The Best Places to Stay in St John, US Virgin Islands

Post summary: The best areas and places to stay in St. John Virgin Islands 

You probably landed here because you’re planning to visit St. John in the US Virgin Islands. And you already know that finding the perfect place to stay is essential.

As someone who lived and worked on St. John, I can tell you all of the best places to stay on the island.

In this post, I’ll tell you the best areas and neighborhoods to stay in St. John USVI. From the lively streets of Cruz Bay to the serene, secluded beaches of Coral Bay – and everything in between.

As we explore these top spots, I’ll recommend a range of accommodations, including charming boutique hotels, luxurious villas, cozy guesthouses, and campsites just steps from the most beautiful beach on the island.

So, let’s dive in and uncover the ideal places to stay in St. John, USVI, to make your island getaway truly unforgettable.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission of purchases you make using my links – at absolutely no cost to you! 

Best Places to Stay in St John Virgin Islands

Here’s a list of the best places to stay in St. John USVI at a glance: 

• Best Overall – Gallows Point Resort
• Best in Cruz Bay – Estate Lindholm
• Best in Coral Bay – Flanders Villa
• Best in East End – Eco Haute Villa
• Best for luxury – Estate Peter Bay 
• Best for hiking – Concordia Eco-Resort 
• Budget friendly – Cinnamon Bay Campground

Keep reading for a breakdown on the best places to stay in St. John US Virgin Islands for your adventure.

The Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in St. John USVI

St. John is the smallest and least developed of the three US Virgin Islands. Unlike St. Thomas and St. Croix, you won’t find any bustling cruise ports, airports, commercial shopping centers, or all-inclusive resorts on St. John.

The island of St. John is capped by two small towns: Cruz Bay on the west end and Coral Bay on the east end. Between the two is Virgin Islands National Park, which encompasses 60% of the island. Within the park boundaries, you’ll find white sand beaches, tropical forests, hidden bays, scenic hiking trails, and blue water that rivals that of Bonaire.

There are 4 main areas to stay in St John US Virgin Islands: 

• Cruz Bay on the west side – Best for nightlife, island hopping, and for people who don’t want to rent a car.
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• Coral Bay on the east side – Cheap accommodation and more local experience.
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• East end – Remote, luxury stays. Not good if you’re on a budget.
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• Virgin Islands National Park – A range of accommodation options, but you need a car.

Let’s take a closer look at each of the best places to stay in St. John Virgin Islands and figure out which is right for you.

Cruz Bay – West side of St. John USVI

As the island’s main town and port of entry, Cruz Bay is the bustling heart of St. John, USVI.

This area of St. John is the primary hub for travelers, so expect a lively atmosphere, vibrant shops, and bustling restaurants set along the shore of the picturesque harbor. This is the best place to stay in St. John for convenience and nightlife.

The advantages of staying in Cruz Bay are easy access to amenities, taxis, and the ferry terminal. The ferry terminal is right in town and provides regular service to St. Thomas, Great Cruz Bay, Virgin Islands National Park Visitor Center, and the North Shore Beaches.

Pros of staying in Cruz Bay:

• Convenience: As the main town and port of entry, Cruz Bay offers easy access to amenities such as shops, restaurants, and bars. It is also home to the ferry terminal, which connects St. John to other islands.
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• Variety of accommodations: There’s a wide range of lodging options in Cruz Bay for all different tastes and budgets.
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• Easy to access attractions: Staying in Cruz Bay means having easy access transportation to reach popular beaches, and other island attractions, making it a great base for exploration.
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• Lively atmosphere: This is the best area of St. John if you want a vibrant social scene with an array of dining, nightlife, and entertainment options.

Cons of staying in Cruz Bay:

• Crowds: As the primary hub on St. John, Cruz Bay is definitely more crowded and touristy compared to other areas on the island. This is not the area for you if you want some level of privacy or seclusion.
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• Higher prices: Compared to more remote areas of St. John, Cruz Bay’s accommodations, dining, and other services come with slightly higher price tags due to its prime location and popularity with tourists.
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• Limited beach access: While Cruz Bay is close to several popular beaches, it doesn’t have immediate beach access from most accommodations. You’ll have to take a taxi or hop on the ferry to visit the best beaches, like Maho Bay and Cinnamon Bay.

