MileHacker Logo
Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Types

Luxury & Boutique Stays

  • Luxury Hotels & Resorts

    Properties like Eden Rock St Barths or Rosewood Le Guanahani feature high-end service, extensive amenities, and private beach access. Explore options on Booking.com or IHG Hotels.

  • World-Class Services

    Enjoy world-class dining, spas, and concierge services for a pampered experience.

  • Boutique Hotels

    Smaller, privately owned hotels offer personalized service and unique character, often with distinctive design.

  • Guesthouses

    Intimate, often family-run establishments for a more local experience, sometimes including breakfast.

Self-Catering & Unique Options

  • Studios & Apartments

    Available for rent, offering self-catering options from basic to well-appointed. Good for longer stays.

  • Private Villas

    A popular and extensive option, ranging from charming smaller villas to extravagant estates with private pools and dedicated staff. Find options on Vrbo.

  • Limited Hostels/Homestays

    Traditional hostels, homestay, and community-based tourism opportunities are limited.

  • No Camping

    Camping and outdoor accommodation are not permitted on the island, aligning with its high-end focus.

Neighborhood Guide

Choosing where to stay on St. Barthélemy may shape your vacation experience. Each area is a distinct character, with various pros and cons.

Gustavia

Pros
  • Central location, easy access to shopping & dining
  • Historical charm and yachting hub
  • Very safe with lively ambiance
  • Walk to shops, restaurants, and Fort Gustave
Cons
  • Potential noise
  • Limited parking
  • Some hilly areas

St. Jean

Pros
  • Convenience to the airport
  • Lively beach scene with beach clubs and watersports
  • Good dining options, relatively flat terrain
  • Very safe with lively ambiance
Cons
  • Busy nature due to popularity and airport proximity
  • Some airplane noise during the day

Flamands

Pros
  • Stunning long white sand beach
  • Peaceful surroundings
  • High-end accommodation options
  • Very safe and serene ambiance
Cons
  • Distance from Gustavia
  • Fewer dining options within easy walking distance
  • Rental car is often necessary

More Secluded Areas

Grand Cul de Sac:

Lagoon-like bay, shallow, calm waters ideal for watersports (kitesurfing, windsurfing, paddleboarding). Relaxed ambiance. A rental car is best for access.

Saline and Toiny:

Secluded, wilder areas with natural beauty. Saline offers pristine beach (no facilities). Toiny for experienced surfers (strong currents). Both very safe. Car is necessary.

Booking Strategies

Booking your accommodation on St. Barthélemy calls for careful planning, especially during peak seasons.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (mid-Dec to mid-May): Book 6-12 months ahead, especially for popular dates (Christmas, New Year's, Feb, March). Villas and top hotels may book a year out.
  • Shoulder Season (May-June, Nov to mid-Dec): Booking 3-6 months ahead is a good practice.
  • Low Season (July-Oct): Booking 1-3 months ahead generally suffices, but early booking still finds deals.
  • Early booking often results in better rates.

Booking Platforms & Policies

  • Luxury Hotels: Direct booking on official websites or via luxury travel advisors (e.g., Booking.com, Agoda).
  • Villas: Specialized rental agencies like Wimco Villas, Sibarth Villa Rentals, and St. Barth Properties. Some appear on Airbnb Luxe or VRBO.
  • Boutique Hotels/Guesthouses: General booking sites or direct booking. (Hostelworld is not applicable)
  • Negotiation: Walk-in rates are generally not customary or negotiable.

Deposit & Cancellation Policies

Payment Structure:
  • High-end villas often ask for a 50% deposit upfront.
  • Full payment is typically due 60-90 days prior to arrival.
  • Strict cancellation policies, especially during peak periods, are common.
  • Review specific terms and conditions before booking.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations:
  • Accommodation prices may double or triple between low and peak high season.
  • Prices are notably higher around Christmas and New Year's.

Consider House Sitting

TrustedHousesitters:

While St. Barts is luxury-focused, explore pet or house-sitting opportunities on TrustedHousesitters for unique stays.

Alternative Stays:

This platform sometimes offers opportunities for longer stays in private homes, a different lodging experience.

Flexibility:

May be suitable for those with flexible travel dates looking for a non-traditional accommodation option.

Accommodation Recommendations

Choosing accommodation on St. Barthélemy balances budget, desired amenities, and travel style.

Budget & Features

Luxury Resort

€1,000 - €10,000+ per night

  • Private beach access, fine dining, spa, pools
  • Best for honeymoons, special occasions, pampering
  • Impeccable service, all-inclusive luxury experience, prime locations
  • Expensive, less privacy than a villa, may feel less local
Private Villa

€400 - €10,000+ per night

  • Private pool, kitchen, multiple bedrooms, often with views
  • Best for families, groups, privacy, long stays
  • Space, privacy, self-catering options, personalized service (if staff)
  • Requires car, may be remote, some lack hotel amenities

Budget & Features Cont.

Boutique Hotel

€300 - €800 per night

  • Unique design, personalized service, often good location
  • Best for couples, independent travelers
  • Charm, intimacy, good value compared to resorts, local feel
  • Fewer amenities than large resorts, may not have private beach
Guesthouse/Studio

€150 - €400 per night

  • Kitchenette, basic amenities, local feel
  • Best for budget-conscious travelers, long stays
  • Most affordable, local interaction, self-catering options
  • Limited services, basic decor, less luxurious, often not beach-front

Top Picks for Different Traveler Types

  • Luxury Picks

    Rosewood Le Guanahani (Grand Cul de Sac), Hotel Le Toiny (Toiny), Eden Rock St Barths (St. Jean). Unparalleled service and amenities.

  • Mid-Range Options

    Hotel Christopher (Pointe Milou), Le Sereno (Grand Cul de Sac), Les Ilets de la Plage (St. Jean). Offer excellent quality and comfort.

  • Value-Focused Stays

    Smaller, locally owned guesthouses or studios, often slightly inland or on hillsides, provide more affordable rates and self-catering.

  • Families

    Private villas with ample space, pools, and kitchens. Resorts like Rosewood Le Guanahani also cater to families with kids' clubs.

Traveler Specific Recommendations

  • Solo Travelers

    Boutique hotels or smaller guesthouses for an intimate setting. Consider Gustavia or St. Jean for easy access to amenities and social opportunities.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Private villas or apartments with kitchens offer greater comfort and often better weekly or monthly rates.

  • Cultural/Historical Significance

    Hotel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf in Gustavia overlooks the historic harbor. Properties in traditional Creole or Swedish colonial style in Gustavia also hold a special charm.

  • Location Considerations

    Gustavia for central access, St. Jean for lively beach scene, Flamands for tranquility, Grand Cul de Sac for watersports, Saline/Toiny for seclusion.

Planning Your Stay

Booking Ahead

Given the island's popularity and limited inventory, booking your preferred accommodation well in advance, especially during peak season, is highly advisable.

  • Check seasonal pricing variations.
  • Review cancellation policies carefully.
  • Consider travel insurance.
Concierge Services

Many luxury hotels and villa agencies offer extensive concierge services that may assist with dining reservations, activities, and transport.

  • Inquire about pre-arrival services.
  • Utilize local expertise for recommendations.
  • They may assist with last-minute arrangements.

Staying Connected

Wi-Fi Access

Most hotels and villas offer complimentary Wi-Fi. Confirm during booking if connectivity is a priority for your stay.

Mobile Coverage

Good mobile coverage is generally available across the island. International roaming charges may apply.

Local SIM Cards

For longer stays, a local SIM card may offer a cost-effective way to stay connected. Inquire upon arrival.