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4.0
#3 of 13 hotels in Christiansted
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Step into an atmosphere of casual elegance during your visit to our inviting private island retreat. If your idea of a Caribbean vacation includes unforgettable sunsets, white sand beaches and the simple phrase “no problem,” this is the place for you! Hotel on the Cay offers you the best vacation value in the Caribbean. Located on a private cay in the Caribbean Sea, our 53 room resort provides for an unforgettable vacation experience that is ideal for couples, families and adventure seekers.Here guests can dine at our on-site restaurant, unwind with a refreshing swim in the pool, enjoy water sports at our activity center and explore the historical sights, eateries, shops and entertainment located on the boardwalk just minutes away by private complimentary boat. A quaint, pristine beach overlooks Christiansted Harbor’s beautiful boats, which makes for perfect photos at sunset. As the only beach in downtown Christiansted, you will enjoy swimming and snorkeling the amazing undersea world surrounding the cay.Hotel on the Cay will provide bountiful sunshine, bright turquoise seas teeming with life, refreshing trade winds and a place to lay your head at the end of each memorable day.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Marina View
Classic
Languages Spoken
English
Location
Christiansted 00822 St. Croix
Hotel On The Cay
631 reviews
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
I had a very pleasant 8-night stay at Hotel on the Cay, located on a private island about 200 yards off the Christiansted boardwalk. The island's beach is beautiful white sand and raked daily by hotel workers. The rooms are modest, bathrooms small, but are clean and comfortable. My room was located on the southeast side of the building with a balcony overlooking and offering a great view of Gallows Bay - perfect setting for taking morning coffee. The beach bar, a popular gathering place for locals, provided a relaxed and entertaining atmosphere in which to chill out after my daily dive trips. Also, the barbecue shack off the bar area served a variety of smoked meat that was quite good.
The front office staff were friendly and accommodating, and the shuttle boat operators were amiable, reliable, and good source of local information. I had some of the best sleep here, leaving the sliding door to my balcony open at night to let in the fresh sea air and the sound of waves breaking right outside the window. I would like to back for another stay, and most certainly will, in the near future. I had a wonderful stay.
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Review collected in partnership with Cancelon.com
Date of stay: January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed here for four nights. It's one of the older hotels around the island and you have to take a small ferry to get to it (free for guests). Onsite, there's a mini store that sells a few merchandise, gallons of water, snacks, etc., a restaurant and bar, restroom, rental equipments such as beach chairs and umbrellas, a pool for guests and beach access (equipments are free for guests).
People who worked there are friendly, attentive and are pretty good with covid protocols. They took temperature checks when we arrived and allowed only 1 person at a time in the main office. From what I saw, it seemed that there was a good mix of family, couples, young or older guests who stayed in the hotel. Most of the time it was fairly quiet except on Easter we saw a few people drunk and blaring their music way too loud.
Our room view was facing towards Gallows Bay Dock area. We could see a few boats docked from a distance and people passing by through a walking path below our side of the hotel. There's coffee available in the room, a tv, mini fridge, soaps, shampoo and conditioner, towels, napkins and pretty much the general items. They also provide beach towels for guests that you will need to get from the main office.
The only issue we had was the taxi. We made arrangements with the hotel to schedule in picking us up at the airport upon arriving. The day we arrived, the main office said the taxi came a day early which, didn't help us at all as we were left fetching to find another ride at the airport. Other than that, it was a pleasant stay.
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Date of stay: April 2021
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was my 1st solo trip and I am glad I chose this hotel. Let me just say this is not a resort town. If you're looking for some big dollar place that charges 90 extra dollars a night to put a mint on your pillow, this is not it. My bed was clean. My view was beautiful. The people were very nice and accommodating. Everybody at the pool bar is extra friendly. The drinks are not expensive. James is an amazing bartender who loves people and will randomly hand you a shot if emerging he whips up. Drink it. It'll be amazing. The bar closes around 10.