Stay in this part of St. John if you like nightlife and entertainment. Or if you want to stay somewhere central so that you can island hop and explore without renting a car

Where to stay in Cruz Bay: Top Hotels and Vacation Rentals

Cruz Bay offers a range of accommodations to suit any traveler’s needs, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious hotels and villas. Its central location makes it a convenient base for exploring the island, with easy access to the Virgin Islands National Park and the island’s top beaches.

Expect to pay between $200 – $600 per night to stay in Cruz Bay, with prices getting slightly cheaper as you get further from the heart of town.

View all stays in Cruz Bay on booking.com | on VRBO

Coral Bay – East side of St. John USVI

Coral Bay, located on the eastern side of St. John. This is the best place to stay in St. John for an authentic island experience.

This area of St. John USVI is known for its charming, laid-back vibe. Here you’ll find a handful of small shops, casual dining options, and local bars that usually feature live music.

Coral bay isn’t as well connected to the rest of the island as Cruz Bay. But you still get the convenience of nearby amenities in Coral Bay, without all of the hustle and bustle of Cruz Bay.

One of my favorite beaches near Coral Bay is Salt Pond Beach. Salt Pond is only a short drive (or walk) from the south end of Coral Bay. It’s the starting point to the Ram’s Head Hike, which – in my opinion – is one of the most beautiful hikes on St. John.

Directly adjacent to Coral Bay is Hurricane Hole, a thriving nursery for endangered corals and countless species of marine life.

Pros of staying in Coral Bay:

• Authentic island experience: Coral Bay provides a more genuine St. John experience, with its charming local shops, casual dining options, and live music at local bars.
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• Tranquility: Coral Bay is best for travelers who want a peaceful retreat away from crowds, but still not something entirely remote.
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• Unique accommodations: Travelers can choose from cozy guesthouses, charming villas, and vacation rentals with breathtaking views, all set amid lush greenery or along the island’s pristine coastline.

Cons of staying in Coral Bay:

• Limited amenities: Compared to Cruz Bay, Coral Bay has fewer dining, shopping, and nightlife options, which might be a drawback if you want a more lively atmosphere. Most Bars and restaurants in Coral Bay close around 8PM and almost nothing is open on Sundays.
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• Transportation challenges: Public transportation is limited in Coral Bay. You’ll need to rent a car or rely on taxis to explore the island. There is no ferry on this end of St. John. The remote location of the area also means longer travel times to some attractions.
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• Less convenience: Due to its more remote location, Coral Bay may not be as convenient as other areas on the island, particularly for those planning day trips to neighboring islands or wanting to be close to a ferry terminal.
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• Limited availability: Coral Bay has fewer accommodation options than Cruz Bay, which could make it challenging to find the perfect place to stay, especially during peak travel seasons. If you want to stay on this end of the island, book early!

Stay in this part of St. John if you want a less touristy, more authentic island experience near hiking trails

Where to stay in Coral Bay

The accommodations in Coral Bay are pretty much all vacation rentals. You can find quite a few cozy guesthouses and charming villas nestled among lush greenery or along the island’s scenic coastline.

The only real resort in the area is Concordia Eco-Resort, which is just inside the boundary of Virgin Islands National Park.

Prices in Coral Bay are more affordable than in Cruz Bay. Expect to pay about $200 – $300 per night for a moderately priced stay.

View all stays in Coral Bay here.

East End – East side of St. John USVI

The East End of St. John is the most remote part of the island. It’s the best place to stay in St. John for a secluded experience with epic views. Oh, and you’ll need to have some money to spend because rentals here are pricey. 

Nearby beaches include Haulover Beach, Hansen Beach and Privateer Bay that are perfect for relaxing, snorkeling, and unwinding.

