Hotels in Basseterre

Basseterre: Capital on the Leeward Shore

Basseterre has served as the capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis since the French founded it in 1627, making it one of the oldest European settlements in the Eastern Caribbean. The city sits on the southwestern coast of Saint Kitts, roughly 2,100 km southeast of Miami. At its centre stands Independence Square, a circular park ringed by Georgian colonial buildings and the twin-spired Co-Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The Circus, a roundabout modelled loosely on London's Piccadilly Circus, anchors the compact shopping district a short walk north.

Where to Stay

Most hotels cluster along the waterfront near Port Zante, the cruise pier that accommodates vessels up to 350 m. Smaller guesthouses occupy the quiet streets of Fortlands and Bird Rock, both within 10 minutes on foot of the ferry terminal serving Nevis. The crossing to Charlestown takes about 45 minutes by scheduled catamaran.

Practical Tips

• Getting around: The town centre is walkable; taxis use fixed government rates posted at the pier.
• Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD); major hotels accept USD at roughly 2.70 XCD per dollar.
• Ferry timing: Book the Nevis ferry a day ahead during the December–April high season.
• Climate: Rainfall peaks July–October; average temperatures stay near 27 °C year-round.