Roomer

Mafolie Hotel

St Thomas, VI, USA
$170-280/ night

Book this if You want the million-dollar view of Charlotte Amalie without the Ritz-Carlton price tag, and you don't mind climbing stairs to get it.

Why People Love It

  • The view from the pool and restaurant is arguably the best on the island
  • Sol at Mafolie restaurant is a destination in itself
  • Genuine historic Caribbean charm that feels local, not corporate

Quick Take: It’s a view with a room attached—expect breathtaking scenery but dated interiors and a serious workout.

Reviewed by @yaraschraier: I was blown away by the value here. We got a free upgrade and the view from our balcony was honestly the best in St. Thomas. The room was spotless and huge. You need a cab to get to town, but the hotel sorts it out for you. Would 100% stay again!

Guest Who Stayed Here Said

The hype

Everyone agrees the views are world-class and the staff is warm, but the rooms are showing their age.

Reality check

You will likely encounter rust in the bathroom and worn furniture—it's the trade-off for the salt air and the price.

  • You are fit and don't mind stairs (lots of them)
  • You plan to rent a car and explore the island daily
  • You want a romantic sunset dinner spot right at your hotel

Cleanliness & Maintenance

8
  • Housekeeping: Daily service is generally reliable, though they sometimes miss dust in high corners.
  • Bathroom hygiene: Clean, but expect some rust on fixtures and older grout lines due to the humidity and age.
  • Maintenance: The biggest weak point. Peeling paint, cracked tiles, and worn furniture are common complaints.
  • Linens & towels: Functional but not luxurious. Pool towels are provided.
  • Odors & scents: Generally fresh, though some lower-level rooms can smell slightly musty after rain.

Sleepability™

6.5MODERATE
MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
  • Motorcycles and trucks on the steep road outside
  • Restaurant noise for rooms located directly below the dining deck
  • Thin walls between connecting rooms

Before you book

Good to know

  • The hotel charges a Resort Fee (~$25/night) that covers WiFi, parking, and pool towels.
  • Taxis are expensive and charge per person; renting a car is recommended but driving is on the left.
  • The front desk has limited hours (not 24/7), so coordinate late arrivals in advance.

What to pack

  • Bug spray (mosquitoes can be an issue in the open-air areas)
  • Earplugs (for the road noise)
  • Comfortable walking shoes (the stairs are no joke)

Room Genie

Best picks

  • Deluxe King with Harbor View (worth the upgrade for the balcony)
  • Panoramic Villa (if you need space and the best vista)

Rooms to avoid

  • Economy/Budget rooms (often small, dark, and facing the road/wall)
  • The 'Bungalow' if you hate stairs (requires 50+ steps to access)

Room Request Genie – copy & paste

“I am looking forward to my stay. Please assign a room as far from the road as possible to minimize traffic noise, and preferably on a level that minimizes stairs if available.”

FAQ & Hidden tips

Everything you actually want to know before you book.

Is breakfast included?

Yes, a complimentary continental breakfast is served daily, though some guests miss the hot omelet station that was previously available.

Is there a beach nearby?

No. The nearest beach (Magens Bay) is about a 10-minute drive over the mountain. You cannot walk to the beach.

Is the hotel pet-friendly?

Official policy says NO pets allowed, though some third-party booking sites confusingly list a fee. Do not risk it without written confirmation from the hotel.

Is there parking?

Yes, free self-parking is available, but the lot is small and can fill up during dinner hours when locals visit the restaurant.

Is there an elevator?

No. The property is built into a steep hillside and relies entirely on stairs.

Does the room have a fridge?

Most rooms have a mini-fridge and microwave, but double-check your specific room type description.

Insider Tips

  • ✨

    The 'Tiny Full Room' is legitimately tiny—only book this if you are a solo traveler on a strict budget.

  • ✨

    Locals flock to the bar for sunset; grab a seat by 5:00 PM to beat the dinner rush.

  • ✨

    Ask for a room *away* from the ice machine if you're sensitive to mechanical noise.

5 things to know before you go

  • 💡The 'road side' rooms can feel like a basement compared to the view rooms.

  • 💡The WiFi signal struggles to penetrate the thick concrete walls of the older buildings.

  • 💡You might spot iguanas sunning themselves on the pool deck.

  • 💡The water pressure can be temperamental due to the hillside cistern system.

  • 💡The drive up to the hotel involves some very steep, hairpin turns that can be intimidating for new drivers.

Local Playbook

Map

See where Mafolie Hotel is located and what's nearby.

Key amenities & services