Let me preface this by saying, I'm a 30 year old professional, that has travelled to the Caribbean a few times...have previously stayed at Oasis Playa (Cancun - 3 stars), Oasis Cancun ( 3 stars), Bahia Principe Punta Cana (5 stars)...so I have seen a limited, but different array of service and facilities. We didn't have the highest expectations for Jolly Beach, we were realistic (read on)...we chose Antigua to see a different part of the Caribbean.

There are many issues with the resort:
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This resort is old and very uncared for. Its clear that the owners are just milking as much money out of the place at this point. Simple sidewalk lighting to our complex was not repaired....honestly there was about 12 lights along the path, all but 2 of them did not work...Wood is rotting, and there are so many places that need a paint job, its was unbelievable. We didn't dare go in the pool, who knows how the bottom of the pool was, however the chipped / warped tiles, and rust spots surrounding the pool were enough to scare us away. The beach chairs could use a wipe down.

(Conversations with the locals confirmed that the place has changed hands, was purchased by a Dutch company after a Switz woman sold it after inheriting it.....locals also confirmed that the workers at Jolly Beach were not paid well, and to be honest, it showed)

Our first room, don't recall the number, had surely never seen any improvements. The curtains were stained, headboard was heavily chipped, the lights beside the bed were rusting, mould by the air conditioner, tiles were chipped in the shower, and those in the shower that were not chipped, looked as though dirt had been ground into them for 20 years. It was instant disappointment when we entered the room.
We had to move..the front desk did help us out there, although the relocation to our new room was done without a smile, and very little conversation.

Our new room wasn't much better, but we survived in it. Thank god I killed that giant bug headed into our room one day I opened the door....Don't expect soft towels, or nice linens, you won't find it at this place...

We knew the resort would be older from the reviews on here, no problem we could live with it being older, but what was shocking was the lack of upkeep.

As for the service at the bars. Not good. If you are trying to get a drink by the bar by Hemisphere's, watch where you stand, as the bartenders will just turn your back to you and watch the entertainment...I actually had to walk to the other side of the bar a couple of times to get their attention. I will say, there was one bartender that was working, and when we gave him a tip for at least making an effort, we heard another one of the tenders say "thats what you get for kissing ---"... Ya, that's what you get ! Get with the program.

Service in Hemispheres was generally okay.....however, on our final day, after sitting waiting for someone to ask for a drink, I ended up walking over the bar myself...ordered 4 drinks(cups are small)...(for me and my girlfriend) and determined I was not going to carry them back myself, so I got one of the "drink runners" to bring it over to our table. When he got there, he got tipped..the waitress in our section saw this happen, and proceeded to pull him aside and have a heated conversation with him over why he served us, instead of asking her to get the drinks.....we saw this.....a few minutes later she comes over, asks us about our vacation etc.....let's just say her fake attempt to be nice to us didn't net her any $$.

We wanted to play tennis. We thought it was included in our all-inclusive package. It really isn't unless you bring your tennis rackets. There's a $5 PER HOUR charge for using each racquet, what an absolute joke. (Milking it...)

While the fitness center is very nice and up to date.. (weird spot on the property though) , the first time we went there we were told we couldn't use the shoes that we walked over in. We were made to feel like criminals for even attempting this. Apparently it says in the Resort book that this is the rule...I guess they expect you to read that thing...Anyways, how about doing this for service since we didn't know....provide something that we could wipe our shoes off in for this first time, and then let us know that they have to be clean for the next time......instead we had to walk back to our room, pretend we cleaned our shoes, put on sandals, and walk back.

Expect birds to be everywhere at Hemisphere's, its an open air restaurant. While they were not too annoying, just be prepared for it.

St. John's, while initially interesting, is not that exciting. We spent a morning there (2 hours) and that was enough.

I'm no resort designer, but it boggles my mind, how they could have a eating place that hovers over the pool. Um, what if a plate with food blew off the deck...

The hotel also allows beach vendors to reside on the beach front right outside the hotel grounds. Now I know that its a public beach (all are in Antigua) but these vendors had to be paying the hotel a fee, cause its the same guys every day (they stored they things at the beach), and generally it makes the beachfront less nice, and reduces the amount of beachfront for the hotel guests. (Milking it...)

Selection at Hemisphere's is not good, however we got used to it. Breakfast was always the same. The food itself was fairly good though.

