This was our second visit to JBR (Jolly Beach Resort) in Antigua & we couldn't want for anything more from a holiday. I did an in depth review after our first visit last October & wont go into detail this time but have to put a few notes down to praise this resort.
For us Antigua & the JBR is just perfect with only a few very minor niggles which don't spoil the experiance in any way, The check-in can be slow if you arrive with a large number of people & the decor could do with a fresh lick of paint here or there but at the end of the day this is a 3* resort so don't expect anything more & you'll be happy.
The staff are very very friendly & always have time for a chat especially ones you meet on a regular basis such as Pricilla , Ann-Marie , Terry & Maria from the entertainment staff & Big Neil & friends at the main bar.
The JBR's most stunnig point however is the beach which is absolutly beautiful ,white coral sand being lapped by calm warm turquoise seas & a backdrop of palm trees & beach traders shop's, this place is paradise with a capitol "P" & we can't wait to book our next trip which is planned for next October.

Having never experienced all-inclusive before we were really pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food and drink available and the variety on offer. The staff were all really friendly and helpful and the rooms, although slightly basic, were clean and of a decent size. They even have UK, US and European plug sockets - what a great idea! The view from the balcony over the gardens to the ocean was spectacular and I particulary enjoyed watching hummingbirds, lizards and mongoose all going about their daily business
The beach was gorgeous and the sea was the most amazing turquoise blue. October is a great time to visit outside of school holiday time as there weren't too many people staying, very few children, and it was easy to find a place on the beach without anyone else around. The watersports were great and the equipment seemed to be of a very good standard
The Indian, Lydias Seafood restaurant and Italian were all exceptionally good. Each had a different feel to them and the inclusive food and wine in each was of very good quality. I'd particularly recommend Sunday brunch at Lydias with a steel band playing on the beach - fab!
Take your insect repellent and bite cream though as the sand flies and mosquitos are quite prevalant especially around dusk!

overall this is a 3 star resort..if you don't expect luxury and know what you are getting into then you will won't be disappointed.We got a great deal but if we paid full price we would be very upset here is my review.(i am a flight crew and have been to many carribean resorts)

PROS:
-food at the italian resturant and lydias is good..indian not that great .The blue cheese pasta at the italian rest is great. You do need pant's and close toe shoes if you are a guy.
-Workout gym was nice..make sure you carry your sneakers to the gym b/c they wont let you in if you walked from your room with you sneakers on--something about tracking sand into the gym.
-Main pool is large with swim up bar and music. The smaller pool is closed due to repaving..the main pool does not have shade.
-Beach is large with nice sand.Water is very cloudy so no snorkiling and the beach vendors set up at the hotel so it ruins the view..also the vendors will annoy you everyday
CONS.
-The main dinning room is full of bird that go to the bathroon everywhere also service almost non existant
-Beach vendors
-liquor is a no name brand
-no snorkiling off the beach and tours are $$$50 US per person
-Room is very basic we had a standard room and bathroom window is a screen so you can hear everyone and they can hear you. The a/c unit is very loud and noise level from hall is loud.
-The mosquitos are everywhere people were bit everywhere and the beach has sand fleas
TIPS
-Bring travel mugs with a lid cups they give you are very small and not very clean
-bring you own water bottle so you can fill it up. water bottles are $$$ and not free
-Get fresh sun towels before 5 pm the day before b/c new ones are not ready untill 9:15 am and by then all the good chairs are gone by the beach/pool.
-Make reservations for the resturants when you arrive (untill 4pm)You can do 2 days at a time
-Get a room on a high floor at the end of the hallway to avoid walk through traffic
-Make sure to bring bug repellent b/c they bite

Overall this resort is ok Antigua is a decent Island but I wont go back. and will never go back to the jolly beach b/c even though we got a great deal some other hotels in carribean are much nicer for the same price with better snorkiling and i enjoy being able to rent a car..this Island i don't recomend renting a car b/c the roads are horrible and no signs anywhere we saw accidents everywhere and a few scooteraccidents. DOn't forget about the dept. tax of 20Us per person and our taxi was 24 us for 2 people to the resort both ways. Thy to make the most out of it if you already booked if you are getting a great deal then don't worry but if your paying $$$ look somewhere else
sorry about spelling very late and wanted to get this posted whlie still fresh in my mind..also the airport is vert hot and if you have to wait a while the room to the left with the computers has a better a/c unit we saw alot of people not in this area soaked with sweat and don't forget your bug spray they want to get one last bite before you leave

Just want to give a special mention to some of the staff that work extremely hard to make Jolly Beach resort a fantastic place;
Ann-Marie, Terry, Theo & Ray. They were friendly, helpful and very funny, helped entertain the guests, and deffenetly made sure i was having a good time.
Highly reccommended. Beautiful scenery, lots of activities day and night, and i have made some wondeful friends with the staff that i will never forget. Well done for all the hard work!