Where to stay?
 

We decided to go to Antigua in July and now we are trying to find a hotel. I've just started my research so I'm trying to narrow down the options. We're looking for a charming, low-key, hotel/inn with excellent service. We do not want Sandals or a comparable place. We like deserted beaches and gorgeous water. I'm not interested in all-inclusives. A place w/ kitchen amenties would be nice, but not necessary. Any ideas?

Check out Antigua Village Condominium Beach Resort. They are located on Dickenson Bay which is a great beach

I can't recommend Long Bay Hotel enough for what you're looking for. They're on the more secluded east coast of Antigua, and the week I spent there last July was the most relaxing and low-key vacation I ever took. (In fact, am going back there in 3 weeks with family and friends to get married)

Hotel only has 20 rooms and a handful of cottages--I stayed in the View House, which had gorgeous views of the bay and the lagoon (hotel is on a peninsula), one bedroom, kitchen, living room, 1.5 baths, large deck with loungers, table & umbrella, and a hammock strung below. Rates for hotel include breakfast and dinner, taxes, water sports. E-mail the hotel and ask for a special summer rate.

The beach is shared by only one other hotel, and it's soft, white sand. There's a reef just offshore for snorkeling opportunities. The food there is above average for Caribbean, and when we were there last July, only two other couples were in residence. Service was good, staff was friendly and knowledgable, and they were interested in doing whatever they could to make our stay unforgettable--arranging tours, catamaran trips, shopping excursions, you name it. Feel free to email me with specific questions. [email protected]

www.longbayhotel.com i've never seen a bad review of this place. check them out on wheretostay et al.

Thanks for your responses. I will definitely check out the suggestions. I really liked the sound of Siboney, but some of the negative posts have scared me. I am now considering splitting our time between Barbuda and Antigua. The only hotel on barbuda that we can even consider affording (and I'm hoping for a summer discounted rate) is the Palmetto. However, i have seen mention of the villas in Barbuda. How would i find out more? thanks!

I don't know about private villas on Barbuda, but when I was fishing around looking for an ideal honeymoon spot, Palmetto on Barbuda was in the top 5. I emailed the hotel and the manager offered us a cottage on the beach, MAP meal plan, and the ubiquitous water sports for around $2400 for two people for 7 nights. Not unreasonable by any means. Don't discount Palmetto until you've written to inquire about special summer rates.