Ocean Terrace Inn

Renovated in 2015, the Ocean Terrace Inn is perched high on a hill, and it offers spectacular views. Soft sunset-orange and deep beige with white trim dress the exterior in a tasteful tropical palette that complements the island vibe. Colonial-inspired elegance flavors the lobby, with its neutral stone flooring, natural rattan wing chairs, and palm frond-patterned cushions beneath a huge chandelier and cathedral ceilings, which add an air of grandeur. The reception desk gets nautical, with a trio of portholes adorning the back wall. The guest rooms, and the vast, communal terra-cotta terraces they surround, cascade down the hill to the aqua lagoon pool that sits above Basseterre Bay. With its nature-inspired lagoon design -- complete with rock waterfalls, ornamental gardens, and shady palm trees all around -- the pool provides an oasis-like centerpiece that can be viewed from many of the rooms. Aqua loungers match the water, and white umbrellas provide plenty of shade. 

The Verandah Restaurant is perched atop the resort, capturing the sweeping views of Basseterre Bay. These views are especially compelling from the restaurant's wraparound terrace -- where guests can dine alfresco under its white raftered ceiling. Inside, dark-wood floors and orange-cushioned chairs under suspended drum lighting complement the colorful Caribbean art on the stark, white walls.

Ocean Terrace Inn sits high on a Basseterre Hill, a few minutes' walk into town and about an eight-minute drive to Robert L Bradshaw International Airport and the Basseterre Ferry Terminal, which has regular ferry service to Nevis. The hotel's Fisherman’s Wharf restaurant on the pier is easily reached through the back gate and stairs. It’s a 12-minute walk to Independence Square, a 15-minute walk to Royal St Kitts Golf Club, and three minutes’ drive to St Kitts Scenic Railway (a historic tour through old sugar cane fields); taxis can be easily arranged at the front desk, and there's a free beach shuttle to St. Kitts Beach, which is about a 10-minute drive away.

The 50 rooms at the Ocean Terrace Inn come in Standard, Superior, Deluxe, and Luxury Suite categories, with pool, garden, or ocean views. All have furnished patios or balconies, although some patios open directly onto common patio areas, so they’re not completely private. Along with the rest of the hotel, rooms were renovated in 2015, and their modern decor reflects subtle tropical touches that draw on the Caribbean setting without overdoing it. Color palettes move between warm and cool neutrals, with tropical artwork and batik or island-inspired bed throws offering pops of color. Room layouts are spacious, as are bathrooms, which feature granite vanities, marble tiles, large mirrors, and individually wrapped toiletries. Generous walk-in closet areas offer plenty of space to store luggage. Beds are all king size -- apart from the Deluxe Poolside View Rooms, which come with two queens. Suites have separate living areas with pull-out sofas and massive dual-vanity sinks. All rooms come with work desks with computer ports, large, flat-screen TVs (suites have one in each room), mini-fridges, coffeemakers, irons and ironing boards, hairdryers, safes, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, and free Wi-Fi.

Close to the airport and ferry terminal, the Ocean Terrace Inn makes for a convenient stopover. It's not directly on the beach, and aside from the lagoon-style pool, it's not heavily packed with resort-style features and activities, perhaps making it more of a short-stay option than the focal point of a vacation. The pool, which winds through the property, is a highlight, with its swim-up bar, loungers, and umbrella-covered tables. There are two restaurants: The Verandah Restaurant -- open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a choice of indoor and outdoor dining -- serves Asian, Caribbean, and American fare, and the terrace bar serves cocktails. Fisherman’s Wharf, whose specialty is grilled fish and seafood, is legendary among locals. It's right on the bay -- with easy access via the hotel’s back security gate. 

As the name suggests, the hotel is “terraced” down Basseterre Hill, with several furnished patio areas along the way that offer views, and a break from the stairs. The hotel has a fitness center with cardio and weight equipment, and free Wi-Fi throughout. It provides free shuttle service to a nearby beach, and cabs can be easily arranged.