Anguilla Hotels

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Arawak Beach Inn

At a Glance

Pros

funky, casual crowd
friendly owners
very competitive rates

Cons

not on the beach
isolated location makes a car a must

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Arawak Beach Inn Review

These hexagonal two-story villas are a good choice for a funky, budget-friendly, low-key guesthouse experience. The pricier units on the top floors are more spacious and a bit quieter, with spectacular views of the rocky shores of boat-dotted Island Harbor and beyond to Scilly Key. Standard rooms are pretty basic, but the two end units have been beautifully renovated, with modern furniture, flat-screen TVs, and attractive bathrooms and kitchens. You can combine these units to suit the size of your group. The inn's manager, Maria Hawkins, will make you feel like one of the family by the time you leave. Mix your own drinks at the bar—or, if co-owner Maurice Bonham-Carter is around, have him mix you the island's best Bloody Mary. The Arawak Café, splashed in psychedelic colors, serves special pizzas and lip-smacking Caribbean comfort food. A small private cove with a sandy beach is a five-minute walk away. The common areas have Wi-Fi. Check the website for special rates and packages.

Contact Information

Address: The Valley, Island Harbour, AI2640
Phone: 264/497-4888; 877/427-2925 reservations
Website: www.arawakbeach.com
Location: Anguilla

Hotel Details

17 rooms.
Rate includes no meals, all-inclusive.

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Fodorite Reviews

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Room

Décor

Service

Value

Did I stay at the same hotel as Tom?

I nearly cancelled after reading the reviews, but the Arawak was strongly recommended by Canadian friends who go there every year. My experiences could not have been more different from Toms - in fact I wonder if we stayed at the same hotel! Ours was a very attractive upper level room with a four poster bed (no kitchen) and air conditioning (an extra). The little cove dismissed by Tom is about 200 yards away, an easy stroll. The beach bar he refers to is closed. That beach there is a real treat we had it completely to ourselves. It is inaccurate that there is no beach at the Inn which is directly on Island Harbor beach, but one needs to walk down a bit for good swimming. Still, we would recommend a car for at least a few days as Anguilla has so many great beaches and restaurants to explore. We has absolutely no problems with maid service which was efficient and thorough. The whole place is well maintained. When we were there, the exteriors had just been completely repainted in vibrant colors, and they were finishing off redoing the balconies. The pool area had new market umbrellas and new teak furniture. There is a new paved road to the Inn, avoiding the poor access Tom refers to (the sign to the Arawak had not been moved, so we arrived down the old route I do agree not to be repeated!). The Arawak is home away from home. Expect a warm welcome from Innkeeper Maria, relaxation and good food. For Anguilla, prices are reasonable. We particularly enjoyed the pizza and local Chicken dish. The rooms have nice furnishings and the beds are comfortable. There is cable TV and internet, and WiFi in the restaurant. The bathrooms are OK, if nothing special. I read about problems with water pressure, but ours was fine if not a torrent. Be assured that this place is well run, good value and fun. I guess one can not please everyone, but Tom must have been very unlucky, or else they have got their act together since he was there. Come with confidence.

by greenavoncourt, 12/31/06