I like the ferry out of Red Hook, because it doesn't have that long slog up the south side.

Places that are close to Red Hook- Sapphire Beach, Secret Harbour, Elysian and the Ritz- all different price points! There are also some smaller properties on vrbo and such.

My current favorite place is not exactly in Red Hook, but on the east end- Cariga's in Independent Boat Yard- best value on St Thomas. In Red Hook, you can just walk from bar to bar. Everyone has a favorite, mine is ITP.