Hotels in the USVI are representative of the islands' distinct personalities. St. Thomas' activity lends itself to a spectrum of accommodations; both large luxury hotels and quieter family-run inns. In contrast, St. John's reposing atmosphere is reflected in its remote hotels and tent cottages. St. Croix bridges the difference, offering sleepy lodging on the island's west coast and large-scale accommodations near the cruise ship harbor in northern Christiansted.

• On St. Thomas, where abundant nonstop flights bring many families, most visitors opt for pricey chain hotels like the Marriott and Ritz-Carlton. There are also a handful of family-run inns and B&Bs -- mostly in Charlotte Amalie and Frenchtown -- that are most affordable but often lack beach access." -- Concierge.com
• St. John's accommodations run the gamut from luxurious resorts to bare-bones campsites. The island's hotels and villas are among the priciest in the Virgin Islands, but top-notch campgrounds and eco-resorts make St. John an affordable destination for budget-minded travelers too." -- Moon Travel Guides
• St. Croix's accommodation options include everything from campgrounds to comfortable sprawling beachfront resorts with many amenities (one has a casino, another, its own golf course). The rest fall in between, with condominiums, cozy beachfront properties, a gay resort, and small hotels, on the roster." -- Sherman's Travel

St. Thomas

Writers say St. Thomas' nicest accommodations are closer to the best beaches on the north and east side. On the other hand, the independently run hotels or vacation villas in Charlotte Amalie or Frenchtown are a better bargain. You'll sacrifice an ocean view -- most lodging in those parts of town is not directly on a beach -- but you will be near great shopping and dining, as well as the island's nightlife. 

• Luxury hotels and condominium complexes line the beaches on the island's eastern end. Historic hotels and inns are tucked into Charlotte Amalie's back streets. Cozy guest houses dot the hills above Charlotte Amalie Harbor and vacation villas pepper many exclusive residential neighborhoods." -- AOL Travel
• The Malfolie Hotel … has some of St. Thomas's most reasonably priced accommodations and a view that even the top resorts can't rival. … The pool deck or the canopied restaurant aren't to be missed at sunset when cruise ships set out from port, and the lights on the surrounding hillsides flicker on." -- New York Times

St. John

St. John isn't known as Love City for nothing. Here's where you're destined for a quiet getaway, with accommodations that cater to tranquil vacationers who don't mind paying extra. St. John hotels are most expensive near the most popular beaches like Cruz Bay in the west or Trunk Bay in the north. To save money, several travel writers suggest you book a tent cottage on the north coast campgrounds of Maho Bay or Cinnamon Bay. 

Those with a mind to splurge shouldn't pass up the Caneel Bay Resort. Situated on the northwest tip of St. John within the Virgin Islands National Park, this luxury eco-resort's rooms can be small, but its 170 acres and seven beaches are breathtaking. Caneel Bay is also popular for destination weddings and honeymooners. 

• Some are right on the beach -- others are in the towns or on the hillsides. Top properties rent for more than $400 per night; moderate accommodations can be found for between $200 and $300 nightly." -- Sherman's Travel
• Elegant Caneel Bay, which looks as much like a botanical garden as a resort, has beautiful old stone walls and several lovely beaches. It offers five-star meals in an open-air restaurant and a full range of water sports. Guests are picked up in St. Thomas by private launch." -- Travel Channel

St. Croix

Those who want to get away from it all will appreciate the seclusion of a Frederiksted hotel, but be warned that the area's sleepy vibe evaporates quickly if a cruise ship docks in the harbor. Instead, most visitors to St. Croix choose Christiansted, and especially praise the reposing oceanview rooms and high-quality service of the beachfront resorts. One traveler favorite is the Divi Carina Bay Resort and Casino, located about 10 miles outside of Christiansted, which features popular gambling facilities open to the wee hours. 

• At 84 square miles, St. Croix is the largest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands. It's also the least visited, which is why you're virtually guaranteed to find an affordable hotel (even more so during shoulder season, when rates drop dramatically)." -- Concierge.com