One of the best values on St. Thomas, The Crystal Palace (12 Crystal Gade, 340/777-2277, U.S. toll-free 866/502-2277, www.crystalpalaceusvi.com, $109–139 winter, $89–109 summer) is a five-room bed-and-breakfast located in a historic Charlotte Amalie town house. The double-breasted colonial manor is furnished with 18th- and 19th-century West Indian pieces and is set in a neighborhood of equally impressive colonial-era town houses, churches, and shops. All rooms are air-conditioned; two come with private baths. Guests share a kitchenette, and a continental breakfast is served overlooking Charlotte Amalie Harbor every morning. Host Ronnie Lockhart is a treasure trove of local history and tips for visiting St. Thomas.

Perched on the edge of Government Hill, Galleon House Bed and Breakfast (Government Hill, 340/774-6952 or 800/524-2052, www.galleonhouse.com, $79–139 winter, $69–99 summer) offers moderately priced rooms within walking distance to downtown shopping and historic attractions. Rooms lack personality but are equipped with air-conditioning, cable TV, and telephones. The cheapest rooms have shared bathroom facilities; the most expensive have private balconies. Guests receive complimentary breakfast and have access to the pool. Views are of downtown Charlotte Amalie; you have to walk out of the hotel and to the main road for harbor views.

For budget accommodations, try The Danish Chalet Inn (Gamble Nordsidevej, 340/774-5764, fax 340/777-4312, www.danishchaletinn.com, $98–160 year-round) a 15-room, family-run hotel overlooking historic Charlotte Amalie. The inn is close to the red-light district; be sure to take a taxi at night. Rooms are air-conditioned and come with cable TV.

Another budget choice is the Bunker Hill Hotel (7A Commandant Gade, 340/774-8066, fax 340/774-3172, www.bunkerhillhotel.com, $98–130 winter, $79–98 summer). Located about a block away from Government Hill, Bunker Hill Hotel is a 15-room inn with two pools, full complimentary breakfast, and views of downtown. Rooms are air-conditioned with cable TV and telephone. Some have private balconies.