As a U.S. colony, Puerto Rico straddles two worlds -- a fiery Latin culture mixed with the infrastructure of the United States. For hotel amenities on the island, expect a mix of both. One option is the Ocean Hostal Playero, a hotel that claims to offer Puerto Rico's only vegetarian-friendly restaurants. The hotel starts at about $79 a night for two people as of January 2011 and features a free breakfast, a vegetarian cafe, and a location just a block from Puerto Rico's famous Candado/Ocean Park beach. Rooms include air conditioning, ceiling fans, and modern linens and towels. Suite rooms are available with kitchen appliances and balconies.
When it comes to budget accommodations, Cuba is hard to beat. You'll find any number of guest houses that offer rooms for less than $25 a night in many parts of the island. Cuba-Hostels.com lists several hostel options, including the Guesthouse Guillen & Maritza in Havana, with rooms available at roughly $30 a night. Rooms feature air conditioning, a double bed, balcony, refrigerator and television. The location in Havana is close to the beach and Havana's historic theater.
Of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas is the most populated, and the most likely to have a cheap available room. One option is the Sunset Gardens Suites, available for $89 a night during the low season in 2011. The location is nowhere near the beach, but you do get sweeping vistas of the island from the balcony in your suite. Accommodations include full kitchens, satellite television and air conditioning. The homey atmosphere will give you the feeling of living on St. Thomas.
Just off the shores of Venezuela lies Curacao, one of the lesser-known islands in the Antilles. The island is the seat of the Netherlands Antilles government. The Dutch colony definitely shows its European roots, but with a flair that is influenced by its South American neighbors. Staying on the island is fairly expensive, but you can find somewhat reasonable accommodations. One place to try is the Trupial Inn & Casino, located in the island's largest town of Willemsted. Rooms at the hotel can be deeply discounted if you book early enough. With a few months' advance reservation, you can get a room for $85 a night in early 2011. Rooms include air conditioning and showers, and suites are available that include kitchenettes. The small casino on site offers free drinks while you're playing. The hotel is under renovation until May 2011.
