Tucked into a hillside across from Fort Thomas, between the road and water, with lovely views over Basseterre Bay, this property is one km southwest of Basseterre and three from the airport.
This skillfully run establishment has long been popular with prosperous business travelers and leisure guests who do not mind an off-beach location.
The hotel maintains standards similar to the Frigate Bay Resort, another land-bound hotel here. This stylish hotel, however, has more character and the deluxe rooms in particular are arguably the best in Basseterre showing natural wood and marble accents.
Jacaranda, bougainvillea and hibiscus bushes brighten the rambling, well-tended grounds. The hotel is a maze to decipher, and paths and stairs rise and fall.
The alfresco lounge gracing the entrance encourages relaxation. From here, steps descend to the small air-conditioned
lobby done in light pickled woods and oversized rattan upholstered with plump bleached linen cushions.
Meals are taken at the more formal of the two dining rooms serving pricey West Indian fare. The more casual room at the wharf sports a nautical kick and is a favorite with locals for its seafood and weekly Caribbean buffets.
Drinks are mixed in three bars: Fisherman's Wharf, with the occasional steel band; one on the more subdued bay-view terrace; and at a swim-up spot.
Guests cool off in the three pools, and the multitiered lagoon-style affair boasts bright Italian tiles and bubbling water cascades. The small whirlpool fills up fast.
Staff arranges sightseeing trips and watersports. Day-trippers hop aboard the free daily shuttles to the golf course, casino and to Turtle Beach on the southeastern peninsula facing Nevis. A fitness room is sufficient 
for a workout and Pro-Divers Inc., a dive shop is across the street.
Conference facilities are a big draw here and seat 175 people theater-style, but the Marriott has taken much of the wind from this hotel's sails. There is a small business center as well as a gift shop, and Wi-Fi Internet access is available in the reception and pool areas. Pets are not permitted here.
The air-conditioned guest rooms, studios, suites, and one- and two-bedroom apartments are scattered across the hillside and have mountain or bay views. Maintenance is good, but it is best to request a renovated room or request a discount.
Decor runs to quality tile, pine and rattan furnishings and expensive fabrics in rich hues of gold, russet and cobalt blue. Standard throughout are TVs, phones, radios, refrigerators, and furnished patios or balconies.
Superior and deluxe rooms add 
safes. Configurations vary according to room categories with either king, paired twins, double or queen beds. Only three rooms lack tub/shower combinations, and the costlier categories add kitchenettes and such extras as dual vanities, irons and ironing boards.
The preferred superior and deluxe rooms offer better views, safes and separate stall showers. Avoid suites in the upper 30s; they are close to a rather noisy facility room. Room service runs from 7 am to 9:30 pm.
With its enthusiastic staff, modern facilities and attractive decor, this stylish property packs more punch than most corporate guests expect. This one-off establishment works well for anchored mariners and traveling executives.
Americans searching for familiar turf in this category will likely prefer the pricier Marriott, although this place has more local flavor.
