THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS - Virgin Islands - page 197

IN ROAD TOWN
If you want to be near the center of all the activity (such as there is), opt for a hotel
in or around Road Town. Some visitors might want to combine a night or 2 in Road
Town with a few other nights in a more secluded part of the island.
Very Expensive
Frenchmans This little boutique hotel has a certain chic. It is the latest rein-
carnation of the old Frenchman's Cay Hotel, which had become almost a landmark
before it was shut down. In a dramatic renovation and under different owners, the
emerging resort is far better than the older property. Standing on a 4.8-hectare (12-
acre) peninsula, it is a cluster of luxurious cottages. You get some of the benefits of a
larger resort, but with a lot more privacy. The hotel lies within walking distance of
Soper's Hole, with its various marina services, markets, shops, and dining choices.
Cottages open onto a private beach and a view of Sir Francis Drake Channel. All
cottages contain full kitchens with modern appliances and accessories. The club-
house restaurant on-site is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, featuring set menus
costing from $40 to $65.
West End, Road Town, Tortola, B.V.I. www.frenchmansbvi.com. & 284/494-8811. 9 units. Winter
$380-$545 1-bedroom villa, $550-$985 2-bedroom villa; off season $305 1-bedroom villa, $470 2-bed-
room villa. Rates include continental breakfast. MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; concierge; pool
(outdoor); tennis court (lit). In room: A/C, ceiling fan, TV/DVD, MP3 docking station, Wi-Fi (free).
Expensive
The Moorings/Mariner Inn The Moorings is a world leader in providing
yacht charters, and it's been offering boating holidays for more than 40 years. You
don't even have to be Bill Gates to stay here. Many visitors like the camaraderie of
a bustling marina and the convivial atmosphere of its two bars where boaters meet
and tell tall tales. Located right in Road Town, close to restaurants, shops, and
bars, the Caribbean's most complete yachting resort is outfitted with at least 180
sailing yachts, some worth $2 million or more. This is an excellent place to stay if
you want to rent your own yacht. Situated on a 3-hectare (7 1 ⁄ 2 -acre) property, the
inn was obviously designed for yachties, offering not only support facilities and
services but also shoreside accommodations. This lively spot is the place to go if
you want to sample town life rather than tropical seclusion. The rooms are spa-
cious; all the suites have kitchenettes, and most of them open onto the water.
Obviously, the boaties get more attention here than the landlubbers do. The near-
est beach is Cane Garden Bay, about 15 minutes away by car; you'll have to either
drive there in a rental car or take a taxi.
Wickham's Cay II (P.O. Box 216), Road Town, Tortola, B.V.I. www.bvimarinerinnhotel.com. & 800/535-
7289 in the U.S., or 284/494-2333. Fax [phone] units. Winter $220-$395 double, $340-$345
suite; off season $160-$320 double, $340-$380 suite. AE, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; 2 bars; pool
(outdoor); room service; watersports equipment/rentals. In room: A/C, fridge, hair dryer, kitchenette (in
suites), Wi-Fi (free).
Treasure Isle Hotel One of Tortola's first hotels, this sprawling complex has
lots of island flavor as evoked by its gingerbread-style houses around a freshwater
swimming pool. It was built at the eastern edge of Road Town, 1.6km (1 mile) from
the center, on 6 hectares (15 acres) of steeply inclined hillside overlooking the coastal

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