Jolly Harbour Villas

I've debated about writing a review but decided that it needed to be done. I am a timeshare owner and I stayed at Jolly Harbour Villas July 25-August 1 2004 (it was supposed to be until the 8th of August-more on that later). First and foremost I was very disappointed in the people who work there (office, shuttle, and security) and the unit. I hate to say it but they seem to prefer white people and certainly made it obvious that they don't particularly care for blacks. Parking is a pain, as you can't park near your villa and have to walk about 10 minutes, unless you have a pass (which is apparently given only if you know someone). Maid service could have been much better, I found a live spider in my bed, when I decided to change the sheets myself. The kitchen was missing some items, it didn't even have a blender, and there were some kind of bugs coming out of the air conditioning unit. If you like music, bring your own because the villas don't offer even a clock radio. I was asked to move to Jolly Harbour Resort because they overbooked and needed my room. I agreed but was very upset that I wasn't asked until Sunday Aug 1st, the day they wanted the room. I had just gone grocery shopping and had to give everything away, as Jolly Resort didn't have a refrigerator. They didn't even waive the utility fee for the week I stayed in the Villa. I travel yearly and usually only go to the Caribbean, so I am not a newbie, I have been to five different countries some more than once, and have encountered many different attitudes. Antigua is not a friendly country, and I agree with others that it is TOO EXPENSIVE. I don't plan to return to Jolly Harbour Villas, or Antigua in the future. On the up side, Jolly Resort was great. The food was delicious, maid service was exceptional, and the people were very nice, and yes there was a clock radio. My suggestion stay at Jolly Resort, less stress, and you'll be treated better.

We stayed at JHV between 10th and 18th August after 1 week AI in St Lucia. We wanted a total contrast and to find out if AI provides value for money!. We had a hire car for the duration of our stay which meant we could be very independant which was a good thing. As we were based in North finger the car proved very useful, you can get a pass which enables you to park close to your villa (not outside). JHV is too large a complex for my liking but the villas provided a good base. We upgraded to a superior villa which worked out at little over £100 per night, good value given that we would have needed two hotel rooms and had full cooking facilities (rarely used but nice to have). Reception was very helpful, we did not experience any of of the poor service previously commented on. The housekeeping was also excellent. There is a fair amount of maintenance/building work at present but it is off season! We usually went out for some of the day, Darkwood and Turner's Beach are much nicer than Jolly Beach, fewer people and no beach traders. As previously reported Mellinis is the best on site restaurant, we tried the Dogwatch but were not impressed with the service. To their credit all the restaurants were open even though it was very quiet. The lobster at Turner's restaurant is to be recommended! Despite being warned at how expensive the Caribbean is we found restaurant prices to be broadly similar or slightly cheaper than the UK depending on what you eat and drink (helped no doubt by the strong sterling/dollar exchange rate). From this respect AI is not essential. The Monserrat trip by helicopter is a must even though it is expensive ( 190 US) In summary JHV are are good choice for those who want to see Antigua rather than just a resort. TOP TIP - take a continental adaptor, our kitchen had some french sockets which meant we could charge mobile phones and batteries.

1. The worst "resort" we've ever stayed in...misquitos, unclean, over-rated, moldy furniture 2. Very rude and uninformed office staff 3. Money hungry without service BEWARE! If you must go to Antigua, only go to Sandals!

My partner and I went to the JHV for 3 weeks over Christmas and New Year. On arrival I found that the recpetion staff were quite ignorant, no eye contact or smiles! However, all was forgotten when we arrived at our villa. Glorious! 2 floors - on the first floor was a living/dining area, kitchen, bathroom and terrace - on the second floor were 2 large bedrooms with en-suites and a balcony of the larger room. Ample for the 2 of us! My partner proposed to me as soon as we arrived to and things just couldn't get much better! I found St John's to be a little intimidating, the men thought nothing about blatantly staring at your breasts whether you were with a boyfriend or not! The taxi drivers are questionable... you are definitely taking your life into your own hands with them. The beach was glorious, white sands an blue/turquoise sea. The only downfall would be that the water isn't clear. Also, now matter where you lay your sun lounger you will gain new friends... crabs! They popped up all over the place and were entertaining - especially when you would throw a little stone or shell in their view and they would come scurrying after it a lightening speed thinking it was food! I was a little disappointed with the restaurants there of an evening, which i thought were a little pricey too, we frequented the restaurant at the Jolly Beach Resort next door instead, you'd pay a set amount for a 3 course meal and the food was wonderful, and the waitresses were also extremely friendly and helpful. The maids were good, they came every day without fail and were always pleasent. It's quite a large resort so depending on where your villa is it is advisable to hire out a golf buggy like we did. There is a free hopper service but if you've just done a shop and have ice-creams in your bag, waiting for this is not a good idea! The air conditioning unit broke in our villa on quite a few occassions, most of the time a call to reception sorted it out in time as they would send a repair man to fix it. There was only the one time that we had to keep chasing. The helicopter ride over Monserrat is an absolute must, the pilot will take you really close if it's safe to do so and it really is amazing! The resort supermarket it was okay but please be aware that food and drink and other items are very expensive as they're imported. The TV channels were good and you got some really decent movies. We took 3000GBP with us and found we were running out of money sooner than we'd have liked so ended up counting pennies which wasn't very nice. We went on the Catamaran trip which was okay but is a long day and not for you if you prefer to do your own thing. The weather was good too, you only got a handful. Many showers passed while we were sunbathing and we didn't even run cover as we know they are over in a couple of minutes and they are quite light and refreshing too! Overall a very enjoyable holiday. Although there was only one thing that really really really annoyed me, i have quite long hair and I'd say that no less than 20 times a day I was asked if I wanted braids!

