Danish Manor Hotel - St. Croix, USVI

For moderately-priced rooms in the heart of Christiansted, St. Croix, Danish Manor Hotel fills the bill. The three-story pink stucco hotel surrounds a courtyard pool, lushly planted with tropical trees and flowers. It's the perfect spot if you're in St. Croix on business or like the convenience of an in-town location.

The hotel puts you just steps from several of the island's best restaurants, including the eclectic Italian Tutu Benne located just next door. It's the perfect place to be if you like to pass a few hours people watching from your perch at an outdoor cafe. As Caribbean islands go, Christiansted is a moderately-cosmopolitan city, and you're likely to see salty nautical types mingling with well-dressed lawyers and classy secretaries. A dreadlocked rastafarian may pass by.

The hotel has 34 fairly basic rooms, with blonde furniture, ceramic tile floors and small bathrooms. Colorful spreads and drapes complete the decor. All the rooms have air-conditioning, cable television and a telephone. The first floor rooms are up a few steps, making it difficult but not impossible for wheelchair-bound guests who have an assistant. The more expensive rooms sport an ocean view. Two of the rooms have kitchenettes if you're inclined to cook or want to save money. Unless you have a car or take a taxi to the major supermarkets at Gallow's Bay or Orange Grove, both about 10 minutes away, you'll have to depend on the small local markets in Christiansted. They'll do in a pinch.

The hotel provides a complimentary continental breakfast at the tables surrounding the pool. The small bar attracts locals and visitors. It's the perfect place to relax with a frosty pina colada after a day of shopping or meetings.

If the spirit moves you, you can take in some of the more touristy sites - the St. Croix Aquarium, the National Park Service's Fort Christianvaern, or catch a daysailer to the spectacular snorkeling at Buck Island Reef National Monument a few miles to the northwest. If swimming's on your mind, a complimentary ferry leaves the waterfront for Protestant Cay's sandy beach.

Of course, there's shopping. Christiansted has dozens of duty-free shops plus others that offer unique merchandise found only in St. Croix. The Caribbean hook bracelet, with its unique hook clasp, makes its home here.

Dive packages available.