Inn at Blackbeard's Castle, The - St. Thomas, USVI

There is more than one reason to enjoy a stay at Blackbeard's Hotel, built around the ruins of a stone watchtower that dates to 1679. It boasts of stunning views of St. Thomas Harbor and nicely-furnished tropical rooms.

The cuisine here, melds Asian, Caribbean and Mediterranean food for a contemporary flavor. It's served in the hotel's open air restaurant that includes a view of Charlotte Amalie as well as the harbor along with your lunch or dinner. A continental breakfast served at the restaurant comes with the room rate. The restaurant also features weekend entertainment including jazz, piano and vocals.

The rooms have the requisite rattan furniture with ceramic tile floors, air-conditioning, ceiling fans and cable television. Most have views of the town and harbor, but a few look out on the courtyard
surrounding the old stone tower that reportedly served as Blackbeard's lookout.

While the hotel previously catered to gay men, it now attracts a variety of sophisticated guests who want an in-town vacation. Lounging about the pool or meeting other guests at the bar are the only activities here.

A taxi can take you to Mahogany Run Golf Course, the famed Magen's Bay Beach, the ferry to St. John, or to various locations for sailing, scuba and windsurfing.

The hotel sits about a 10-minute walk above the duty-free shopping emporiums of Charlotte Amalie. It's a nice walk downhill in the daytime, but if you've stayed in town for cocktails or dinner, take a taxi back to Blackbeards. The police keep the bad boys at bay, but it's
better to make the trip up that hill in a taxi.