I have not stayed at Hotel on the Cay (HOTC) personally, but my family has a condo in Christiansted and we sometimes have guests that stay at HOTC. First, it is a great location. As you mentioned, it is in Christiansted harbor and they have a ferry that gets you there in just a couple of minutes. The beach is very nice and the views are spectacular. The hotel has a pool and a decent restaurant. It is a very safe place to stay and has some really nice amenities. However, the place is in need of renovation. The rooms my friends have stayed in are generally clean, but several people have had problems with the water (some rooms either get hot or cold, but not both, and management is either unable or unwilling to fix the problem). The decor in the rooms is also a bit dated. I have also found that the staff can be less then helpful at times. The upside is that the rates are usually quite cheap (even in high season) and the location puts you in the middle of everything. It is certainly cheaper than the Buccaneer, Carambola or Divi and, in my opinion, in a much better location. If you decide to stay there, it might be worth a call to the hotel to see what specific accomodations they can offer and to see if any of their rooms have been renovated recently.

Read Frederickstad in July post, and look at the reviews. As they say its not the Ritz, but I have stayed there many times and like it. If you are picky about towels, soap, sheets,and want your butt kissed, you are in the wrong place. The once nice waterfalls are in disrepair, and being permanently removed.The comments about the staff are wrong, they are very nice, just very laid back. Island thing!Disregard the review by the guy who complains there is no parking garage! Does this genius expect to drive his car across the harbor and park it on the island! I would say in a nutshell, a great location,

nice beach, good bar, very safe and very quiet.

We have Timesharing at HOTC and come down every year.

It is what I call a 3 star hotel in a 5 star location.

A 2 minute ferry ride and you are in the middle of town and walking distance restaurants, bars, entertainment and shops.

Having a beach a few steps from your door is great.

The rooms were a little dated but recently there have been rennovations to many of the rooms. The room I stay in has been updated and has a queen bed, Queen sleeper sofa (although other rooms have 2 Queen beds and no sofa)kitchenette and table with 2 chairs. It is not the Ritz but very comfortable and clean.

We have found the staff to very kind,pleasant and laid back.

If you need more information feel free to PM me.

I personnally would choose to stay at one of the intown hotels that are run better and just take the little ferry over if you want to go to that beach. Caravelle hotel, hoger dankse, king christiansted, etc...Caravelle being my first choice. They are also as cheaps as hotel on the cay but I think you'll have a better experience.