Hilton Opens on St. Thomas Is St. Croix Next?

St. Croix Staff

ST. Thomas - Hilton, the third largest hotel chain in the world, opened their Hampton by Hilton on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The 126-room hotel is located directly across from Havensight Mall and next to WICOs cruise ship port, overlooking Long Bay. It is the first large new-built hotel in the Territory in thirty years and marks a milestone as a strategic addition to Hilton’s growing presence in the Caribbean where it currently operates approximately 50 hotels. 

“With the introduction of Hampton by Hilton St. Thomas, we’re proud to bring our Hamptonality service culture to the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Shruti Gandhi Buckley, Senior Vice President and Global Brand head. “This new hotel offers our signature complimentary hot breakfast, premium bedding for a great night’s sleep, and the consistent and reliable experience travelers expect from a global leader in hospitality. As we expand across the Caribbean we remain committed to delivering the exceptional stays our guests know and love.”

Owned by Haven Development and managed by Hotel Equities, Hampton by Hilton St. Thomas pays homage to the island with its modern coastal interior decor and Caribbean teal and blue color scheme throughout the property. The new hotel spans over 70,000 sf on just over 1.5 acres. It includes a 3,800 sf patio, a 2,000 sf pool deck, 850 sf of onsite event space, a fitness center, and a full-service bar and lounge area overlooking the harbor which is open to the public. 

Haven Development LLC, which is a USVI Limited Liability Company registered on May 9, 2022, is deeply invested in making a lasting impact on the USVI community through its stewardship of Hampton by Hilton St. Thomas. As part of its commitment to giving back, the company has pledged to support local charitable organizations that directly benefit residents of the USVI. In addition, Haven Development will contribute to the Virgin Islands Department of Education to advance public school programs and initiatives reinforcing its dedication to educational enrichment and community empowerment. 

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. joined GERs Administrator Angel Dawson, Hilton Vice President Pablo Maturana, developer Sean Miller and partners to cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony. 

“This is proof that the Virgin Islands is ready for bold development that creates opportunity and strengthens the economy,”  Governor Bryan remarked. 

The project brings jobs, investment and new energy to the tourism industry.   

“We see great potential in the U.S. Virgin Islands as both a business and leisure destination,” said Mr. Maturana. “Bringing Hampton by Hilton to St. Thomas allows us to meet growing demand for dependable, high-quality accommodations while creating meaningful local impact through jobs, education support, and community partnerships.”

Note: Given the continued popularity of the USVI as a top tourist destination, the St. Croix Times reached out to Hilton and Marriott to understand what has taken so long for the major hotel chains to invest in the Virgin Islands. To date, there has been no such investment in St. Croix and although there is consistent talk of a new hotel coming to the Big Island no such project has materialized. 

As of press time there was no response from Hilton or Marriott.