The 13 Best Caribbean Hotels for Under $100 a Night

The mid-range Chalet Tropical Village has a sleepy, tropical setting that's a 10-minute walk from a gorgeous beach. The property houses a handful of wooden villas perched on grassy slopes with hammocks scattered all about. The owner's touch reaches every corner, not just in the quirky eco-lodge design of the five villas -- each of which has its own kitchen -- but also in helping guests choose their activities. A free breakfast with local ingredients and free Wi-Fi are nice perks, but other features are limited. The hotel is rustic and ecological -- there’s no plastic anywhere in sight, few TVs, and air-conditioning is only available in one villa.

Apartment Espoir is a budget inn that's essentially a simple apartment complex with 11 minimal studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, each with its own private balcony and full kitchen. A small pool, laundry room, and barbecue grill are the only real amenities available, but no other property on St. Lucia even comes close to matching these low rates. And guests can walk about five minutes to get to larger nearby resorts, like Windjammer Landing, to take advantage of the facilities there. For self-sufficient, undemanding travelers with tight purse strings, nothing compares.

Hotel Villa Las Palmas al Mar has a low-key charm in the eco-friendly town of Las Terrenas, just across the beach from Playa Punta Popy. It's a small property, with a tiny pool and only 12 simple and spacious villas. Villas are carefully furnished and bright, with cozy couches, modern amenities, and thoughtful extras like large outdoor decks and personal grills. With a beach across the street and good restaurants within walking distance, the place is a steal for big groups or families on a budget. A free, tasty buffet breakfast with hot and cold options also adds value.

Solar Villa is a budget-friendly hotel that's a short drive from downtown Oranjestad. The hotel's seven guest rooms are quaint and colorful, and some feature kitchens, sofa beds, and separate living areas. A courtyard with a small rectangular pool, lounge chairs, and hammocks provides lounge space, but there's no restaurant here. The dining and entertainment of downtown Oranjestad is a 20-minute walk away, and the beaches are even farther, making this hotel best for guests with their own transport or those who don't mind relying on the bus to get around.

Opened in 1980, Tropix Hotel was one of Sosua's first resorts. Not much has changed since then, including the decor and much of the staff. This budget hotel is a peaceful, family-friendly alternative to many of the sex tourism-driven properties downtown. The 10 guest rooms are tropically inspired, but also seriously dated, with cheap, uncomfortable furniture, and air-conditioners that hardly work, yet it receives rave reviews from past guests. The unplugged nature of the property also means there are no TVs or phones, but there is free Wi-Fi. Guests will also find a small pool, a communal kitchen, and an a la carte breakfast for a fee. Plus, the property is a short walk from the beach and a grocery store.

Offering a great Havana location, Casa 1932 is a beautifully restored guesthouse unfolding like a treasure trove of Art Deco, Art Nouveau, and antique details all curated by Luis, the larger-than-life owner and host. Its three rooms, each with private bathrooms, are immaculately presented, curated with Old World flair. All have air-conditioning and soaps, and two of them offer mini-fridges, TVs, safes, hairdryers, and tea-making facilities. Guests rave about the spectacular breakfast (for a fee), the exquisite decor, the warm host, and the location in a calm, non-touristy residential pocket that's still within walking distance of museums, nightlife, and the Malecon.

With equal doses of colonial charm, history, and contemporary touches, Casa Sanchez Boutique Hotel is a lovely boutique property that shines for its low rates that include free breakfast and Wi-Fi. The 10 rooms vary widely in size, and all include modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs. Spacious, apartment-style suites upgrade to kitchenettes and optional private balconies. A lap pool and rooftop sundeck with a hot tub and reading lounge offer far more social space than most boutique downtown properties. Aside from limited parking and occasional noise from the surrounding neighborhood, guests will find little to complain about.

On an island full of expensive hotels and resorts, Mustique Suites stands out as a solid budget option. Located in Willemstad's UNESCO-listed Otrobanda neighborhood, it's close to the city's pastel-painted downtown, as well as restaurants, bars, and casinos. Originally built as a private residence in 1935 on the sometimes busy Roodeweg Street, Mustique is an eight-room guesthouse that's a good base for those who don't need many frills. Rooms are simply furnished and include just a bit of seating, tiny flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and en-suite bathrooms. All but two rooms have full kitchens, and there's a shared kitchen available for all.

Family-owned since it was built in 1993, Travellers Beach Resort is a centrally located property on Negril's Seven Mile Beach, a short walk from restaurants, bars, and shops. An affordable mid-range option for groups, families, and couples, the resort features a big outdoor pool with a swim-up bar, a casual beachside restaurant, and a number of activities. Rooms are simple and clean with some modern touches (some rooms feel dated, but the hotel is in the process of renovating many of its older units). Personal, warm service from hands-on owners is often noted by satisfied guests.

The down-to-earth Villa Baya Aparta-Hotel in Bayahibe is a fine choice for those looking for a humble, independent getaway near famous dive sites. It's a simple place, with 17 homey apartments and rooms, many of which include minimally appointed kitchens, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. Free coffee and fruits are provided in the morning, and an outdoor palapa sitting area is a pleasant daytime spot. The hotel is right in town, and there are several shops, restaurants, and dive outfitters all around, but the local beach requires a 10-minute drive.

Travelers who want to meet locals, explore Negril, or stay for an extended period are drawn to the budget-friendly Seastar Inn. Privately tucked into the trees of West End Road, the hotel has a variety of rooms, all of which have balconies with hammocks. Free continental breakfasts, free Wi-Fi, and a free beach shuttle are pros, as is a weekly reggae show that's popular with both guests and residents. An outdoor pool with a swim-up bar, gift shop, and pool table are on-site. The location allows for easy access to nearby restaurants, shops, and attractions.

Casa Valeria Boutique Hotel is an appealing mid-range property located in a low-key area of Sosua, a short walk from Playa Alicia beach. The hotel's nine rooms and apartments are simple but inviting, featuring minibars and colorful decor. The slim lineup of amenities includes a small outdoor pool and a lovely all-day restaurant, which serves free light breakfasts. While the hotel is set in one of the less edgy areas of Sosua, the town tends to be a bit seedy, which could be a problem for some guests.

Centrally located in Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial, the mid-range Hotel Villa Colonial is well-situated for tourists looking to visit the city's most popular attractions. Parque Colon, the Catedral Primada de America, and Playa Montesinos are all within a short walk. The nearly 100-year-old property is distinctly inspired by historic Spanish Colonial architecture, and is built around a small and lovely outdoor garden courtyard with a pool. The 11 charming guest rooms are quiet, clean, and come with modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs. 


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