If you’re planning a vacation in the British Virgin Islands, the island of Tortola should definitely be your first choice for where to stay. You can find all of the conveniences of home thanks to the major cities of Road Town and Parham Town. You can also drive just a few minutes from these places and feel as though you are on your own private island.
A tropical island’s most prominent features are on every shore of Tortola. The white-sand beaches, the warm and inviting turquoise waters, and the year-round sunshine and warmth make this an ideal tropical vacation in the Caribbean. Tortola’s popularity is apparent to all would-be travelers, and there are many world-class hotels and resorts to call home for your stay.
Below, we cover a list of the best hotels in Tortola based on our local expertise. Take the guesswork out of this part of your vacation and focus on enjoying all this Caribbean favorite has to offer.
1. Long Bay Beach Resort
Long Bay Beach Resort is located on the west end of Tortola, convenient to the West End Ferry and Frenchman’s Cay. The resort sits on the sands of Long Bay Beach, one of the most well-known and recognizable stretches of white sand on Tortola.
On this end of the island, you’re close to the natural treasures of the British Virgin Islands, including Smuggler’s Cove, Belmont Point, and Sage Mountain National Park. You can easily make a day out of just these sights, and a visit to Sage Mountain will give you some spectacular 360 views of Tortola from up high.
Long Bay Beach Resort takes full advantage of the landscape with rooms designed to optimize the view no matter which one you choose. There are hillside rooms with a top-down view of the bay, ocean-view suites that open to the sea of blues, and ground-level beach suites that put you steps from the water.
All accommodations are decorated to draw inspiration from the simplicity of the tropical surroundings, with bright white to bring in ample sunlight and warm wood tones to make you feel at ease.
You can enjoy many days of your British Virgin Islands vacation at this resort, engaged in activities along the shore and in the inviting waters of Long Bay. Surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling activities are available just a few steps from the rooms. A lot of the water sports equipment is included as part of your booking.
We recommend this place to travelers who want to stay in a luxurious place and be within close proximity to some of the best attractions in Tortola.
2. The Sugar Mill Hotel
Located on the west end of Tortola along Apple Bay, The Sugar Mill Hotel brings the classic Caribbean resort feel to life with its charming brand of hospitality. This location is just up the road from Long Bay and feels like a secluded hideaway of your own.
The stunning blues of the Emerald Coast are the front porch of a guest experience at The Sugar Mill Hotel, as you are just steps from the water. There is a small, private section of beach that you can visit, with bungalows, beach umbrellas, and lounge chairs available for comfort.
All 24 rooms come with a private balcony or porch with a view of the sea and a recently renovated and refurbished interior. You can choose different amenities, and this all-inclusive hotel in Tortola can have you fine dining and drinking while you relax in style.
There are two restaurant choices on-site at The Sugar Mill Hotel: The Terrace which has spectacular views around sunset, and a selection of Mediterranean casual bites at Tramonti, right on the beach. Tramonti also serves as your one-stop shop for cold beverages while you lounge in the sun and play in the water.
Round out your guest experience with a trip to the spa, and it’s clear to see why The Sugar Mill Hotel is a fantastic retreat for singles and couples alike. We would still suggest it to everyone, from couples to families.
3. Sebastian’s On the Beach
You don’t need to wander far to get your feet wet at Sebastian’s On the Beach, situated along the shores of Cappoons Bay. It isn’t just a name, as Sebastian’s literally sits on the sand.
It’s one of the top luxury hotels in Tortola and is in a great spot to experience the abundant natural beauty of Tortola’s west-end coastline. This extends well beyond the bay’s warm sands and shallow waters into the surrounding parks and hillsides.
Sebastian’s On the Beach is styled like a traditional, all-in-one resort where all rooms are part of the central lodge building. Guests can choose rooms based on the view and level of interior amenities. There is even a beachfront suite with a porch that opens directly to the pristine shore.
