Cruz Bay Boutique Hotel

Perched above an Italian restaurant, Cruz Bay Boutique Hotel is hard to spot at first glance. Only a tiny wooden sign alludes to the hotel’s presence in a building that looks like any other in Cruz Bay. After guests climb a flight of stairs to the second floor, they are greeted by a lovely outdoor seating area laden with tropical plants and wicker furniture. One step up is where guests can find the reception desk -- a simple stone counter accented by white wood paneling and a light sea-foam green color on the walls. This is also where breakfast is served each morning. The atmosphere at Cruz Bay Boutique is quiet, and there’s not much going on during the day. The majority of hotel guests are couples, and while children are welcome, there’s not really anything for them to do here. 

Of all the hotels in Cruz Bay, Cruz Bay Boutique has one of the most enviable locations. It’s one of few hotels that’s actually within a feasible walking distance from the ferry port, and its quiet street means guests can sleep peacefully at night. The hotel is within walking distance of all the shops, bars, and restaurants in Cruz Bay, as well as Cruz Bay Beach. However, Cruz Bay Beach isn’t exactly ideal for swimming, so guests will have to take a taxi to more swimmable beaches. Honeymoon Beach, part of Caneel Bay Resort, is open to the public and is accessible via the Lind Point Trail -- about a 45-minute hike from the hotel. 

Rooms at Cruz Bay Boutique are tiny and simply furnished. Queen-size beds are outfitted with crisp white bedding, a light quilt,  and soft green European shams. White walls and light tile floors are accented by distressed wood ceilings and bamboo blinds -- giving rooms a subtle beachy vibe. The rooms’ only storage comes in the form of a large night table with several drawers and an exposed closet with one shelf and a few hangers. Each room also has a mini-fridge with free, daily replenished bottled water, an armchair, and a tiny, wall-mounted flat-screen TV. Bathrooms are fairly spacious with white pedestal sinks, glass shelves, and Bath & Body Works toiletries. Shower stalls, however, are outrageously tiny. With a little more than two feet of space available on either side, it’s difficult to shower without getting water all over the bathroom floor. 

Cruz Bay Boutique also has a penthouse apartment located on the third floor. The penthouse apartment features similar decor to the rest of the rooms, but has one bedroom with a separate kitchen and living room. 

Although it’s not on the beach, and there’s no pool, Cruz Bay Boutique Hotel offers several nice freebies. Each morning the hotel serves a free continental breakfast that features freshly made local pastries, assorted yogurt, instant oatmeal, fresh fruit, and coffee. The hotel provides beach chairs, towels, and coolers for guests to borrow during their stay. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Although there’s no on-site restaurant, there are several within a literal stone’s throw from the hotel and dozens more in downtown Cruz Bay. Cruz Bay Boutique is also eco-friendly. The hotel has 52 solar panels and four solar drum hot water heaters, so, although showers are small, you can count on the water to always be hot.