The food at the small beach grill is good and inexpensive but it closes early. If you want food after about 5:30, just take the water taxi across and there are restaurants (and bars) over there.
A water taxi comes along as often as needed to take you to the boardwalk where there are restaurants and shops. It is free to hotel guests but tips are appreciated. If you need a ferry after about 9 or 10pm, the hotel will get one to you. Otherwise, stand on the dock and the water taxi will see you and come grab you.
I sat at the pool and nobody was there because the beach is just so vibrant. The pool is not fancy. It is a pool much like one you may have in your backyard. But I'm not sure how concerned I would be about a pool when there is a whole beach 2 steps away from the hotel lobby.
If you have challenges with walking, ask about availability of a room on the lower floor BEFORE YOU BOOK as there are no elevators.
All the people here are more than willing to take you out, show you a good time, and make sure you feel at home on this island. Most of the people that I have talked to always stay here at this property. One couple had been vacationing here 20 plus years.
Again, if you need a fancy hotel room with frills this hotel is not for you. But, if you want a good clean place to lay your head in the middle of enjoying what's going on on this beautiful historic island you will not be disappointed with Hotel on the Cay.
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
After a miserable spring, in 2022 and the residual effects of Covid restrictions, I was looking for a good vacation preferably in the Caribbean. I chose St Croix because it is a US territory and had no restrictions for coming in and going out to the island from the main land. Through RCI, I was able to book the Hotel on the Cay for July 4 week in 2022. (4th of July was celebrated as in the US on the island). In addition, the one apartment was available that week to reserve and we got it for our part of our family with children.
The island was significantly damaged because of the two hurricanes in 2017 and St. Croix has worked hard to recover and renovate. With that said, some of the features of the resort were not functioning, such as the swimming pool, and the terraced landscaping pools.
We loved the location of this resort because of its proximity to the boardwalk in Christiansted, and all it’s restaurants and stores. Taking the ferry shuttle back-and-forth to the Cay was an added fun experience. It ran 24/7 and the drivers couldn’t have been better.
The outdoor barbecue and entertainment on Tuesday was perfect, especially with such a setting on the beach under the stars. The staff at the resort was helpful and amenable. The beach is considered one of the best in the entire island and I would say that’s probably pretty close to true. The water is great. It feels like a large outdoor saltwater swimming pool … calm, clear and clean with fish swimming around at your feet.
It’s not the Ritz, but if you want a relaxing and laid-back holiday with your family, this could be a real gem for you.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Parking is available on the street behind the King Christian Hotel around and near the fort.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were stranded on St. Croix when Silver Airways cancelled a flight about 8pm in January 2020. After standing in line for an hour at the airport after the flight was cancelled, we got up to the Siver Airways desk( do not recommend Silver Airways either) and the agent was trying to help up find a place to stay. This was supposed to be a day trip to St. Croix from St. Thomas. Thanks to Hertz we got a rental car before they shut down as the whole airport was closing. The gate agent got us in touch with Hotel on the Cay after not finding any rooms anywhere else. There were no taxis left at the airport so thank goodness we were able to get a car. We checked in at the "Cay" and went to our room where we promptly found that the TV and telephone did not work. In addition, during the night the roof leaked on the tile floor to the bathroom which I slipped on and almost fell. There was a sign adjacent to the AC controls that said "Do Not Set Below 75 degrees or the unit would be damaged". So there we were and to boot the room cost $227!
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Date of stay: January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The location is remarkable, situated on a small island just a couple hundred yards from the boardwalk in Christiansted, with many very good restaurants, shops, and excursions. However, the hotel is very dated and needs updating; the kitchen cupboards and drawers are losing their veneer, the pool and outdoor water features are dry. The city is historic (Alexander Hamilton grew up here), the old Danish Fort within sight of the hotel is part of a National Park, and shows the diverse culture of the Virgin Island. The cay itself where the hotel is located is home to a couple of endangered species of tiny reptiles and plants, as well as iguanas. The beach is beautiful and snorkeling from the beach enables one to see sea turtles and rays as well as several kinds of tropical fish. The shuttle boat that transports guests to the nearby boardwalk is efficient and always available. running continuously. So much about this place could be great... if only it were maintained and up to date.
