Wondering where to stay in St John, USVI? You’ve come to the right place, as I’ve visited St. John on multiple occasions.
Put briefly, Cruz Bay is the area to stay at if you want to be close to shopping, restaurants, nightlife, and many great beaches. Coral Bay is the area to stay if you want to be close to hiking trails, secluded beaches, and some of the best diving spots.
But, that’s just scratching the surface.
This article will cover the best places to stay in St. John to help you find an accommodation that fits your activities and budget.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about staying in St John!
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Best Places To Stay in St John
Our Top Picks
📍Cruz Bay
9.8/10
Gallows Point Resort Villas
📍2.3 mi from Cruz Bay
10/10
Beija Flor Villas
📍Coral Bay
10/10
Coral Bay Villas
St John has hotels, resort villas, house rentals, and campgrounds. Unlike other US Virgin Islands, St John doesn’t have any all-inclusive resorts.
Many travelers stay in an all-inclusive resort in St Thomas, and use the ferry to get to St John. However, St John has an abundance of luxury resort villas with breathtaking views of the beaches.
When it comes to the area to stay at, Cruz Bay, Chocolate Hole, Coral Bay, and the Virgin Islands National Park (on the north shore) are where the majority of accommodations are.
Cruz Bay and Chocolate Hole are on the west coast of St. John, and the most popular area to stay at. You’ll be able to reach many incredible restaurants, beaches, and bars within a 10 minute drive. Plus, Cruz Bay is where the ferries dock if you plan on taking a day trip to a nearby island.
Coral Bay is on the east coast, and is quieter and slightly cooler than Cruz Bay. It has hiking trails, secluded beaches, excellent snorkeling spots, and a few restaurants. If you plan on staying in Coral Bay, it’s recommended that you rent a Jeep, in order to get to the beaches.
The last area to stay is near the Virgin Islands National Park on the north shore. The Virgin Islands National Park has campgrounds, and there are a few resort villas near Cinnamon Bay.
This area has excellent hiking trails, and is a short drive to some of St John’s most picturesque beaches (Trunk Bay, Maho Bay).
Best places to stay in St John: Cruz Bay & Chocolate Hole
If you’re looking to be a short drive from the beaches and downtown area, Cruz Bay and Chocolate Hole are the best areas to stay.
Cruz Bay is the main town where the ferries dock that has the best restaurants, bars, nightlife, and shopping.
The Chocolate Hole is a small neighborhood between Cruz Bay and Rendezvous Bay that has many upscale resort villas.
Here are the best rentals, hotels, and villas in Cruz Bay and nearby areas.
Cruz Bay & Chocolate Hole: Rentals, Hotels & Villas
Best places to stay in St John
1. Gallows Point Resort
With direct beach access and a short walk away from the downtown area, Gallows Point is one of the best resorts to stay at in Cruz Bay.
This resort has an outdoor pool and spa, fitness center, and beach with water sport rentals. It’s minutes away from the ferry dock, Honeymoon beach, and several great restaurants.
What Guests Have Said
“We had a wonderful 6 days at Gallows Point. We loved the pool, deck, small sandy beach on site. The snorkeling was great. A few hundred walk to restaurants with great views of the bay. It’s about 1/4 mile to the local market. About a mile and half to Honeymoon Beach in the National Park. In my view, the best beach in the Caribbean.”
– Verified Traveler (See More Reviews)
Best places to stay in St John
2. The Westin St. John Resort Villas
Situated between Cruz Bay and the Chocolate Hole, the Westin is a beautiful resort with many amenities.
This resort has an outdoor pool and spa, fitness center, 3 restaurants on site, a cafe, and beach with watersport rentals. It’s steps away from a supermarket, and many great restaurants.
What Guests Have Said
“Front desk staff was great along with the pool crew. Beautiful room with ocean front views. The room was very clean and well equipped. Enjoyed the dining especially our waiter Armani! Would definitely stay here again if returning to the Island. Offsite restaurant we enjoyed the most was Morgan’s Mango. Tasty food, very clean and updated dining area”
– Leslie (See More Reviews)
Best places to stay in St John
3. Beija Flor Villas
Located in Rendezvous Bay, the Beija Flor Villas are beautiful resort villas nestled in the mountains.
The resort has spacious rooms, a fully stocked kitchen, outdoor pool, and patio with exceptional views of Fish bay.
It’s a short 10 minute drive from downtown Cruz Bay, and you can reach many great beaches within around 20 minutes.
What Guests Have Said
“My family of four stayed at Beija Flor. We enjoy a good balance of hanging out by the pool, relaxing at the beach, and checking out the bars and restaurants in town. Beija Flor was the perfect home base. We love the way all the doors of the house open up to allow a gorgeous breeze, and the views are SPECTACULAR.”
– Steve (See More Reviews)
Best places to stay in St John
4. Grande Bay: Sugar N’ Spice Condo
Just minutes away from downtown Cruz Bay, Sugar N’ Spice Condo is a luxury apartment rental with incredible views of the harbor.
