You step into the lobby, set in a late-17th-century storehouse, and you’ve been transported. This is no ordinary hotel, from the brick walls to the massive columns just down the plaza. Places like the Admiral’s Inn are something special — they’re small, intimate inns, somewhere in the charming median between a bed and breakfast and a boutique hotel. Here are seven Caribbean inns where you can find precisely that kind of getaway.
Admiral’s Inn The aforementioned inn is set in the heart of Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua’s recently-crowned UNESCO World Heritage site that was Horatio Nelson’s haunt from 1784 to 1787, and it’s a lovingly restored property with well-designed rooms and a throwback vibe.
Golden Rock Inn Nevis is known for its plantation inns, but this tiny property set on a hillside on Nevis Peak is one of our favorites, with 11 cottages and a beautifully redesigned Great House and an on-site restaurant with stunning views.
Casa Sol Set in an old Spanish colonial property in the heart of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, this five-room property has warm service, a great homemade breakfast and a privileged location in the neighborhood.
Grenadine House The best place to stay on the island of St. Vincent, this lovable inn is housed in a property dating back to 1765, now given new life with modern amenities. The bar and restaurant are a treat, too.
Sugar Mill It’s famous for its on-site restaurant, and this warm, well-run property is a great option for those seeking an authentic Tortola experience. Built on old plantation ruins on Apple Bay, this place remains a Caribbean legend.
Sweetfield Manor Once a plantation house, this property oozes Old Caribbean enchantment, with a mix of plantation, garden and courtyard rooms and a beautifully-landscaped garden that is classic Barbados.
The Old Gin House The island of Statia is far off the tourist map, but if you’re looking for a very old-school West Indian inn experience, this is for you. With 20 rooms and a small waterfront bar and restaurant, it’s a place for a quiet escape.