Ginger Lily Hotel

Ginger Lily Hotel is a reliable choice for guests who can do without the flashy amenities of a big resort. It’s a modest yet attractive property, with yellow building facades and red roofs pairing nicely with compact grounds defined by abundant and lush plant-life. Dark wood is a decorative theme throughout, channeling the historic cocoa plantations found toward the south of the island. 

Most of the furniture is older, and many guests will tell you that the free breakfast is ho-hum at best; but the large, tidy rooms and an excellent location right across from Reduit Beach make it a competitive option for value travelers. Rooms with sofa beds are practical for families, but there aren’t any other kid-friendly features -- instead, couples are the hotel’s main clientele. You’ll regularly spot cats sunning themselves wherever they can find a warm, uncrowded spot; a perfect reflection of the hotel’s quiet, lazy vibe.

Ginger Lily Hotel is set in Rodney Bay Village, toward the north coast of St. Lucia. Reduit Beach is found a block away, offering a stretch of golden sand ideal for snorkeling and swimming. There are a number of quality bars and restaurants within walking distance, including a few beachfront options. The downside of the hotel’s buzzing location is that late-night noise from nearby bars can sometimes be an issue.

Hewanorra International Airport and many of St. Lucia’s top attractions, including the Pitons and cocoa plantations, are a 90-minute drive away near the town of Soufriere. The lesser-trafficked George F. L. Charles Airport is a 17-minute drive away, while attractions like Pigeon Island and a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course can be reached in less than 15 minutes by car.

Guest rooms at Ginger Lily Hotel are big but not particularly stylish, decorated with dated fabrics, tiled flooring, and faded, chain hotel-style artwork. Some rooms do feature quaint accents like vaulted ceilings or bed canopies, and all have queen-size beds as well as sitting areas with sofa beds. Flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi are fairly modern, but other tech elements like alarm clocks and wall-mounted AC are noticeably older. 

Most rooms have simple kitchenettes with mini-fridges, sinks, kettles, and coffeemakers, while Executive Suites offer separate living areas and full kitchens with ovens. Roomy private balconies or terraces are furnished with a hammock along with a table and chairs. They offer views of the pool or the leafy grounds. Bathrooms are equally spacious, but feature dark, old-fashioned tiling. Pump dispensers of soap are mounted beside long vanities, as well as in floor-level showers. 

The lineup of features at Ginger Lily Hotel is minimal but expected given its small size and bargain rates. The focal point of the property is a kidney-shaped outdoor pool, which is set in a pretty courtyard dotted with tropical plants and loungers shaded by wooden canopies. 

Adjacent to the pool is a tiny, open-air restaurant with a whitewashed vaulted ceiling and wooden chairs softened by plaid pillows. The restaurant is only open for breakfast, with a basic continental spread included in the room rate -- most guests report breakfast is a subpar offering of toast, spreads, and coffee. There’s also a bar, but you’ll need to ask a staff member from the front desk to come and pour you a drink. Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout, and free parking is located in a lot at the front of the property.