Some good things:
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The beach is very nice, and was a saving grace to the resort. The water is a little murky, as reported, however it is pleasant to swim in. On rough days, you will find more seashells, and junk closer to the beach, which is not nice to wade through....all in all though the beach and the water were great. Walk the beach also; at the end of the beach there are some amazing homes...

Service in the specialty restaurants was good, and the food was excellent. I would rank them in this order 1. Italian 2. Indian 2a. Lydia's.
Its almost like the restaurants didn't belong to the resort, they were run so much better, the staff were nicer, and the facilities much nicer...

Booking the specialty restaurants was easy.

Beach vendors trying to sell jetskiis/tours are very nice...make friends with them, especially our buddy "Plastic Fantastic" who hooked us up with jetskiis and also got his buddy Richard to take us around the island on Sunday and then to Shirley Heights. Shirley Heights on Sunday night is something you should definitely do, but don't take the tours from the hotel, as they take you home too early, before you can get really into it. We had a blast, danced to Reggae, had some rum punches and enjoyed the great view. A definite must do. A night we'll remember for a long time.

Antigua itself is very nice. We went on the eco-tour and had a blast..went snorkeling, caving, hiking and saw lots of the island...it was definitely worth the money. Some of the boats in English Harbour will make your jaw drop.

Entertainment on the first night we were there, beach bon-fire/dancing/storytelling was cool. The band that plays every night is a nice backdrop when sitting around...

We didn't do the catamaran tour run by Waldali Cats, however the reviews for that were good too from the people we talked to.

Casino near the resort (walking distance) was nice, modern, played Roulette the whole time so don't know how the odds are the place are, almost broke even over 4 nights, so it was some good entertainment.

While my review for the resort is negative, we had a great time in Antigua because of the people we met and the things (outside the resort) we experienced.

I took my honeymoon at this resort! I loved it and so did my husband! The staff was so great! They new us by name the second day and what we wanted to drink soon after that! I would tell anyone to go there! We already would like to plan a trip back there! Not only for a vacation but to visit the staff also! Would tell anyone to go....stayed in the super savers room which was very small but I knew that in the being!!!

I stayed at the Jolly Beach Resort in Jan 2006 - my 12th visit. The only things wrong with the resort are the rooms - which do need upgrading - very 1980s but then again the beds are huge and they are spotlessly clean - and some of the guests are extremely rude!! I have always found all the staff to be absolutely great - they go out of their way to help and are friendly and polite - nothing is too much trouble. I often stand and listen to other guests snappy demands and barking instructions at the staff - so rude!
The setting is just beautiful - paradise - the food in all the restaurants is good - plenty of choice - if you can't find something you like in Hemispheres buffet maybe you shouldn't travel? And the drinks? How can people expect brand names in an all-inclusive? And after two of Janice's mudslides - who cares?

I fell in love with the Jolly Beach in Dec 04 and returned three times in 2005. Spent 10 nights there in June, a week in November, and finally 11 nights over Christmas. Can't wait to go back again.

The hotel rooms are dated, but then you get what you pay for and this is the Caribbean. They rate pretty much on par with other rooms on other islands at that price. And I'm only in the room for sleeping and getting ready to go out anyway.

What makes me return again and again are the local people and the beach.

The beach is simply stunning - have travelled extensively and have never seen a sea as blue. It never fails to take my breath away.

Sitting on the beach you will get approached by the locals selling various trips, jewellery, etc, but if you're not interested just say no politely and they go away. In fact it's really interesting to chat with them and find out about their lives - and they always remember you when you return.

The Jolly Beach watersports guys are lovely - definitely get them to take you out on the free hobie cat and listen to them tell you about the local area, pointing out other hotels and places of interest.

Rough and Tough tours on the beach in front of the main bar do jetskis, waterskiing, banana boat rides etc and are a lovely bunch of guys.

Lydias is my favourite restaurant. It's right on the beach and you have to do Sunday Brunch where you will be accompanied by a steel band. The Italian does lovely food, but in my opinion lacks atmosphere and is freezing due to the air con! The Indian is different to the Indian restaurants back home, but the food is lovely.

I've always found the staff at the Jolly Beach to be lovely and respond to a smile and pleasantries - and again, they always remember repeat guests.

Shirley Heights on a Sunday is a must - and the locals that you've met on the beach always come up for a chat and a dance!

I would definitely recommend Antigua and the Jolly Beach Resort, but don't expect a 5* hotel! If like me you love nothing better that sitting on a beach and chilling out, you won't be dissapointed!