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Review collected in partnership with RCI
Date of stay: February 2022
Value
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Location
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Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I cannot say enough good things about our experience staying at Hotel On The Cay. From the boat taxi drivers, to the owner, every person on staff we experienced was incredibly kind and accommodating. The location was perfect for us, it’s a quiet little island, but a quick two minute boat trip and we were in the heart of Christiansted, the boardwalk! The beach was the best beach we experienced in St. Croix. We went to Fort Beach and Rainbow Beach in Fredricksted, as well as Buck Island, and this was by far the most swimmable water, even with the boats! We were also able to buy Snorkel gear at one of the dive shops on the boardwalk and snorkel right off the beach. We saw starfish, stingrays, and a ton of gorgeous fish right by the dock. We attempted to go to the backside of the island, but didn’t have Fins and backed out when the current got strong. The rooms were a bit dated, but honestly, they were clean and very well air conditioned, our showers were always hot. We had two rooms, one overlooking the back of the Cay, and one overlooking the beach. Both were incredible views, and I honestly doubt you could find a room with a bad view. Overall, we would 100% stay here again!
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is an incredible experience! The ferry boat to and from the cay runs often and every ship captain was kind. Sometimes the boat will pick up and drop off from different places so just pay attention to that. The views from our balcony we absolutely incredible! Rooms are basic, but have everything you could need. Floors can get a little sandy, but they came in to clean our room once during our 4 night stay. We didn't eat at the restaurant, but the bar was great and the staff everywhere was awesome! The woman working in the little store was super helpful and very friendly. Definitely take advantage of the little beach area, other tourists are able to be there as well, but there was always space.
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Date of stay: March 2021
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:We got the room with a view of the main island, no regrets
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Offering stunning views of the Caribbean Sea, cozy, affordable rooms, and unbeatable service, this is the perfect place to relax and enjoy your vacation. The Hotel on the Cay is the perfect base to explore all the fun, exciting activities island life has to offer. It is uniquely located on a cay, approximately a 5-minute boat ride from the Christiansted boardwalk. From snorkeling and swimming in the azure sea to hiking around the island, there are countless ways to enjoy this stunning destination. Plus, with their unbeatable rates, you won't need to break the bank!
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Date of stay: January 2023
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip:ocean view rooms
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Understand the hotel / resort is far from elegant if that is a necessity. However, it is a sweet quaint place with a beautiful beach and perfect clear sea. You need to take a two minute water taxi supplied by the resort. There are very good restaurants on the main land. The water is so nice you can see small fish without snorkeling. Because the cay is off the mainland it is private without bother of people selling wares.
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Date of stay: July 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Every boat including the ferry from dock to hotel carries life jackets, including childrens' size - its the coast guard requirement. The beach at Hotel on the Cay (pronounced "Key") is a very shallow extended beach, I never saw any of the kids get deep enough to go over their chests. Most adults could sit on the bottom and converse and drink their beverages. However, the hotel is not open as a resort -- just the hotel, beach bar and BBQ food stand. No other resort facilities as of Nov 2019. So if you have little kids and you want them in life jackets on a beach, then probably best to bring your own. That way they can also wear them on any boats you use without having to get the crew to get one from the jacket locker on the boat. We went on a snorkel boat and the crew handed out life belts to anyone who wanted them before going in the water. Hope that helps. Have fun!
Shuttle is best, absolutely. Returning to fly out, you'll need to arrange a cab from the dock where the hotel ferry discharges passengers. That can be arranged at the hotel office.
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