The west end of St. Croix moves at a different speed, and Frederiksted has always been its anchor. The water stays calm here, the shoreline opens wide, and the town feels lived-in rather than staged. Right along that waterfront sits The Fred, an adults-only hotel built directly into the fabric of the place. It doesn’t separate guests from Frederiksted — it places them inside it, with the Caribbean stretching out just beyond the pool deck.
The hotel occupies a series of restored historic buildings, finished in bright coastal colors that stand out without overwhelming the setting. From the street, it feels intimate and approachable. From the water, it feels perfectly positioned. Rooms face straight out to the sea, balconies hover just above the sand, and the pool sits at the edge of the shoreline, creating a layout that prioritizes proximity over scale.
Everything about the design reinforces that sense of ease. It’s historic and modern at once. There’s a flow. They’re beachy rooms woven together by decks, walkways and open air.
There’s a reason Caribbean Journal readers have voted it their favorite adults-only hotel in the Caribbean on multiple occasions.
Why We Love It
What makes The Fred work is how well it fits St. Croix’s west end. This is an adults-only hotel that understands its setting — quiet waters, long afternoons, and a town that still functions at a human scale. The beach is right there, the pool never feels crowded, and the atmosphere stays relaxed from morning through evening.
The location adds another layer. Frederiksted’s waterfront is just steps away, the pier sits close enough for an easy walk, and the calm sea makes swimming and paddleboarding straightforward. It’s a hotel that appeals to couples, solo travelers and friends who want to stay somewhere with personality, without the distractions or density of larger resorts.
Food And Drink
Dining is an integral part of the experience at The Fred, and it leans into the same relaxed, coastal sensibility as the rest of the property. The on-site restaurant serves Caribbean-influenced dishes with an emphasis on fresh seafood, local flavors and unfussy presentation, all set just steps from the water. Meals unfold at an easy pace, whether it’s a casual lunch after a swim or dinner with the sun dropping into the sea.
For something more casual, the bar anchors the pool deck and beachfront, offering cocktails, wine and light bites throughout the day. It’s the kind of setup that keeps you from ever needing to leave the shoreline — order a drink, step into the water, come back to your lounger, repeat.
Frederiksted’s small but growing dining scene is also right outside the door, with local bars and restaurants along the waterfront adding to the sense that you’re staying in a real town, not a resort bubble.
The Experience
Days at The Fred tend to unwrap nicely and easily. The pool deck sits just above the sand, catching steady breezes off the water. The beach stays gentle and clear, with open views straight out to the horizon. Everything is close at hand, and the layout keeps the Caribbean in constant view from the spaces that matter most.
As evening arrives, the west end shows its best side. The sun drops directly into the water, casting long light across the hotel and the town beyond. The pace stays unhurried, the setting stays quiet, and the hotel settles into the kind of calm that feels natural rather than curated.
Where To Stay
The rooms at The Fred are designed to keep the focus where it belongs — on the water. Many open directly onto the beach or face the Caribbean from private balconies, putting the sea just a few steps away. Interiors lean modern and simple, with bright accents that echo the colors of Frederiksted and clean lines that keep the spaces feeling open rather than overworked. The layouts are efficient, for travelers moving between room, pool and shoreline without friction. It’s a setup that feels intentional and relaxed, well suited to an adults-only hotel where the priority is proximity, comfort and ease rather than excess.
How To Get There
The Fred is located in Frederiksted on the west end of St. Croix, about a 25-minute drive from Henry E. Rohlsen Airport. Taxis and rental cars are readily available, and the drive across the island offers a clear transition from the busier eastern side to the calmer west. Once you arrive, everything in Frederiksted is walkable, making it easy to settle in without needing to get back behind the wheel.
