Villa Blanca Hotel - St. Thomas, USVI

Villa Blanca Hotel occupies a unique location in St. Thomas. It sits along the major road into the hustle and bustle of the Havensight cruise ship area, as well as the downtown shopping area, yet it's far enough away to provide a pleasant relaxing experience. However, it's close enough to the action that you won't have trouble getting around.

This gracious hotel has 13 rooms spread over three acres. It was originally built as a home for wealthy heiress, C.C. Dodge Cromwell of the Dodge automobile empire. The property got an extensive face lift in 1998 by the current owner, Blanca T. Smith.

The rooms, spread out among three buildings, are tropical with modern wooden furniture, colorful bedspreads, ceramic tile floors, air conditioning, ceiling fans, and a small kitchenette with a small refrigerator, a microwave, a two-burner stovetop, a toaster, and kitchen utensils. Coffeemakers are available upon request. All rooms except one have balconies with stunning views of St. Thomas, the cruise ships and the sea beyond.

A house party atmosphere prevails. People socialize around the swimming pool or patio.

While there is no restaurant at the hotel, you're a ten minute ride to the bright lights of downtown Charlotte Amalie. You can take a taxi or your rental car.

At Havensight Mall, which sits halfway between Villa Blanca and downtown Charlotte Amalie, you'll find lots of duty-free shopping and some very good restaurants.