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Some islands have overall cheaper prices than others, with St. Croix having the lowest rates. You’ll need to pay more for the privilege of staying on the beach on any island. A room with an ocean view is more expensive than one with a garden or city view, and in the few high-rise hotels, the top floors will probably cost you more.

Rates drop drastically around April 15 and go up again around December 15 when folks from colder climates escape to the tropics. Rates at some hotels are at their peak between Christmas and New Year. In the USVI, hotel rates are high in mid-February when schools on the US mainland close for the week that includes the national holiday, President’s Day.

During the slower summer season, hotels often offer packages that include some meals and extras such as champagne, massages, day sails, scuba dives, and car rentals. They can be great deals if you take advantage of the extras.

If you plan to visit during the busier winter season, it pays to book in advance if you’re picky about where you stay. Reservations are essential if you are visiting a BVI outer island. Note that some hotels have mailing addresses on other islands.

If you don’t have a hotel reservation, call hotels from the airport or ferry terminal. You can check out the free tourist magazines and the hotel advertisements in those places. If you are taking a taxi, booking your room before you leave the airport is a must. Taxi drivers are usually unwilling to drive from hotel to hotel for you to find a room.

In the USVI, tip between 15 and 20 percent in restaurants, depending on how pleased you are with the service. A service charge of anywhere from 10 to 15 percent is included at most BVI restaurants and hotels. A few USVI hotels also add a service charge. If they don’t, leave the maid a few dollars a day depending on the service.

Some hotels charge for local phone calls and many charge for connecting to a long-distance carrier for credit card calls. Long-distance charges can be very high. You’ll definitely save on long-distance calls if you use a phone card and the lobby phone. Read the information provided in your room or check at the front desk before you dial.

Most hotels have free parking, but it may not be next to your room. Parking in Charlotte Amalie, Christiansted, Cruz Bay, Road Town, and Spanish Town’s Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor can be very tight. Only Charlotte Amalie and Christiansted have paid parking lots where you can usually find a space.

Many hotels have air conditioning. However, smaller places and many vacation villas have windows open to the breeze. Unless your hotel room is in a pocket where the breezes don’t blow or you prefer chilled air, you probably won’t need to turn on the air conditioner.

Both the USVI and BVI tack a hotel occupancy tax onto your rate. In the USVI, you’ll pay an additional 8 percent, and some St. John hoteliers also ask for a voluntary $1 a day donation. The St. John Accommodations Council uses the money to pay for good works. In the BVI, the hotel occupancy tax stands at 7 percent.