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1906
Hotel 1829
Charolotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands
29-30 Kongens Gade, Charolotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands 00802
Original Property Opened in 1906
Historic Hotels of America member since 2024
Hotel 1829 is a charming, luxury, boutique hotel with a rich history. It was originally built in 1829 as the home of a wealthy French sea merchant and has been a significant hotel since 1906. Over the years it has become a favorite hotel of Kings and Queens, local and world-renowned artists, celebrities, musicians, athletes, authors, and poets. Guests from around the world have come to enjoy the architecture and the one-of-a-kind hospitality that Hotel 1829 has to offer. Located in the heart of Charlotte Amalie's Historic District with gorgeous views of the harbor, the hotel features a stunning courtyard with a uniquely designed staircase, lounge and pool, tiered gardens, and an original Tiffany window. There is a full restaurant and one of the oldest bars in St. Thomas, serving craft rum cocktails, local delicacies, and fresh Caribbean favorites. The guest rooms are well appointed with museum-level decor, vintage furniture and local artwork curated by a host of local experts. Hotel 1829 is a celebration of the unique history and people of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Discover
- Discover the incredible Georgian architecture of Hotel 1829. The hotel displays a modern take on the French Colonial aesthetics that date back to the 17th century immigrants that led France to establish new communities in North America and the Caribbean. The buildings feature classic French Colonial elements, characterized by their symmetrical and rectangular design. Exterior walkways wrap around the buildings, and typical French doors and high ceilings are prevalent throughout the architecture. Hotel 1829 is a prime example of this style.
- Learn more about the rich history of Hotel 1829. The hotel began from a newly purchased plot of land by Alexandre Lavalette, a prosperous French sea captain that was one of Charlotte Amalie’s richest locals. Lavalette constructed a gorgeous two-story dwelling in 1829 with the finest French-inspired architectural design in the city. With the French designed intertwined with tropical colorful hues, Lavalette’s home became a popular presence in the community. In 1906, the private residence was acquired by a family on the island and turned into a quaint inn that would serve as such up until closure in the early 2000s. After a full restoration of the hotel, it is now open on the island and guests can enjoy its historic charm.
- Discover the trading heritage of St. Thomas and the city of Charlotte Amalie. St. Thomas within the Virgin Islands was known for trading and exportation of rare exotic goods such as sugar and coffee beans in the 19th century. Trade contributed to the economy of the island and attracted merchants across the world to construct warehouses for trade. There was a flush of newfound wealth during this period and led to the construction of stunning architectural buildings, Hotel 1829 being one of them.
Explore
- Explore the beauty of white-sand beaches and the Caribbean breeze at one of the many beaches that surround the island. Choose from Sapphire Beach for exciting water sports, Coki Beach for nightlife, Magens Beach which is known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, or Lindquist Beach for peaceful island vibes. Locals and guests will agree that there is no better feeling in St. Thomas than a day spent splashing in the water and lazing in the sand.
- Take a guided tour of Hassel Island. The island was once a peninsula of St. Thomas and was called “Orkanhullet.” It holds a great history that dates back to early tribal civilizations. In the 1600s, the island was visited by John Smith on his voyage to Jamestown, Virginia. He wrote in his diary about the native inhabitants of the island. The French Revolution and The Napoleonic Wars played a role on this island having stationed members of the British West India Regiments. Lastly, in the 19th century, Hassel prevailed for shipping and free trade throughout the Caribbean islands. Guests that visit Hassel Island can tour this historic place and learn more in depth about the significance of the island in St. Thomas.
- Learn more about the island’s pirate history with a nighttime kayak tour filled with spooky tales and ghost stories. Pirates have always been a topic of interest for many historians and a fascinating subject to learn more about, especially after pop culture films such as Pirates of the Caribbean. Pirates were real in the Virgin Islands and most prevalent in the 1600s-1700s. This was considered to be the “Golden Age of Piracy” and St. Thomas served as a major base for English ships. As a big base in the Caribbean Islands, pirates frequented this island and it is even rumored that the infamous Blackbeard, Edward Teach had been on the island. On this special nighttime kayak tour, guests will explore the Mangrove Lagoon, experience a picturesque sunset and listen to these incredible stories told by local experts.
Experience
- Experience the scenic view of a lifetime from Drake’s Seat. This mountain top view is known throughout social media and shows the incredible beauty of St. Thomas. The view from this vantage point offers amazing views of Magens Bay, the United States, and British Virgin Islands off the distant blue landscape. Drakes Seat can be accessed by taxi, car, and many island tours stop at this spot. Guests who visit this popular tourist attraction stand at 2,100 feet above sea level and capture a view that will be memorable.
- Climb the 99 Steps, one of the most popular landmarks in Charlotte Amalie. This famous staircase was built in the 1700s by the Danish colony with bricks that were brought to the island from Denmark. St. Thomas is known for its hilly terrace, so the Danes had built steep steps and staircases to make walking and getting around easier. These 99 steps are lined with colorful blooming flowers and lush green plants, making it the perfect spot for pictures. Once at the top of the staircase, guests can see Blackbeard’s Castle, a national historic landmark, and many other points of interest.
- Swim with sea turtles! Wildlife is prevalent in the Virgin Islands waters, and sea turtle habitats are no exception. These islands are known for their colorful tropical fish and beautiful coral reefs making it the ideal spot for snorkeling or swimming alongside sea turtles. Guests can take a snorkeling tour to see these incredible creatures peacefully swim along the sea grass and how they interact in the ocean. This excursion is a favorite among guests and a perfect family-friendly snorkeling adventure.
Taste
- Taste the flavors of French-Caribbean culinary tradition at Lavalette’s, the signature restaurant of Hotel 1829 in Charlotte Amalie, where the vibrant spirit of the U.S. Virgin Islands comes to life. Located in the heart of downtown, Lavalette’s invites guests to dine on its ocean-view terrace overlooking Charlotte Amalie Harbor, savoring locally inspired dishes and craft cocktails made with island-grown ingredients in one of St. Thomas’ most historic settings.
- Taste the legacy of St. Thomas at the island’s oldest bar, where a thoughtfully crafted cocktail menu highlights local rums and house-grown ingredients, complemented by a curated selection of wines and spirits. Live music on select evenings, specialty dinners, and rotating events throughout the year create a lively gathering place where history, culture, and warm island hospitality come together.
- Try the bold flavors of Sunday brunch at Lavalette’s. The menu is full of standout dishes like Wings & Waffles, Lobster Eggs Benedict, and the Classic Caribbean Breakfast, alongside beloved brunch favorites and an inspired cocktail selection. On select evenings, the Lavalette’s experience shifts to an elevated dinner showcasing refined, seasonal cuisine that blends classical French technique with the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean.
- Savor a slice of cake with a twist- a traditional Caribbean Rum Cake. This cake is a popular treat throughout the Caribbean islands and some countries in South America. Rum cake is mostly made throughout the holiday season and is a rich, buttery cake soaked in Caribbean rum. Rum Cake throughout the Caribbean vary on different ingredients depending on which country, some made with candied fruits. In St. Thomas, the fruits are traditionally omitted, and the soft cake is soaked with dark rum. Though it is a holiday treat, guests to St. Thomas can find this delicacy all-year round on this island.
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