At Home In The Tropics Bed and Breakfast Inn

The property was built in 1803 and originally served as the barracks for the personal guard of Danish Governor Peter von Scholten, who freed the slaves in St. Thomas. His historic St. Thomas residence, the Crown House, is directly above the bed-and-breakfast. The property has been restored but still retains some charming historical touches. The rooms, for example, are in a linear row facing a common walkway, and you can certainly see how it used to be a barracks.

At Home In the Tropics is a small, gated hillside property. It can be accessed through the historic district, up a scenic but steep set of stairs near the Government House. There is another entrance on the hill near Blackbeard’s castle (and parking there as well) that doesn’t require so much climbing. The property is walled and gated (guests are provided with a key to the gate) and is safe.

The grounds are attractive with plenty of potted flowering plants and almond, mango, and breadfruit trees lining the property. There are lots of common spaces; the living room is spacious and tastefully decorated. A table contains a wealth of visitor information, including maps, restaurant menus, and phone numbers. Jazz or other calming music plays all day from a stereo in the living room. There is a decent-size pool area as well that offers beautiful views of the bay and surrounding area.

The hosts are often found around the property and are friendly, helpful, and non-obtrusive. Their phone numbers are posted throughout and they are on-call to help with guest needs.

Despite its central location, the bed-and-breakfast is far enough up the hillside that the property is quiet and relaxing. It is located in Kings Quarter of Charlotte Amalie, the main town in St. Thomas. It is steps away from the Governor’s House and at the bottom of Blackbeard’s castle. It's a five-minute walk from Main Street with duty-free shopping and a 10-minute walk to most restaurants and bars in town. The airport is a 10-minute drive. Magen's Bay Beach is an eight-minute drive and Emerald Beach is a five-minute drive. 

The four guest rooms are very similar, and there’s really not a bad room in the house. The decor is both tropical and cozy with light blue or green flowered bedspreads, lace curtains that provide privacy during the day, and white headboards, tables, and chairs. All of the rooms have blue shutters and doors.

Each room has its own separate shower stall and a small toilet room. Rooms 1 and 2 have a large sink outside of the toilet area. Each room has a seating area with two straight back chairs or a rocking chair. There are standalone air-conditioning units as well as ceiling fans. The rooms are decent-size but not large.

Rooms 1 and 2 share a scenic balcony that overlooks the harbor. Room 1 is closest to the common space, while Room 4 is closest to the pool. There is free Wi-Fi in all of the rooms and public areas.

One of the best parts of a bed-and-breakfast is, of course, the breakfast, and it does not disappoint at At Home In the Tropics. Cooked and served by the owners, the breakfast is usually two courses -- a fruit course and a main course that can include an omelet, muffins, sausages, bacon, and a variety of other breakfast foods. Breakfast is served by the pool. The owners can also make a granola breakfast for guests who have early departures.

Coffee, tea, snacks (chips, cookies, and granola bars), and filtered water are provided for free in the living room. There is also an honor bar, with a fridge containing soft drinks and wine, as well as a liquor cabinet. Prices, which are much cheaper than what you would find in a restaurant, are posted by the fridge and guests simply write down their names, room number, and consumed beverages. The living room also has a large selection of books.

The pool area is located down the alley from the rooms. There is a covered  seating area where breakfast is served. There is also a long counter with a bar sink, blender, microwave, dishes, and cups, as well as four mini-fridges, one for each room.

The pool is rectangular with two sets of stairs submerged in the water. The pool has beautiful harbor views and plenty of sun.