Mafolie Hotel

The hotel overlooks the harbor, town, sea, and surrounding areas. You can’t escape the views -- and they are absolutely stunning. Set on several levels on the hillside, the hotel has many steps, stairs, and walkways, which can be a challenge for those with mobility issues. The property is charming and quaint, with palm trees, tropical bushes and greenery, and potted flowers. It has a rustic, historic feel with stone and tile walkways and arched doorways.

With just 22 guest rooms, the Mafolie Hotel has a small, intimate atmosphere. There is a small lobby with a computer available for guests to use, a small library of books, and some couches and chairs. A small reception area is separate from the lobby and is well-staffed. The Mafolie Hotel is a family-owned property and the service is personalized and attentive. Reception is happy to help guests with transportation and other needs.

At 900 feet above sea level, Mafolie Hotel is located just outside of Charlotte Amalie, the main town in St. Thomas. The roads around the hotel are narrow, steep, and winding, and there is a good amount of traffic. While town is technically within walking distance, the roads have no sidewalks or shoulders and walking is not recommended. You have to drive or take a taxi to get to any off-site amenities or dining. Taxis charge per person and cab fare can add up.

For those who are adventurous, there is a little-known nature trail that goes from the hotel to Magens Bay; the hotel can give directions.

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

The hotel is not located on the beach. Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, another small, family-owned resort, is located directly on the beach.

Each of the rooms in the hotel is a bit different in layout, although the furnishings are similar. The buildings are older but charming and have a rustic feel and a lot of character. There are tropical wood or wicker furnishings and tables and colorful Caribbean art and accents. Some of the rooms have canopy four-poster beds. The rooms come in three categories: Standard, Deluxe, and Mini-Suites. Most of the rooms offer the same fabulous views that are found throughout the property.

All rooms have coffeemakers, safes, and flat-screen TVs. Wi-Fi is available in all guest rooms although the signal can be spotty. The buildings are older so some minor maintenance issues are to be expected, such as spotty water pressure and screen doors that won’t close completely. There have also been some guest complaints about traffic noise in the rooms closest to the road.

For a similar price, the rooms at Villa Marbella Suites are more updated and the property has a quiet, serene atmosphere as well as great views. 

The Mafolie Restaurant is just as well-known in the area as the hotel itself and has both guests and outsiders visiting to dine. A large space in the middle tier of the property, the restaurant has jaw-dropping views. A large bar and two seating areas are near the entrance, and tables are lined on two levels to the right. The restaurant is eclectically decorated, with plenty of knick-knacks and potted plants. The cuisine is Caribbean-inspired and the restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner.

The room rate includes a breakfast buffet in the restaurant. There is a smoothie and omelet station as well as fruit, waffles, pastries, muffins, cereals, coffee, tea, and juices.

The pool sits at the lower level of the resort and offers stunning views. Two cabanas with cushioned chairs and couches sit at the edge of the pool, offering the best views. There are plenty of loungers are lined up around the perimeter. The pool is rectangular and a bit on the small side, however, the hotel itself is small and the pool is usually quiet and relaxing.

There is a pool bar open during the day and serves a simple but delicious grilled lunch menu as well as salads.

The Mafolie Hotel hosts weddings on-site. Wedding packages include event planning by the staff, the outdoor dining room and pool deck as venues, and custom catering menus.