This apartment rental has an outdoor pool, fitness center, fully stocked kitchenette, and balconies with ocean views.
It’s a short drive from Cruz Bay Beach, and within walking distance to the downtown area.
What Guests Have Said
“Stayed at this location for four nights and had an excellent experience. The space had everything you could need. Very clean. Quiet area. Walkable to a lot of key places with taxi’s easily accessible for places a bit further out. The view is amazing. Would definitely stay here again”
– Vanessa (See More Reviews)
Best places to stay in St John
5. St John Inn Boutique Hotel Suite
With free breakfast and friendly hosts, the St. John Inn is a great mid-range boutique hotel option.
This hotel has a free continental breakfast, outdoor pool, and patio with spectacular views of the harbor.
It’s a short drive away from Cruz Bay Beach, and near many good restaurants.
What Guests Have Said
“Jim and Dave become family so quickly while they prepare continental breakfast, fresh local coffee, daily rum punch happy hour and great local recommendations and suggestions on beaches based on the wind factor! The rooms are tropical and have everything you need to enjoy your stay.”
– Annya (See More Reviews)
Best places to stay in St John
6. Marketplace Suites
Located in Cruz Bay, the Marketplace Suites are a mid-range hotel that are just a 10 minute walk from the downtown area.
With a cafe, grocery store, and drug store in the same building, it’s one of the most convenient places to stay.
The hotel has spacious rooms, a fully stocked kitchenette, and is within walking distance to Cruz Bay Beach.
What Guests Have Said
“Fairly close to downtown, about 11-15 minute walk. This was nice because finding parking downtown is hard. No staff on site, we didn’t have any problems. Great sandwich shop next door & grocery store on site as well. No beach view. We would stay here again, liked the approximately to downtown.”
– Rita (See More Reviews)
Best places to stay in St John
7. Incredible Caribbean Breezes Villas
Nestled in the mountains, this luxury villa has unbeatable views of the coastline.
This resort villa is located in Chocolate Hole, which is around a 10 minute drive from downtown Cruz Bay. You’ll get remarkable views of Chocolate Hole during sunset from this villa.
The house has an outdoor pool, fully stocked kitchen, and beach access with lounge chairs and snorkeling equipment rentals.
What Guests Have Said
“We really enjoyed our stay on St. John and Mar De Amores was even more beautiful than the pictures! The view was stunning and the house was clean and well equipped. There are beach chairs, coolers, towels and snorkeling equipment. A short drive to Cruz Bay for restaurants and the beaches were within 15-20 minutes (get there early for a parking spot)! Extremely responsive and accommodating host.”
– Ann (See More Reviews)
Best places to stay in St John
8. Castaway Villas
Located in Chocolate Hole near Cruz Bay, the Castaway Villas are one of the best luxury villas to stay at in St. John.
The house has a fully stocked kitchen, outdoor pool, and large sundeck with beautiful views overlooking the harbor.
It’s within walking distance to a market, and a short drive from many incredible beaches.
What Guests Have Said
“This property is the perfect location with perfect amenities. The pool is fabulous with the most beautiful views. This is our 2nd time staying at this property. The owners have provided everything that you need including beach chairs, coolers etc.. The location is key close to the ferry, downtown, grocery store, and a 10 min. drive to all of the most spectacular beaches.”
– Sue (See More Reviews)
Best places to stay in St John: Coral Bay
If you prefer quieter, more secluded beaches, Coral Bay is the best area to stay.
Coral Bay has great hiking trails, snorkeling spots, and some of the best views of the island. Plus, it’s near Salt Pond Bay, the Fort Frederick Ruins, and the Ram Head trail.
Although it doesn’t have as many restaurants as Cruz Bay, there are plenty of places to dine out at if you’re staying for a week.
Here are the best rentals, hotels, and villas in Coral Bay and nearby areas.
Coral Bay: Rentals, Hotels, and Villas
Best places to stay in St John
9. Coral Bay Villas With Private Pool
With a large outdoor pool and terrace, this villa has the most stunning views of Coral Bay. This resort villa has spacious rooms, a fully stocked kitchen, and large sundeck with a private pool.
It’s a short drive from beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and many great restaurants like the Salty Mongoose.
What Guests Have Said
This was such an amazing home away from home. Pictures don’t do the views from the balcony justice. Lois and Joy were very responsive and helpful! The house had all of the essentials provided and plenty of beach supplies like chairs, coolers, floats, bags, etc. thanks so much for the memories!
– Savanna (See More Reviews)
Best places to stay in St John
10. Coral Bay Villas Near Hiking
Nestled in the rainforest, these resort villas have breathtaking views of Coral Bay. The house has spacious rooms, a fully stocked kitchen, and a cozy atmosphere.
