At first glance, the two-and-a-half-pearl Hotel on the Cay sounds idyllic -- it's on its own private island just minutes from downtown Christiansted. The concept is charming, but this is a simple, outdated hotel. The 53 rooms are lifted straight out of the '90s, though they are large and most have lovely views of the harbor. There is a wide and sandy beach on the island, but the on-site pool and water features throughout are unattractive. This is one of the few hotels that does not require a car to access Christiansted tourist sites and restaurants, unlike the Tamarind Reef Resort, Spa & Marina. It’s also one of the cheaper places to stay in St. Croix, making it a decent option for tourists on a budget.
At first glance, the two-and-a-half-pearl Hotel on the Cay sounds idyllic -- it's on its own private island just minutes from downtown Christiansted. The concept is charming, but this is a simple, outdated hotel. The 53 rooms are lifted straight out of the '90s, though they are large and most have lovely views of the harbor. There is a wide and sandy beach on the island, but the on-site pool and water features throughout are unattractive. This is one of the few hotels that does not require a car to access Christiansted tourist sites and restaurants, unlike the Tamarind Reef Resort, Spa & Marina. It’s also one of the cheaper places to stay in St. Croix, making it a decent option for tourists on a budget.
The Buccaneer, a four-pearl resort that's a short drive outside of Christiansted, is one of St. Croix's most attractive large-scale resorts. Stunning views all around, a golf course, a spa, two pools, three beaches, and three restaurants (not to mention plenty of on-site activities) make for a truly lavish stay. All 138 guest rooms are large, and many have stunning wood ceilings and handsome tropical details, but some are more contemporary than others. The features at the Buccaneer are matched by the Renaissance Carambola Resort, but location makes the crucial difference here; the secluded, jungle setting of the Renaissance might prove a more romantic setting for honeymooners.
The Buccaneer, a four-pearl resort that's a short drive outside of Christiansted, is one of St. Croix's most attractive large-scale resorts. Stunning views all around, a golf course, a spa, two pools, three beaches, and three restaurants (not to mention plenty of on-site activities) make for a truly lavish stay. All 138 guest rooms are large, and many have stunning wood ceilings and handsome tropical details, but some are more contemporary than others. The features at the Buccaneer are matched by the Renaissance Carambola Resort, but location makes the crucial difference here; the secluded, jungle setting of the Renaissance might prove a more romantic setting for honeymooners.
Tamarind Reef Resort, Spa & Marina is a simple, three-pearl resort with a relaxed island vibe that's a 10-minute drive outside of Christiansted. The 40 rooms are basic and a bit dated, but large and clean, and offer lovely views of the water from balconies or terraces. Guests have access to some of the best snorkeling on St. Croix, though this comes at the expense of a swimmable beach (it's very rocky and not the nicest we've seen on the island), and snorkeling gear is free for guest use. The resort also has two casual on-site restaurants, rotating nightly entertainment, a beachside lap pool, a humble spa, as well as a marina that provides easy access to Buck Island boat tours. Rates are comparable to Palms at the Pelican Cove, though that resort features a sandy beach for both swimming and snorkeling.
Tamarind Reef Resort, Spa & Marina is a simple, three-pearl resort with a relaxed island vibe that's a 10-minute drive outside of Christiansted. The 40 rooms are basic and a bit dated, but large and clean, and offer lovely views of the water from balconies or terraces. Guests have access to some of the best snorkeling on St. Croix, though this comes at the expense of a swimmable beach (it's very rocky and not the nicest we've seen on the island), and snorkeling gear is free for guest use. The resort also has two casual on-site restaurants, rotating nightly entertainment, a beachside lap pool, a humble spa, as well as a marina that provides easy access to Buck Island boat tours. Rates are comparable to Palms at the Pelican Cove, though that resort features a sandy beach for both swimming and snorkeling.
The three-and-a-half-pearl Palms at Pelican Cove is a relaxed beach resort that doesn’t pretend to be what it isn’t -- that is, a big luxury hotel. Instead, the draw here is a family-friendly setting that reflects the island's easygoing vibe. There's a sandy, Blue Flag beach with excellent conditions for snorkeling and free gear to borrow. 40 spacious and clean rooms and suites have balconies and some views of the ocean. Palms Restaurant also overlooks the ocean, but breakfast costs extra. It's about a 12-minute drive to the city center of Christiansted, and there's weekly entertainment, like fire dancers, at the hotel's restaurant.
The three-and-a-half-pearl Palms at Pelican Cove is a relaxed beach resort that doesn’t pretend to be what it isn’t -- that is, a big luxury hotel. Instead, the draw here is a family-friendly setting that reflects the island's easygoing vibe. There's a sandy, Blue Flag beach with excellent conditions for snorkeling and free gear to borrow. 40 spacious and clean rooms and suites have balconies and some views of the ocean. Palms Restaurant also overlooks the ocean, but breakfast costs extra. It's about a 12-minute drive to the city center of Christiansted, and there's weekly entertainment, like fire dancers, at the hotel's restaurant.
Chenay Bay spans 31 acres, and the three-and-a-half-pearl resort still feels quite cozy and simple—it’s a pleasant beach-front resort for families and couples looking for a private getaway. Some of the 50 rooms are clearly in need of renovation, however, so it might be worthwhile to upgrade. The breezy on-site restaurant and bar is great for lunch and dinner with a stunning ocean view, but the free breakfast is paltry. The resort’s winding semi-private beach is the shining highlight—shallow and pleasant for swimming and long enough for a brief stroll. Nearby Tamarind Reef Resort, Spa & Marina, has many of the same facilities but better on-site snorkeling.
Chenay Bay spans 31 acres, and the three-and-a-half-pearl resort still feels quite cozy and simple—it’s a pleasant beach-front resort for families and couples looking for a private getaway. Some of the 50 rooms are clearly in need of renovation, however, so it might be worthwhile to upgrade. The breezy on-site restaurant and bar is great for lunch and dinner with a stunning ocean view, but the free breakfast is paltry. The resort’s winding semi-private beach is the shining highlight—shallow and pleasant for swimming and long enough for a brief stroll. Nearby Tamarind Reef Resort, Spa & Marina, has many of the same facilities but better on-site snorkeling.