Just arrived home..and ALL the AI's that we have been to..Well this was the worst and all the others were wonderful..I never commented before but for the Jolly... I had to! Our only solice was on the Beautiful Beach and at the Bar..Rooms were scary, and we had the Junior suite. and I had no sleep..just waiting for the sun to come up
so I could get out. I saw an awful BUG! I can't even mention it. Through away our suitcaes when we arrived home!.Please keep in mind we do not stay at 4 star resorts, but we expected a little better than this. No insidel lounges, if it rained you were screwed! STAY CLEAR!

Being driven in a tatty taxi from the Airport to the Jolly Beach you soon realise that the Island is not going to be the Paradise you might expect.Broken down roads and what initially look like shanty towns greet you on the 40 minute journey.Once at the Jolly Beach this impression continues with the sprawling (as some have rightly described it) resort greeting you.
However as soon as the smiling staff welcome you and you have signed in, the feeling of the weary traveller subsides.
When you become aware that 30 minutes have passed since you were told the room would be ready 'soon' another feeling is aroused.2 hours later something akin to rage (if only you had the energy) has erupted.
The room we were waiting for was a 'disabled room' as I use a wheelchair.The problem was not really explained to us, but the Duty Manager got involved and we were eventually taken to our room.
The room was large and the bathroom easy to access.A little dated (as is the rest of the resort) it appeared to be at least clean and tidy.
Once my partner had showered , I discovered to my dismay a pool of water between our beds.A call to reception resulted in the Maintenance team arriving quickly but nothing could be done.So we had to move room.This was the only wheelchair accessible room , but we hoped the problem could be fixed in a day so it would be ok.The problem was worse than expected so we had to move for the rest of our stay.The new room was manageable but not ideal , I hope they put in another accessible room soon, in case this happens again.
However the resort itself.The various restaurants in resort were all good. Quite why you had to book them was a bit of a mystery as they never seemed very busy, but at least it made you feel you were 'going out'.Breakfast was served in the main restaurant, accompanied by quite a few birds flying around.Not very hygienic, but also not uncommon.We had occasion to visit a 5 star hotel on the other side of the Island and were told that they get them too!
The entertainment at the Hotel was amateur at times but welcome.It is the nature of ' all inclusive Resorts' that you have everything you need on site.It is so good to be able to wander around a village or town and find out about the locals.Antigua is not a place you can do this.You need a car to go exploring and it is certainly worth the extra expense.However you must like nature as there is little else in terms of history or culture readily available.The scenery is great and there are fine opportunities for birdwatching.
From a wheelchair users point of view, Antigua is not an easy place to visit.The capital St Johns has difficult to negotiate pavements and high kerbs (I spent a lot of time on the road - not as dangerous as it seems)and mostly inaccessible shops..Heritage Quays 'mall' was easier to get around but some of the shops a little tight.However it is worth visiting just for Roti King - great food!
Nelsons Dockyard is pretty 'do-able' apart from the Museum, which is pretty much all thats there, but a pleasant hour or two can be spent there.There is a restaurant but it looked to be totally inaccessible for a wheelchair user.
Shirley Heights is another 'must do' in the guides - very poor in access.However if you like steel bands you'll like this.Hundreds of Tourist one VERY loud band , a Pub and food you probably don't need to buy if you're all inclusive.Nice view though!
For anyone who wants somewhere to totally relax on a beautiful beach, you would be hard pressed to beat Antigua.
As a resort the Jolly Beach needs updating and has its problems, but it is friendly, has good facilities and a very nice beach.
Would we come to the Jolly Beach again? No.
Would we come to Antigua again? No.
But we are very glad we did as we had a good time and now we know.

This is a late review but reading some of the other reviews, I think we must have been at a different hotel! From the moment we arrived the problems started. The brochure and travel agent sold the hotel as paradise but I found it to be the complete opposite. The room was so scruffy, I burst into tears. I was expecting a bit more of a romantic decor and not soiled sheets and dirty walls.
The management were helpful in trying to move us but we had to wait behind 5 other unhappy families before we could ask to be moved. The room we were offered was equally poor so we chose to stay put.
We loved the food there and the selection of restaurants. The pool area was filthy and full of cigarette ends. The black tide mark round the pool was equally off putting.
As for our wedding, I felt like we were forgotten about and I found it hard to track down Beverley. We were not told what was available (music etc). We have never been married before and didn't know what questions to ask. On the big day, I was collected from my room and given orders like a private soldier.
I felt pressured into what poses I should be in for photos which felt really unnatural.
The photos we received were of poor quality and so dark that we couldn't make out our faces. My bridesmaid's were so much better and taken on a cheap digital camera.
The staff were always polite but not very attentive. I was horrified to walk down the aisle to a waiter carrying a portable tape player on his shoulder!
All in all, I feel quite cheated of a beautiful wedding day. I now live in S E Asia and when I see the beautiful 5* hotels out here and what I can get for my money, I wish we had come out here to get married.
It is a shame as Antigua is a fabulous place to visit and the people are very warm and inviting and proud of there island as they should be. They do say you get what you pay for though.

I went to the Jolly Beach with my boyfriend and 14 year old daughter.
We had a superior room which was spacious, clean and of a good standard (although we did meet people who were complaining of their standard rooms)
The resort itself is what you would expect of a 3 star, as long as you dont go there expecting 5 star service/facilities, you will love it here!
The pools were large and spacious and we didnt have a problem getting beds.
There was jelly fish in the sea which we spotted on the second day so secided to stay round the pool.
Entertainment was on every night, which was standard,nothing special.
Food at the hotel was nice,a different choice every night, our 14 year old had no problem fiding something to eat.
Food from the grill during the day leaves something to desire,greasy and not good quality. We chose to eat in the restaurant.
We would travel to Jolly Beach again, and book a superior room.