Anguilla Hotels

Anguilla Hotel Reviews

Tourism on Anguilla is a fairly recent phenomenon—most development didn't begin until the early 1980s, so most hotels and resorts are of relatively recent vintage. The lack of native topography and, indeed, vegetation, and the blindingly white expanses of beach have inspired building designs of some interest; architecture buffs might have fun trying to name some of the most surprising examples. Inspiration largely comes from the Mediterranean: the Greek Islands, Morocco, and Spain, with some Miami-style art deco thrown into the mixture.

Anguilla accommodations basically fall into two categories: grand resorts and luxury resort-villas, or low-key, simple, locally owned inns and small beachfront complexes. The former can be surprisingly expensive, the latter surprisingly reasonable. In the middle are some condo-type options, with full kitchens and multiple bedrooms, which are great for families or for longer stays. Private villa rentals are becoming more common and are increasing in number and quality every season as development on the island accelerates.

A good phone chat or email exchange with the management of any property is a good idea, as some lodgings don't have in-room TVs, a few have no air-conditioning, and units within the same complex can vary greatly in layout, accessibility, distance to the beach, and view. When calling to reserve a room, ask about special discount packages, especially in spring and summer. Most hotels include Continental breakfast in the price, and many have meal-plan options. But keep in mind that Anguilla is home to dozens of excellent restaurants before you lock yourself into an expensive meal plan that you may not be able to change. All hotels charge a 10% tax, a $1 per room/per day tourism marketing levy, and—in most cases—an additional 10% service charge.

Villas and Condominium Rental Agencies

The tourist office publishes an annual Anguilla Travel Planner with informative listings of available vacation apartment rentals.

Anguilla Luxury Collection. Anguilla Luxury Collection is operated by Sue and Robin Ricketts, longtime Anguilla real estate experts, who manage a collection of first-rate villas. They also manage a range of attractive properties in the Anguilla Affordable Collection linked through the same Web site. 264/497-6049. www.anguillaluxurycollection.com.

myCaribbean. myCaribbean is the largest local private villa-rental company. Gayle Gurvey and her staff manage and rent more than 100 local villas, and have been in business since 2000. 877/392-0828. www.mycaribbean.com. 0.

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