Island Beachcomber Hotel

Because of its history and longevity, Island Beachcomber Hotel is well-known on the island and the owners have a longstanding reputation for promoting tourism in St. Thomas. However, the age of the hotel shows and the buildings, rooms, and facilities could use an upgrade. There is a good amount of sagging wood and peeling paint. When we visited in December 2014, a three-million dollar renovation project was planned for the near future.

The atmosphere of the hotel is very casual and laid-back; there is nothing fancy here. A lot of the action happens by the beach bar, which is located in the center of the property. A lot of locals frequent the bar and it’s a lively and friendly place to meet people. However, due to the low prices of the hotel, the clientele typically isn't the most sophisticated bunch.

The grounds are lush and well manicured with palm trees and tropical fauna. There are multiple seating areas with tables and umbrellas throughout the property. The buildings are white with blue trim and have long porches and balconies stretching across the rooms. The balconies offer terrific views of the ocean and are lined with tables and chairs. The beachfront rooms are situated right on the beach and have their own patios.

The hotel is located on right on Airport Rd. and has a large entryway (you can't miss it). The airport is small and the hotel is within walking distance, although it’s not recommended to walk at night. Plane traffic can be heard during the day, however, the airport closes at night so there are no flights after 10 p.m.

Its slightly removed location means that it is a long walk to catch taxis or public transportation. There aren’t many restaurants and amenities within walking distance, although both Best Westerns, on either side of the hotel, have restaurants.

The hotel is located on Lindbergh Beach, a beautiful beachfront that has great views of the surrounding area.

• 10-minute walk to the airport
• Eight-minute drive to duty-free shopping in Charlotte-Amalie
• 10-minute drive to Blackbeard's Castle
• 10-minute drive to Yacht Haven Grande
• 12-minute drive to Paradise Point Skyride
• 15-minute drive to Magens Bay
• 15-minute drive to St. Peter Great House and Botanical Gardens
• 17-minute drive to Mahogany Run Golf Course
• 20-minute drive to Red Hook

There are two main room types at Island Beachcomber: Standard Doubles and Beachfront Kings. The beachfront rooms are in a one-level building that allows guests to walk right out onto the beach.

The decor in the rooms is dated and nothing fancy, incorporating colorful tropical bedspreads, light wood headboards, mirrors, and end tables, white lamps, and heavy yellow drapes. All rooms cable TVs (not all are flat-screen), air-conditioning, ceiling fans, mini-fridges, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Each has a small open closet space in the back with some shelving and hangers. The bathrooms are mildly updated and basic with white vanities.

Many of the rooms have some maintenance issues such as exposed black pipes, discolored tile in the showers, and poor water pressure. For a bit more money, the rooms at Crystal Cove Beach Resort on the East End are nicer and still on the beach.

The Island Beachcomber Restaurant and Bar serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an open-air, beachfront space. The bar area is spacious with plenty of seating and beautiful views.

The beach is the best part of the hotel. The water is calm, blue, and clear, the sand is white, and palm trees dot the perimeter. Chaise loungers are provided for free. There are large hills on either side of the bay that provide great scenery. 

There is no pool. For a similar price, the Best Western Carib Beach next door has a pool (but no swimmable beach).

The hotel has Wi-Fi in public areas, such as the bar and restaurant, but not in the rooms.