The Caribbean is beautiful, but it’s not always budget-friendly. But, especially during the summer season, there are some true hotel bargains in the region, if you know where to look. Of course, we’ve done the work for you — putting together our list of the top 10 affordable Caribbean hotels for 2013. From small bed and breakfast-style properties to larger, more traditional Caribbean hotels, each of these properties has a lowest listed rate below $200 per night. Do you have a go-to affordable hotel in the Caribbean we didn’t mention? Tell us in the comments section.
Concordia Eco-Resort – St John
St John is all about nature. And if you want to get as close to nature as you possibly can, the Concordia is a great option. It’s also environmentally-friendly, particularly in the property’s eco-tents, which have, among green amenities, solar-powered hot water showers.
Lowest listed nightly rate: $110
Idle Awhile – Negril
The Idle Awhile is about laid-back sophistication, and it’s also about the beach. You’re right in the heart of legendary Negril’s legendary beach. The property has a light, airy vibe — you’ll feel that you’re staying inside of a lush Caribbean garden.
Lowest listed nightly rate: $140
Siboney Beach Club – Antigua
The Siboney is a classic Caribbean small hotel. It’s right on the beach on Antigua’s Dickinson Bay — a terrific beach for long walks and long naps. And don’t miss the property’s beachfront restaurant, Coconut Grove.
Lowest listed nightly rate: $125
Normandie Hotel – St Barth
St Barth is not known for budget travel — and deservedly so — although it is far more accessible during the summer. But the Normandie is an affordable oasis in St Barth, a tiny boutique property with a nautical theme in the Lorient neighourhood.
Lowest listed nightly rate: $150
Villa Saint Pierre – Martinique
The only member of our Top 10 Small Hotels to make this list, the Villa Saint Pierre is an affordable option (yes, even with the Euro) in the tiny village of Saint Pierre. Family-run, clean and blessed with exceptional views of the sea.
Lowest listed nightly rate: $145
Stone’s Throw Away – Nassau
Just a few minutes from the newly-remade Lynden Pindling International Airport, A Stone’s Throw Away is more than a stone’s throw away from most of the large hotels on the island of New Providence. It’s a short walk down to one of Nassau’s quieter beaches, and its terrace deck is a beautiful place to eat breakfast or have a leisurely drink in the evening.
Lowest listed nightly rate: $180
Bimini Big Game Club – Bimini
The key to the Bimini Big Game Club is the marina, the fishing and the scene. It’s something of an adventure just to get to Bimini (although new Miami ferry helps), but this is really an adventure hotel for people who love to fish.
Lowest listed nightly rate: $179
Coral Sands Resort – Barbados
Barbados isn’t known as a budget destination either, but Coral Sands offers a great opportunity for a beachfront experience at an affordable rate on Bridgetown’s Worthing Beach.
Lowest listed nightly rate: $150
Hotel Casablanca – Old San Juan
Old San Juan is a truly unique location in the Caribbean, and at the Casablanca you’re right in the middle of it. The Casablanca is a very eclectic property – Moroccan-themed, with flat screen TVs airing the film “Casablanca” 24-7 (with subtitles, no sound), the hotel is an experience in itself — and at a very affordable rate.
Lowest listed nightly rate: $109
Villa Taina – Cabarete, Dominican Republic
A no-frills, great value, the Villa Taina is small, three-story hotel set right on the beach in Cabarete. It’s well-run, clean and puts you right in the heart of all of the hectic happenings in Cabarete – from every water sport imaginable to Cabarete’s plethora of cafes.
Lowest listed nightly rate: $97
— CJ