Jolly Beach Resort
 

My girlfriend and I are looking at going to Antigua in November, and are looking at the Jolly Beach Resort AI. Has anyone stayed there? I have heard some mixed reviews and am getting a little concerned about booking. Any info positive or negative will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Was there years ago/big package tourist place with lots of English and Italians.
Tiny rooms, food marginal then. Has expanded considerably since. Antiqua is very blah/would recommend you look elsewhere for November.

I both agree and disagree with Tivertonhouse. Jolly Beach Resort is huge and many of the guests are there on package tours. The place is absolutely sprawling, especially when you add in the JB villas/condos. It has its own restaurant complex, golf course, helipad, strip mall, and casino. I don't care for places that large and impersonal, as I prefer quiet hotels and inns that are more intimate. If you're looking for a lot of action at a bargain price, it could work for you. The beach there is simply gorgeous, and the one day I was on the property it wasn't at all crowded.

I love Antigua, however, and don't think it's blah at all. It's a large enough island to offer a variety of landscapes--rain forest areas, rolling hills, flatter areas, very arid areas. The beaches are beautiful--some long and bustling with activity, some the perfect size for two people on a private picnic. Good restaurants to choose from, variety of hotels from the big AIs to small inns, to the very expensive/upscale Curtain Bluff, Jumy Bay, or Carlisle Bay. Friendly people, historical sites to visit. Decent shopping for "cruise ship" type of shops. Not so much for local shops & crafts. It's easy to get to and it's easy to take day trips to other islands from Antigua, as it's the home base for regional airline LIAT.

I'll be spending 3 nights in Antigua myself in November and will be staying at Long Bay Hotel on the northeastern tip of the island.

If you want an AI on Antigua at a reasonable price, you might want to check out Cocobay Resort on the west coast. They often offer auctions at Luxurylink if you're interested. Several hotels on Dickenson Bay, the busiest beach on the island, also offer AI options.

We just got back from a honeymoon at JBR and loved it. The Jolly Harbor Villas aren't part of the resort, and we just walked over to the marina one day to catch a tour. The food was very good and although the room was small, the grounds and beach more than made up for it. They call it a 3 star resort and I think that's fair. We found friendly staff and guests and a nice mix of guests too - a few honeymooners, a few families and a few singles. We loved Antigua and are already saving to go back.

couchsurfer,

boy , you are researching for your girlfriend and your trip?? Dont you wish she was taking care of it all?? Boy, wouldnt it be great it all you had to do is show up?? Man , I bet those were the days! ')

Any one stayed here recently?