Something to consider before choosing to stay in East End of St. John is how close you want to be to other parts of the island. The East End is a remote location with limited infrastructure. This adds to its charm and natural beauty, but also poses some challenges for transportation.

While it is possible to get around the East End of St. John without a car, it definitely requires more advanced planning and effort than if you stayed on other parts of the island. Taxi’s aren’t as readily available here as they are in busier areas of St. John like Cruz Bay and Coral Bay.

Pros of staying in East End:

• Seclusion: The East End is the most remote region of St. John, offering privacy and tranquility for a more peaceful retreat.
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• Immersive nature experience: Staying in the East End allows you to enjoy the island away from tourist crowds.

Cons of staying in East End:

• Limited amenities: The East End has fewer dining, shopping, and entertainment options compared to more developed parts of the island, such as Cruz Bay and Coral Bay.
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• Transportation challenges: Public transportation is limited in the East End. The area’s remote location also means longer travel times to certain attractions.
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• Inconvenience: The East End’s seclusion may pose some challenges in terms of convenience, particularly for those planning day trips to neighboring islands or requiring easy access to a ferry terminal.
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• Expensive accommodation: Due to its remote nature, the East End has a limited number of lodging options – most which are expensive (like $500-700 a night). Because accommodation here is more exclusive, it’s more difficult to book a stay, especially during peak travel season.

Stay in this part of St. John if you want to rent a remote luxury villa near beautiful beaches and stay in one spot for the majority of your time on the island.

Where to stay in East End: Places to stay in St John Virgin Islands

Accommodations in the East End are exclusively vacation rentals set amid lush greenery or along the island’s unspoiled coastline. Check with your rental host ahead of time about transportation. You might need a 4×4 if your rental is up in the hills.

You’ll honestly be hard pressed to find budget friendly accommodation here. Even the cheapest rental starts at over $250 per night.

View all stays in East End here.

Virgin Islands National Park – Central St. John USVI

Over half of St. John is protected by Virgin Islands National Park. The park is sandwiched between Cruz Bay on the west side and Coral Bay to the east. It takes up all of Central St. John, as well as everywhere else on the island that is outside the village limits.

This is one of the best places to stay in St. John Virgin Islands if you like to be close to pristine beaches, historic ruins, and scenic hiking trails.

The park has a network of well-marked trails, good signage, and accessible beaches. However, public transportation options are limited depending where you are. Getting around the North Shore is a lot easier than getting around on the south end of the park.

Pros of staying in Virgin Islands National Park:

• Close to top beaches: This is the best place to stay in St. John for nature and adventure as you’ll literally be steps from the most beautiful beaches and hiking trails in St. John.
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• Easy access to outdoor adventures: Staying in this area of St. John puts you close to the best hiking trails, historical ruins, and snorkeling sites.
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• Unique places to stay for all budgets: There are eco-resorts, tent sites, cottages, and luxurious vacation rentals that fit different budgets.

Cons of staying in Virgin Islands National Park:

• Limited accommodation options: Since there are no commercial lodges in the national park, affordable options are limited. Most options are private vacation rentals, which may not cater to all budgets and preferences. If you want to stay here during peak season, booking super early is essential.
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• You need a car to get around: Public transport options within the park are scarce. While it’s possible to get around with taxi’s, you’ll have a much better experience if you rent a car.

Stay in this part of St. John if you want to be close to adventure, beaches, and hiking trails AND plan on renting a car.

Where to stay in Virgin Islands National Park

Accommodation in this part of St. John is largely private vacation rentals. You can rent a villa in ritzy neighborhoods, such as Estate Peter Bay on the North Shore and Fish Bay on the South Shore.

However, there are still a few privately-run lodging options that won’t break the bank. Maho Bay tent cottages and Cinnamon Bay Campground are on the North Shore. On the south end is Concordia Eco-Resort, which is one of the only resorts inside the National Park.

