Is this OK weather-wise? We don't mind some rain( have just returned from Barbados 2 days ago and got some rain most days) but would like some decent weather! Also any recommendations for decent non AI accomodation would be welcomed( not too expensive)

I've been to Antigua the last week in October that overlapped into November and the weather was perfect. My favorite place to stay on Antigua in a decent price range is Long Bay Hotel. Depending on your travel preferences, it may work for you. What kind of experience are you looking for? I assume that you are planning for October next year and not for next week...

thanks for the reply. Yes we are looking to go next year. It would mainly be a relaxing holiday but we would like to hire a car and see the island. We would like to be close to a range of good restaurants and a nice beach!

"non AI accomodation" ?? I have seen the AI before on this forum. Dummy here doesn't know what it means or why would one specify. Please enlighten.

AI means "All Inclusive" as in all meals, drinks, gratuities, on-site water sports, activities, etc. are included in the price you pay. In other words, once you check in at the resort everything you do at the resort is paid for "upfront" (sometimes there are exceptions for diving and motorized boating activities - depends on the resort). The pluses are that you know pretty much in advance what you will spend for your vacation. The minuses are that you are tied to the resort for just about everything and yu don't get credit for unsed activities such as dining "off property". It somewhat like being on a cruise ship.

You'll find plenty of good beaches in Antigua--some large and bustling and some white sand beauties built for two. If you want to be within walking distance of restaurant choices, the only place to stay is along Dickenson or Runaway Bay--this is the main tourist strip of Antigua. It offers a wide beach, beautiful water, and lots of action. That being said, I've never stayed there because with the exception of Siboney Beach Club (where I've never stayed), most of the hotels are either AI or nondescript chains, or both. There are also motorised water sports on these sands (jetskis, waterskiing, etc), which I don't care for on my holidays.

Anyplace else on the island, you'll need to rely on either a rental car or cab to see anything or to dine offsite from your hotel. My previous rec, Long Bay, is on the northeast coast, a 30 minute drive from the island hotspots. It's family owned and operated and offers breakfast and dinner as part of the room rates because it IS so far from most of the island's restaurants. It's on a nice beach that's about 1/3 mile long and within walking distance of Devil's Bridge, and the beach is shared by only one other hotel, so it's not crowded as a rule. Check it out at www.longbayhotel.com.

If you don't mind a busy beach and would like a hotel with lots of local color (and a restaurant with a great view), Siboney Beach CLub might work for you on Dickenson Bay. It gets great reviews in the guide books and somewhat less rave reviews by online users.

thanks, I looked at the hotel site. It does look beautiful.I'm not too keen on staying at an isolated spot however- we did that the first time we went to Barbados and found the evenings a bit too quiet and samey. Looks like we will be aiming for a hotel in Dickenson or Runway Bay.

I visited Antigua the first week October last year (3rd-10th) and we had perfect weather. It rained one evening and that was all the rain we saw. Antigua is a pretty dry island. We stayed in Dickenson Bay and the beach was great. I don't know of any non-AIs in that area though. Good luck in choosing and enjoy!

I'm beginning to wonder if I've picked the right island for me. I love Barbados and am looking for a similar sort of place- good beaches, some good restaurants, interesting places to visit. Any suggestions (for October?)