Sand Castle on the Beach is an unpretentious mid-range hotel -- a lovely boutique alternative to the big resorts on the island's eastern side. The rooms are a bit dated, and some lack privacy and natural light, but all are spacious and offer microwaves, flat-screen TVs, mini- or full-size fridges, and free Wi-Fi. The beachside restaurant has delicious food and an extensive wine list, both at prices that are reasonable for the island. Meals are occasionally accompanied by live music. Breakfast is included in the rates, though the selection is limited. Sand Castle's stunning beach (arguably one of the best on the island) and slow pace make this a pleasant choice for families and travelers looking for an affordable beach vacation.
Overlooking a calm inlet of Christiansted, Chenay Bay Beach Resort has a quiet, casual vibe and 50 private and cozy stand-alone cottages. The breezy on-site restaurant and bar serves all meals (including a free, but paltry, breakfast) and has stunning ocean views. The scene here can get quite lively on nights when there is live music. Each private studio cottage has an individual layout and design, and all come with TVs, coffeemakers, mini- or full-size-fridges, and microwaves. Some rooms appear newly renovated, with updated decor, flat-screen TVs, and shiny marble counters, while others look like they haven’t gotten attention in years (particularly in the bathrooms—a few have rickety shower handles and low water pressure). Chenay Bay's winding semi-private beach is beautiful, with calm and swimmable water, but it's not as spectacular as the beach by Sand Castle. Wi-Fi is free, but the signal is weak in rooms furthest from the lobby.
Cottages by the Sea is a simple, family-owned property on one of the longest and loveliest beaches in St. Croix. The 27 cheerful cottages differ in decor, size, and layout, but all are close to the beach. Most come with full kitchens, and all have flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and housekeeping five days a week. The property features little besides its stunning beach, peace, and quiet. Bike rentals and water-sports equipment are free for guests to use. There is laundry on-site, and Wi-Fi is free and functional throughout the property. The hotel does not have an on-site restaurant or pool, but it is next door to Beach Side Cafe, the restaurant at Sand Castle on the Beach Hotel, which serves a tasty lunch and dinner. Sand Castle also has an on-site pool and bar (and therefore a livelier atmosphere), but it's also more expensive. Chenay Bay also has more features (saltwater pool, restaurant, tennis courts) and higher rates.
Hotel on the Cay is the unusual combination of private island and budget resort. Set on its own island in Christiansted Harbor, the hotel sounds idyllic at first, but the reality is that most aspects of this hotel are extremely basic and a bit run down. The hotel attracts couples, budget travelers, and families looking for bargain rates in St. Croix along with features like the hotel's on-site beach, which is a lovely place to relax underneath towering palm trees, but can't compare to the beaches at Sand Castle, Chenay Bay, and Cottages by the Sea. While the hotel does have a mediocre restaurant on-site that hosts all-you-can-eat beach barbecues (among other events), there isn't any lively nightlife here -- that's at the bars and restaurants located just across the water, accessible via the Cay's free ferry.