Cinnamon Bay is, by far, the most budget friendly place to stay on St. John. The campground is newly re-built after Hurricanes Irma and Maria hit the island back in 2017. Stay in an eco-hut, cottage, or stay in your own tent. Either way, you’ll be just steps away from Cinnamon Bay Beach. There’s also a restaurant here, a store where you can stock up on those beach items you might have forgotten, a beach cafe, and a watersports shop.

View all stays in Virgin Islands National Park here.

Tips for Staying in St. John, US Virgin Islands

1. Book your stay in advance. St. John, USVI is becoming a popular destination and accommodations can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. The farther in advance you can book, the better.
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2. Being flexible with travel dates, accommodation choices, and activities can help you make the most of your visit to St. John, USVI and get your preferred accommodation choices.
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3. There are no all inclusive resorts on St. John. If this is something that’s important to you, you might wanna book your stay on St. Thomas instead.
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4. Rent a car if you stay outside of Cruz Bay. While you technically can get around without one, having your own car will make your life a lot easier. It will also allow you to reach more remote beaches and hiking trails.
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   A Jeep or another 4×4 vehicle is the best choice for getting around the island. Some of the roads are steep and unpaved, especially inside the national park, and a regular sedan won’t cut it.
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5. Travel in the off-season to save money. Off-season in St. John, US Virgin Islands is from mid-April – early December. It rains quite a bit during this time, especially in hurricane season from August – November. The advantage of traveling during this time is hotel prices that are 25% to 50% cheaper than peak season. You just have to be willing to take a chance on the weather.
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6. Respect the environment. St. John’s pristine environment is a significant part of its charm, so it’s crucial to respect the local ecosystems and wildlife during your visit. Be mindful of your impact by using coral reef safe sunscreen, avoiding single-use plastics, properly disposing of trash, and not touching or disturbing marine life while snorkeling or diving.

FAQs – Where to Stay on St. John USVI

Which side of St. John is best to stay at?

The best places to stay in St. John Virgin Islands ultimately depends on your preferences and the type of experience you’re looking for:

1. Cruz Bay on the west side – Best if you prefer a lively atmosphere, easy access to restaurants, shops, and nightlife, and close proximity to the ferry terminal. Most touristy part of the island.
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2. Coral Bay on the east side –  Best side of St. John for budget travelers and if you want to see the local side of St. John. This is the cheapest area of St. John to stay because it has a slower pace, fewer tourists, and offers a more authentic island experience. However, you’ll need a vehicle to explore the rest of the island from here.
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3. East End on the east side – The most expensive part of St. John to stay. This remote and scenic part of St. John is ideal for travelers looking for luxury, solitude and natural beauty off the beaten path.
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4. Virgin Islands National Park in the center of St. John – Best part of St. John to stay at for outdoor adventure, such as hiking, snorkeling, and SCUBA diving. Keep in mind that accommodation options in this area are more limited and you need a car to get around.

How many days should I stay in St. John?

The ideal length of stay in St. John is a 4-7 days. St. John isn’t a very big island so this is generally enough time to explore the island, relax on its beautiful beaches, and experience the local culture.

With 4-7 days on St. John, you can:

• Visit the most popular beaches, such as Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay and Maho Bay.
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• Explore the Virgin Islands National Park, including hiking trails like the Reef Bay Trail or the Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins.
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• Take a day trip to the nearby British Virgin Islands or other US Virgin Islands, like St. Thomas or St. Croix.
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• Go snorkeling or a SCUBA diving tour..

St. John is definitely worth visiting for its natural beauty, pristine beaches and coral reefs, and laid back vibe. St. John is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, as well as Virgin Islands National Park, which covers over half of the island.

Compared to its neighbors, St. Croix and St. Thomas, St. John is the smallest and least developed of the three US Virgin Islands.

It’s an ideal destination to enjoy tranquility, unspoiled nature, and opportunities for outdoor adventures such as hiking, snorkeling, and SCUBA diving.

If you prefer a less commercialized and far less touristy Caribbean experience overall, then St. John is the perfect choice. St. John also makes the perfect addition to an adventure to the nearby Cayman Islands.