Many of the region's best resorts discount their rooms by 40 percent or more. Admittedly, not all hotels post their annual low-season rates precisely on May 1, and air fares to the islands are unpredictable. Still, most of the Caribbean suddenly becomes more affordable, and it stays that way until mid-December. Not all bargains are created equal, however, and though many of the region's premier resorts offer superb deals, others don't. The trick is knowing where to look.
Hotels command top dollar, until summer approaches.
So, when spring arrives, it's time to celebrate. You may not be able to wallow on St. Barts with a beer budget, but with nightly hotel savings well into three digits, you will have enough money left for champagne. In the following listing, our goal is value, not cheap. Budget hotels can be found on most Caribbean isles, but not all offer the kind of discounts we're talking about. Here are a dozen that do.