The Seaside Grille at Sebastian’s is the center for activity at the resort and the best place to get all your meals and snacks in between. With a seaside patio, it’s one of the best restaurants here to grab a drink and sit for a spell or get one to go and make your way to the beach.
With an action-packed schedule, including live entertainment and bar games, there is always something in store for guests who want to spend the evenings getting to know other travelers and have a good time. To top it off, it’s a pet-friendly hotel in case you’re sailing into Tortola with your dogs or cats.
4. Wyndham Lambert Beach Resort
The Wyndham Lambert Beach Resort on Lambert Bay hugs the northeastern shore of the island. This sprawling island resort sits on over 14 acres of beaches and green hillsides, surrounded by a thick rainforest.
Association with the Wyndham name provides a proven track record of hospitality to all guests, and for us and the many travelers who visit, the experience is always world-class.
The accommodations encapsulate this, with all suites providing ample comfort to relax and recharge after busy days around Tortola or out on the water.
You can occupy your time at the Wyndham Lambert Beach Resort by spending it on the beach lounging on the sand or in one of the cozy and shaded cabanas. Wander over to the Turtle Restaurant and Bar to choose from a wide selection of Caribbean and Mediterranean favorites or a cold drink for a sunny day. Take a quick lap in the swimming pool and paddle to the swim-up bar.
Being on the east end of Tortola allows you to visit Parham Town to go shopping and try the local restaurants. It’s also close to the Terrance B. Lettsome Airport, making this a convenient place to stay on days when you land or catch a flight out.
Take advantage of the Wyndham Rewards program and get points for your stay here, as well as receive members-only perks. We recommend this resort to travelers looking for something close to all-inclusive and who enjoy spending their time at resorts with traditional amenities close by.
5. Fort Burt Hotel
Fort Burt Hotel is toward the south end of Road Town at the center of Tortola. Guests can explore this historic city and the surrounding area for a night or two and won’t need to break the bank to do it.
The location makes it a walking distance from several points of interest, including Queen Elizabeth II Park, Tortola Pier Park, and the Road Town East Ferry which can conveniently shuttle you to nearby islands for the day.
You’ll also be next to a harbor where several boat charter companies operate. Book a charter for a private boat for the day, or join in on a group excursion for snorkeling or sailing. We also previously covered an in-depth sailing guide for the British Virgin Islands if you’re curious.
Accommodations at Fort Burt Hotel are simple, straightforward hotel rooms of various sizes, including single, two, and three-bedroom configurations. Some upgraded room options include premium amenities like a hot tub and upgraded views.
Make your way up Waterfront Drive, and within a couple of blocks, you will see restaurants and shops galore to patronize. You’re never far from everything that happens in Tortola, and you’ll find it easy to get to and from Fort Burt Hotel via public transportation, walking, or ride-sharing.
6. Village Cay Marina & Hotel
Village Cay Marina & Hotel is located in the heart of Tortola in Road Town. Staying here puts you within walking distance of the booming capital of the British Virgin Islands with its many shops, restaurants, bars, and active nightlife.
Since you’ll be close to the ferry, you can go catch a ride to Anegada, The Baths in Virgin Gorda, and if you’ve got your passport handy, St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The hotel is a back-to-basics, single building like traditional accommodations tend to be. It features four different styles of guest suites, and it’s a perfectly acceptable place to rest after days exploring the island.
If you want to enjoy a made-to-order meal or pizza, head to the on-site restaurant, Water’s Edge. Travelers will find a fine selection of soups, salads, burgers, and heartier fare like steak and seafood, as well as several unique pizzas and desserts.
The marina is part of the property, and if you arrive via boat, include dockage rates with a stay and save. Bring along the whole family and enjoy this affordable gem in the middle of the busiest place on Tortola.
Perhaps unlike many of the options we include, this is less of a destination in and of itself and more of a basecamp for your adventures on the island. It’s not like the traditional all-inclusive resorts you can find around the BVI’s, but more of a place to rest at night for a cheaper fare. So if that’s what you’re after, this is it.
