreme Zipline St. Thomas
FAQs about where to stay in St. Thomas
📍 Which is the best area to stay in St. Thomas?
💰 Is it expensive to stay in St. Thomas?
Yes, Saint Thomas is quite an expensive holiday destination: a one-week vacation for one person usually costs around US$1,500, with rooms ranging from US$150 to US$500 per night.
👪 Where to stay in St. Thomas with the family?
🟢 Is it safe to stay in St. Thomas?
Yes, St. Thomas is a very safe island. Being a territory of the United States, the same North American laws and rules are obeyed, but of course, you always have to follow common sense and exercise the usual precautions as you would anywhere else.
🗺️ What is the approximate size of St. Thomas?
St. Thomas covers an area of about 32 square miles (83 square km), making it the second-largest of the US Virgin Islands.
🏖️ What part of St. Thomas has the best beaches?
The island’s North coast has the best beach on the island – Magens Bay Beach. However, you’ll also find some good beaches on the East Coast, such as Sapphire Beach.
📆 How many days in St. Thomas is enough?
The ideal amount of time to spend on St. Thomas is 7 to 8 days. During this period, you’ll have plenty of time to relax, lounge on the island’s beaches, and discover the top landmarks.
✅ Can I get around St. Thomas without a car?
Yes, you can easily get around St. Thomas without a car. The island has a good network of public buses, and taxis are reliable and inexpensive. But if you’d like to have more freedom of movement, you can always rent a car.
🤔 Is it cheaper to stay on St. Thomas or St. John?
St. Thomas is the cheaper destination of the two. Hotels and restaurants are more affordable on St. Thomas, and this is a better choice if you’re on a bit of a budget.
Final words on the top places to stay in St. Thomas
We finally reached the end of this extensive guide on where to stay in St. Thomas! I hope you found this helpful and you’ve already decided on the best area and hotel for your upcoming trip.
However, I mentioned so many great hotel options in this post so I know it can be hard to decide. So, I want to share my 2 favorite hotels, both located in Charlotte Amalie:
Remember that St. Thomas is one of the Caribbean’s most loved destinations and thousands of tourists come here every year. I highly recommend booking your hotel at least 6 months in advance!
If you have any questions about where is the best place to stay in St. Thomas or anything else related to your trip, drop them in the comments below. I’ll get back to you ASAP!
Have a safe trip!
Elena
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