Oct. 3, 2006 — The Buccaneer Hotel has gained the unique distinction of being the first V.I. hotel to be listed in the National Trust Historic Hotels of America (NTHHA), an organization established in 1989 to identify hotels that have faithfully maintained their historic integrity, architecture and ambiance.
The expansive history of the Buccaneer made it a prime candidate for NTHHA status. The site became a hotel in 1948 under the ownership of the Armstrong family. Before that the area was owned by the King of Malta, Danish Governor von Prock, the Heyliger family, and Michael Shoy – for whom the beach adjacent to the property is named. Sugar, cotton and cattle were the major sources of income for previous owners.
The Buccaneer, which has been in operation for more than 60 years, is located just a stone's throw from Christiansted town. The 340-acre property has three separate beaches: Grotto, Whistler and Mermaid.
To qualify for membership, hotels must be at least 50 years old, listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, or recognized locally as having historic significance.
According to Vicki Locke, the hotel's director of sales and marketing, the listing exposes the hotel to geographic areas and markets they have not had access to in the past.
The Buccaneer is one of two hotels in the Caribbean on the list, which includes 209 hotels worldwide. Members of NTHHA all have a story to tell about their history.
Today the hotel has138 rooms including specialty suites with unique names. The newest member of the specialty suites is Doubloons, named for "the gold coins legends said washed up on the shores," according to Locke.
During the hotel's early stages, the only structures on the property were the main great house (erected for the King of Malta), the sugar mill of Governor von Prock and 11 rooms.
For more information on the Buccaneer Hotel's historic past, call 773-2100.
Back Talk
Share your reaction to this news with other Source readers. Please include headline, your name and city and state/country or island where you reside.