7. Aerial BVI
Aerial BVI is more than just a hotel, as it serves as an all-inclusive wellness experience. Located on a private island southeast of Parham Town, Aerial BVI offers a completely immersive luxury retreat that promises to center and energize you.
The all-inclusive resorts offer your choice of unique accommodations thanks to diverse individual residences throughout the property. You can also opt for your own private villa and experience what it’s like to have your own place on an island in paradise. All rooms feature open, airy spaces that allow for ample sea breezes and sunlight.
There are wellness activities scheduled daily that allow you to make the most of your time on this one-of-a-kind island sanctuary. Engage the body with yoga classes on the beach, enjoy watersports playtime, or go on an afternoon garden tour. Find a sense of calm through meditation sessions, sound bowl therapy, and much more.
Your all-inclusive vacation at Aerial BVI includes healthy, balanced nutrition and refreshments to help you achieve your goals. Be sure to set yourself up for a spectacular sunset and attend one of the many stargazing events held every evening.
This Tortola resort is an excellent choice for singles, couples, or groups who have a shared set of goals they want to achieve. It’s an amazing opportunity to connect with one another as a unit and perhaps more importantly, with yourself.
8. Myett’s Garden Inn & Suites
Myett’s Garden Inn & Suites is located on the beach in fabulous Cane Garden Bay, one of the most lively places on Tortola. This is thanks in large part to the exciting nightlife options all along the beach and resorts and shops throughout the hillside.
A charming garden, ocean view, or direct-access beach suite awaits guests at Myett’s Garden Inn & Suites. They are decorated to resemble the guesthouses and resorts of the Caribbean’s golden age not so long ago, with modern updates including luxurious bedrooms and kitchenettes.
Guest services at Myett’s Garden Inn are happy to oblige to any requests from travelers, and they’re a great place to turn to for all of the things you want to do. You can ask them about watersports rentals and gear for use, chartering sailing and fishing trips, as well as diving and snorkeling expeditions.
Myett’s Grille is open daily to guests as well as the public who want to enjoy a delicious meal on the sands of this iconic shoreline. Visit in the evenings for sunset happy hour drink specials and entertainment nearly every day of the week. If you’re just swinging through the area, it’s a great place to hang out, catch your breath, and have a few cold ones.
You can also just lay out and vegetate on the sands of Cane Garden Bay for an unforgettable moment. Overall, Myetts Garden Inn is a local favorite that many travelers we talk to seem to really like with its small and friendly atmosphere. Read our full Myetts Gardenn Inn review from a recent experience.
9. Maria’s By The Sea
We round out this list with Maria’s By The Sea, another fine choice of accommodation smack in the middle of Road Town. It’s close to the most popular area in Tortola where all the fun things happen. This is a great budget hotel to save money and put yourself in a central location to explore the island.
Get out and walk the town to enjoy the old-world charm of the island and the adorable downtown and patronize the shops. Make your way to the Road Town East Ferry to hitch a ferry ride out to one of the nearby islands like Jost Van Dyke or Virgin Gorda.
We really recommend you expand your exploration of the British Virgin Islands to include multiple islands, especially Virgin Gorda which is a stunning nature lover’s dream.
Once you make your way back in the evening, enjoy a modern experience in your choice of standard, superior, or deluxe suites. Splurge and go premium, and be treated to a spectacular view of the capitol or the harbor nearby. It’s a great vantage point for a wonderful view of the daily sunsets.
Maria’s By The Sea offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner entirely on the property, thanks to the on-site restaurant. Better yet, make use of the location and go on a culinary tour of historic Road Town. All of the tastes of this part of the Caribbean in one convenient area of the island.
This is a good option that we recommend for those looking for something cheaper than the other luxury hotels in Tortola without worrying about a lack of quality.