Firstly the disclaimers...

I stayed here on business (ie it wasn't my money), and I stayed here in July (ie not peak season).

Now the review...

It's a big resort, which is showing its age. The rooms are basic, and the bathrooms not very private (you can hear everything from the walkways).

Having said that, the beach is sensational - a huge swathe of white sand, and the most wonderful cobalt sea. The water isn't deep, meaning that it's safe a long way out and very warm. The free hobie-cats and canoes are great fun, and there's facility for scuba diving too.

The food is buffets-style, which is hit and miss, but generally ok and plenty of choice for everyone. There are bookable restaurants which are worth checking out - the food is much better, except in the Italian one.

The bars are ok. The beer is watered down, but the spirits very strong. The bar staff have a tendency to be a bit miserable.

Security is a bit of an issue - I know a few people had things stolen if they didn't lock their patio doors. Try to get a room that isn't on the ground floor. They're safer, have better views and a nice balcony sun-trap.

So, an ok place to stay if you are just looking to stay on your sun lounger. It's a bit like a Spanish resort in the Caribbean. The frills are few and far between, but the beach more than makes up for it.

And it is a resort, so without transport you are stuck in the middle of nowhere though the nearby marina provides other restaurants, a supermarket, a decent yachtie bar and a (somewhat slightly sad) casino.

Having said that, I might have been slightly harsher if it was my money.

we stayed for one week at the jolly beach resort and had a really lovely holiday. We were a bit concerned at some of the reviews we had read. the beach and location is excellant. We did not get any hazzle from the beach vendors.good water sports facilities. The room was very clean and of good size,we had a superior room which i would recommend. People must be aware that the standards in the caribean are always very basic. the food was good. the staff were very friendly. we took a trip around the island with virgin ahoy,it was really good fun and worth the money. Overall we had a fab time and i would go back to stay at the jolly beach resort.

Jolly Beach for us certainly had the WOW factor. 10 days from 14/02/2007. Two adults and two children accompanied by Dave the inflatable dolphin, we had the most wonderful time and would certainly love to return. The place itself has beautiful scenery and the beach was fantastic. The whole laid back attitude from the staff and locals was truly refreshing and I'm glad to say, we still hold a little of that attitude since we arrived home!!! The staff were extremely kind and friendly, nothing was too much trouble. The accomodation was nothing special, but totally adequate. Foodwise, there was a good selection and always an alternative for fussy kids (of which I have two!!) There are lots of activities and the aqua aerobics each morning was great fun! All inclusive, there was Pina Colada on tap and not too far to stagger home at the end of the evening........ Would highly recommend Jolly Beach for all. It is a family orientated resort, without being too 'in your face', so it's still ideal for people without children.

Having read many of the reports posted on this site, it was with trepadation that myself and my husband arrived in Antigua for our 1 week stay at the end of February.

Firstly the airport, yes it is small, not brilliantly managed, and you will have quite a wait before being dispatched to your hotel, but this is the Carribean and enviably this is the "chilled out" lifestyle!

When we first arrived at the hotel I was expecting to have to wait a long time before being allocated a room, but checked in and recieved the key within 15 minutes. I am a bit of a clean freak, to put it mildly, and was really not looking forward to seeing the room (although we had booked a Superior Room). Again I was suprised to find the room very large, clean and furnished with things not made of concrete!

The main buffet restaruant was not extremely clean, but I witnessed them cleaning it on many occasions inbetween meal times. The food in this resturant was a mixed bag, my husband found all the food good with lots of variety however, I did struggle to find something appealing for the evening meal. We did eat in both the Indian and Italian restaurant and found the food lovely. There was a dress code, but people are aware of this before they travel!

On the whole all the staff were very pleasant and only to happy to help, with the odd exception, we were never left waiting for drinks at the bars or in the restaurants.

Granted the hotel could do with some re-juvenating and certain areas could be cleaner, but this would not put me off returning.