Fodor's Expert Review Ocean Terrace Inn

"OTI," as locals call it, is a rarity: a smart, intimate, "boutique-y" business hotel that also appeals to vacationers. The hillside location, convenient to downtown Basseterre, guarantees marvelous bay views from most rooms. Luxuriant gardens, room blocks, and a split-level free-form waterfall lagoon pool tumble down to the sea. Handsomely decorated rooms in an earthy color scheme vary widely in size, but all feature island touches (from masks to murals), free Wi-Fi, mini-refrigerators, and kitchenettes or whirlpool tubs. The urbane hilltop Verandah Restaurant (a local must on Friday night for its West Indian buffet with live music) entices island power brokers. With regular free shuttle service to Southeast Peninsula beaches, courteous helpful staff, and an on-site gym, peaceful OTI promotes rest, not revelries.