My wife and I enjoyed a wonderful, relaxing week at Jolly Beach last May and enjoyed it so much that we are returning this May (2004). The rooms are basic hotel rooms but if you stay on the third or fourth floor the view is incredible! Besides, who goes to a Caribbean island for the room??? The beach is right there and near perfect. The pool is fun and located right next to the beach. The food was more than adequate and the staff was friendly. If you're looking for a place to kick back and really relax this is it! As with all resorts you will be hit upon on the beach to buy something but it really is kept to a minimum here. There's plenty of catamaran excursions if you need to see the sights too. Go, you'll enjoy.

Wow...I just came home yesterday and I had the most amazing time. I went with 3 of my friends and two of their moms and...wow I wish i was back there now. The hotel was so nice because you kind-of formed a little "community" in a way...because you always saw people you knew when you were walking around. Everyone that worked there and stayed there were so friendly. The entertainment staff was what made the trip so much fun, especially Glentist, Junior, Terry, Alburn...and i know i'm forgetting a couple but they were amazing because they got usinvolved in everything and came up and talked to us when we were by the pool or just walking around. The best part was that you didn't have to walk around with money to buy drinks, food, or water activities (except motorized ones). I would definitly recommend this hotel for people on spring break because we had so much fun on ours at the JBR.

If you go in with an open mind, you will have a good time at this resort. Before going I have to admit I was put off by the poor reviews and was starting to second guess my choice of vacation lodging. We easily found our airport transfer and had a relatively short (in Antigua time) ride to the hotel. We were greated with a rum punch (rum optional) which was refreshing after the long customs lines. Check in was quick. But be warned...the room is SMALL, and there are no DRESSERS. I am a fairly low maintenance traveler, so this did not bother me, I was hardly in the room as it was. One thing that could be improved is giving guests a more comprehensive Jolly Beach 101 upon arrival. We arrived at a bad time since pool bar/grill was just closing, and dinner was just beginning. They offer an orientation at 9am each day, but come on, how hard can dining at an all inclusive be??
A couple of well placed maps/pamphlets would have been welcomed.
Everyone said make reservations, but half the battle was finding the elusive "reservation lady" that was stationed during certain hours in the indian restaurant. Once you do find her, be prepared, the line moves at a snails place and you can only make two reservations at a time, read: you will be in this line more than once on your vacation.
As far as the food goes...I have only been to one other all inclusive resort, but aside from breakfast, I'd have to say the Jolly's food was better. The buffet was good, Lydia's was good, italian place was good (liked the antipasto bar), and the real shocker was the Indian place...it was quite good. Just don't expect the house wines to be enjoyable, reminds me of my college days of wine from a box. The Grill could be slow at times, but all and all I was pleased, Jerk Chicken is yummy. Just at the omelet station, make sure you ask for your eggs well done, otherwise you will be eating raw eggs. This happened to me twice before I wised up. Never had a problem with the bar service, in fact had excellent service on most occaisons. Careful with mixed drinks, they make them stiff (can you say Coke and Rum??). Entertainment was typical of what you'd find at most island resorts from what I have seen and it is amusing enough. The beach is really nice, soft sand, plenty of chairs, plenty of space. Vendors can be annoying at times...look REALLY interested in your book to avoid eye contact. I took a kayak out which was fun and there are plenty of other water sports to engage in.
Sunsets were spectacular since the resort is on the western coast, and it is a perfect time to sit on the beach with a cocktail since the sun and crowds have both dwindled by then. One thing...BRING A FLASHLIGHT.
There were power outtages while I stayed there, and we're talking like 30 mins plus on two occaisions (luckily one was in day light). When we asked reception if this occurs frequently, they said no, but the next day I noticed a candle in the desk...so apparently they are not that few and far between. All and all we enjoyed our stay at the Jolly Beach resort, met a lot of nice people and had a great time. Would we go back again? Not likely. But did we regret booking there to begin with?? Not a bit.

I just came back from Jolly Beach Resort, Antigua from 2/28 to 3/6. It was very nice. The rooms were small, but clean, no bugs. The shower was great, very hot, plenty of water. It was basically what I expected for the price. It was very nice. The beach was absolutely beautiful, breathtaking, like you were standing in a postcard. There were waves, the water was a beautiful color, but milky. The jet ski's were so much fun. We took out the Hobie but had a power boat ride back, since you really have to know what you are doing, take a sailing class would be my suggestion. Even though we had a great time. Shirley Heights on Sunday for the sunset seemed the place to go. Took some good pic.'s there. Very nice. Not so sure I'd go off my resort unless they were guided tours. I would have liked to do Eli's eco tour, heard that was good, plus swimming with the dolphins, but was content on the beach and pool. The staff I have to say didn't smile much, not very friendly and sometimes very slow. But slow pace isn't bad when you are on vaca.
There were 3 restaurants to choose from besides the buffet. I would say 'all inclusive' is definitely the way to go, no hassle. You do have to make reservations for the restaurants of course. The food and drinks were average. Dislikes, but not a big deal, were gym was closed, nightclub was closed, 4 basketball courts but no basketball, the nightclub and spa and hot tub were closed at the casino around the corner. There wasn't much nightlife, but we were told that, and being in the sun all day, you were pretty much beat by 11 anyway. The beach is public so you get hassled a lot to buy things, but think of it as part of the culture, a nice change from home. I was looking for a beautiful beach and a clean hotel, that is what we received. A lot of people complained about this place when we were there, so I believe 5 star resorts in Jamaica must be much better, everyone seemed to be comparing to there, maybe that is where I'll go next. We met a couple the first night we were there, I would say, that 'made' our vacation.
Much fun was had by all. (I'm trying to email them pic.'s but haven't had any luck yet, the pic.'s came out good!!) Can't wait until the next trip, but I might want to try somewhere else. But all in all, good vacation. Wish I was back there now.