They provide guests with coolers, snorkeling equipment, towels, and more. It’s a short drive away from excellent hiking trails, beaches, and the popular Skinny Legs Bar.
What Guests Have Said
“We had such a lovely stay! Every morning, we had coffee and read on the beautiful, breezy screened-in patio overlooking Coral Bay before heading out to explore the island. It was so relaxing. Our one week vacation felt much longer, in all of the best ways. Hosts were so very responsive and warm. Such a special place to stay!”
– Carol (See More Reviews)
Best places to stay in St John
11. Lameshur Cottages Guest House
The Lameshur guest houses are beautiful cottages nestled in the mountains on the south side of St. John, near Coral Bay.
The cottages have spacious open air rooms, a fully stocked kitchen, and outdoor patio with scenic jungle views.
Plus, they’re in a prime location – minutes away from Salt Pond Bay, the Ram Head Trail, and Miss Lucy’s restaurant.
What Guests Have Said
“Cute studio cottage with all the amenities. Rustic and close to the National Park. Not a villa in site! Walking distance to Salt Pond Bay and Lameshure Bays and the Petroglyph trail to Reef Bay. Very sweet and quiet and away from all the hubbub of Cruz Bay. Miss Lucy’s and Auqua Bistro are a few minutes away. All the best of St John.”
– Verified Traveler (See More Reviews)
Best places to stay in St John: Virgin Islands National Park
If you’re looking to hike, camp, and snorkel the underwater trail at Trunk Bay, the most convenient area to stay is the Virgin Islands National Park.
There are campgrounds on Cinnamon Bay Beach, and resort villas in the mountains. You’ll be a short drive away from Trunk Bay and Maho Bay, which are incredible beaches for snorkeling.
Here are the best accommodation options in the Virgin Islands National Park.
Virgin Islands National Park: Villas and Campgrounds
Best places to stay in St John
12. Villas on Cinnamon Bay Beach
Located up the hill from Cinnamon Bay Beach, this resort villa has an infinity pool and breathtaking ocean views.
The villa has a fully stocked kitchen, gym, arcade room, infinity pool, and more.
It’s around 5 minutes from Cinnamon Bay Beach, and a short drive from Trunk Bay and Maho Bay Beach.
What Guests Have Said
“Amazing property, incredible views. And let’s open with location… close to the beaches, a 12 minute drive to Cruz Bay, and even s decently close drive to east end. The pool view looking out over Cinnamon was amazing. Bedrooms are well furnished. We just lived everything about our stay! Thanks, John, for taking care of us!”
– David (See More Reviews)
Best places to stay in St John
13. Cinnamon Bay Beach Campgrounds
Cinnamon Bay Beach has campgrounds with cafes, 3 onsite restaurants, showers, watersport rentals, and more.
You can bring your own tent to camp, or rent out an eco-tent or cottage at the campsite. To camp on Cinnamon Bay Beach, you’ll need to make a reservation.
Reservations require a minimum of 2 days, and are limited to a maximum of 14 days. To make a reservation, check the Cinnamon Bay Campground’s official website.
Also read:
- Things to do in St Thomas
- St Thomas vs St John
- Things to do in St Thomas at night
- St Thomas vs St Maarten
FAQ
Where can you snorkel in St John?
The best area to snorkel in St John is in Salt Pond Bay, Trunk Bay, and Maho Bay.
The best areas to stay at if you want to be close to excellent snorkeling opportunities are Coral Bay or Cinnamon Bay (in the Virgin Islands National Park).
Coral Bay is around a 10 minute drive from Salt Pond Bay, and Cinnamon Bay is right in between Trunk Bay and Maho Bay.
Should you stay in St John or St Thomas?
If you’re looking to stay in an all-inclusive resort, it’s best to stay in St Thomas, and take the ferry between islands.
That being said, St John has plenty of resort villas that offer great amenities. If you stay in St John, you’ll get priceless views of the coastline, and you won’t have to rely on ferries to get between islands.
Is Cruz Bay or Coral Bay better to stay in?
Cruz Bay is better if you want to take boat charters, relax at a beach bar, shop in the downtown area, and take day trips to nearby islands on the ferry.
Coral Bay is better if you want to hike, snorkel, and relax on more secluded beaches.
Regardless of which area you stay, both places have beautiful beaches, scenic views, and plenty of good restaurants.
How do you get from St John to St Thomas?
You can take the daily ferry to get to St Thomas from St John. The shortest ferry route travels from Red Hook on St. Thomas to Cruz Bay on St. John.
The ferry runs daily from 6 AM to midnight, costs $6 USD and takes around 20 minutes. For exact times, view the ferry schedule.
Can you camp in St John?
Yes, you can camp in St. John at the Cinnamon Bay Beach campgrounds in the national park.
These campgrounds have eco-tents, cottages, water sport rentals, an onsite restaurant, and more.
Visit Cinnamon Bay Beach campgrounds official website to make reservations, and view a full list of their amenities.