Returned last night from a great vacation at the Jolly Harbour resort. There from May 23 thru the 30th.The first view of the torquoise waters of the soothing Caribbean from the plane window set a big smile on our faces. Just the ride to the resort was an experience viewing the beautiful green mountains dotted with sheep, goats, horses and the occasional donkey. What a variety of palms, flowers, cactus. The resort has a central reception area with a variety of shops, restaurants, a Casino, which was empty most of the time. The villas are townhouse style with a kit,dining area, Lr, 1/2 bath on the first level and two beds and two full baths upstairs with a balcony off the MBR and a deck on the harbour from the LR patio doors. Definitely take a couple of tours to really get an appreciation for the beautiful sights of the country. Our best were a tour in a 4x4 jeep with our driver, Alvin, where we pretty much circled the island stopping at the main attractions inc. Betty's Hope, Devils Bridge, Shirley Heights, Museum in St. Johns, just to name a few. This was Ru's Safari. We also took a cruise out to Birds Island where we did some snorkeling, had a nice lunch and drinks inc. The views are gorgeous from every direction. So if you are in doubt, Antigua is certainly an adventure. We had wonderful Chicken and Vegi Roti at Roti King off Market Street in St. Johns.

Just returned home from the Test Match in Antigua and feel i should give you all a more up to date opinion on Jolly Harbour Villas. Top marks to the girls who clean the rooms! I feel they should get most of the praise as their work is top drawer! All you will need is available on site for your stay, but you will have to pay for it. You rent almost everything you take for granted. You dont pay a extra premium for electricity but you have to rent a special adapter to use it, not a standard plug no matter which side of the pond your from. South beach is the best, give the north a miss. In busy times remember to book resturants early, they are good quality and service is prompt, except in the Piano Bar, but food is still worth the wait. Rent a car for a couple of days to see the best of the island, no more than that. English Harbour is great for the Brits to see how bad we were in times gone by. If you have any questions just ask ( I may regret saying that!)

After receiving confirmation for our reservation at Jolly Harbor and providing a credit card,we purchased airline.Two weeks later,we received an e-mail from hotel that they could not honor our reservation.Stay away from Jolly Harbor!!!!

Just back from a wonderfully relaxing hol at The Villas.As mentioned in other reviews the South Finger is definately the best place to be situated.Generally about a 10-15 min walk to reception,pool,bars & Epicurian general store.There is a pharmacy,bank 6 places to choose from for dining out.Some time later this year the Epicruian store will be moving to much larger premises just across the road.We found The Grand Princess Casino to be a little too lavish for our liking.Unfortunately they didn't seem to be geared up for the invasion of cricket fans over for the Test Match.One lunchtime they seemed in total chaos running out of all Caribbean brewed beer & what was going on the kitchen heaven only knows.We gave up & left after waiting over an hour for a simple mel. The villas were fab.Only the two of us but it could have slept 8 or 10.Kitchen cooking equipment a little lacking & we feel a microwave should be standard for all rooms.Some had them ours didn't. At night things are a little quiet.The BBR Pool Bar has entertainment on some nights.Look out for the Halcyon Steel Band either at BBR or Shirley Heights on a Sunday they are "The Best". The Castaway Beach Restaurant does nice nosh as does Coco's at the other end of the beach,a must if you are looking for a romantic evening.The Dogwatch Tavern on site is ok although a little small.Could do with some exterior seting as they don't have air con at the mo.Watchout for loiterers near the BBR Bar they will try to sting you for Aloe,CD's,beads.

We have just returned from Jolly Harbour Villas,we were in the South finger. It was all we could have wished for. My husband,myself and 3 children loved it and did not want to return home. The villas were clean and well equipped and the view was superb. We fished off the balcony which was great fun and caught a variety off small fish( We put them straight back). The beach and sea were just as the pictures show white sand and turquoise sea. The staff were the most helpful and friendly I have come across, nothing was too much trouble. My husband and son went on a helicopter to Montserrat which was by all accounts a great experience if not a litttle expensive $190 us per person. We really had a great time and are off to book again for next year. Please feel free to e mail.

Stayed at Jolly Harbour Villas the week of November 17, 2003. The weather was miserable (raining) the first two days, but perfect the rest of the week. Unfortunately, the rain brought mosquitoes with it, and made the remainder of the trip more like an episode of "Survivor" than a luxury vacation - but that was no fault of the resort. Restaurants are plentiful and the wait staff is extremely friendly. Esther, at the main office, is a God-send! She is the most accomodating, friendly person I have ever encountered in the Caribbean. Villas are decently appointed with air conditioning, satellite tv, kitchens, 2.5 bathrooms. Had trouble with hot water, but the staff was helpful in repairing the water heater and allowing us to use the villa next door to shower until the heater was fixed. The water at this beach is a little "milkier" in color than some of the other beaches, but still beautiful. Utilized the local bus for transportation - a great experience. I have traveled to several islands in the Caribbean. Antigua is absolutely beautiful and probably the friendliest island I've visited. Will definitely vacation here again.