February 2006

e:mail address hawksbill@candw.ag
Telephone (268) 462-0301 /Fax (268) 462-1515

This was our third visit to the lovely Hawksbill Beach Resort Hotel in Antigua. We first went in 1991, then again 13 years later in 2004 (when, to our disappointment there were no discernible changes/improvements in the fairly basic room facilities and decor). However, we obviously were not put off enough to abandon it altogether, although We were certainly quite apprehensive this time, as Hawksbill has recently been taken over by Rex Hotels.

We contacted the hotel prior to our arrival to ask if we might be allocated a room in our preferred location (the upper floor ‘de luxe' sea-view rooms). The hotel must have so much trouble trying to please all their guests, and particularly their repeaters (of which, at Hawksbill, there are a great many) but Ornella, who has the unenviable job of room allocation, responded positively and promptly to our emails and, without making promises she was unable to keep, nevertheless came up trumps on the day.

Hawksbill is a warm and friendly resort and has the great advantage of a huge span of four absolutely lovely beaches, one of which is optionally 'au naturel'. The hotel is all-inclusive and, so far at least, the manager, Richard Michelin, has managed to stave off Rex's usual compulsion to vary the meal plans, thereby requiring the 'tagging' of guests. which would be a complete no-no for us!

Built, we understand, in 1959, Hawksbill could never be called modern, smart or trendy but it has a charm many people greatly appreciate. They offer several different types of rooms - the relatively new air-conditioned Club rooms are quite small but modern and very nicely fitted out - though a fair way from all the main facilities of the hotel. The older beach-front bungalows are a little too public for us, but popular with many people. The cheaper garden rooms have limited views, but our preference is the upper foor of the old-fashioned, two-storey block which is fairly private, with good sea views to most rooms - and, most important with the unpredictable Caribbean weather, within easy reach of the main building (housing the main restaurant), the beach and the popular beach bar/restaurant. They have no air-con but very effective ceiling fans.

The food at Hawksbill isn't brilliant, but it's not at all bad - in fact mostly it's very acceptable. Lunches at the Sea Grapes Beach Bar give the best choice and were very good indeed. The food is either from a varied set-menu or from the barbecue, which serves freshly cooked fish, chicken, beefburgers and pasta, with rice, lots of good salads (and chips).

This beach-front bar is transformed three or four times a week for evening eating, with an Italian based menu. Trying to popularise this restaurant means that the staff, under the wing of the statuesque Sandy, really make a special effort to please and we ate there well two or three times. This included Valentine's Night, when everywhere was bedecked in red & white hearts, balloons and candles. 'Champagne' was served and everyone had extra little goodies left by their plates. The atmosphere was warm and happy and the meal was delicious.

The more formal restaurant, in the main building, is lovely - certainly for the 'better' front and outside tables (which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis) - but, being picky, we felt the menu choice was a little limiting especially for starters. The two buffet evenings a week were OK - sometimes really nice and sometimes a bit limiting. But then one should never forget that this is only a 3* hotel and just excellent value for money so, if you expect fantastic food, you'll have to go somewhere else - and pay for it.

Almost all of the staff are cheerful and helpful. We did find one of the receptionists, June, to be generally rather surly and unhelpful, which in our experience, from 20 years regular visits to the Caribbean, is most unusual. Unless they are being treated with arrogance or indifference (lack of respect) the West Indians are a naturally smiley, generous and friendly race. One or two of the waitresses were also a little sullen and sometimes uncommunicative, but the rest of the staff -often working under great pressure - more than made up for that. Difficult to pick out individuals for praise but, if pushed, we particularly liked the approach of David, Foster, Adrian, one of the two Latoya's, Millie and Sylvia. Also, in housekeeping - a pretty thankless job - Edna, who was wonderfully efficient, happy and cheerful and always ready to respond to any of our requests.

The water sports guy was also excellent in his care and expertise. The manager is frequently visible (always a reassuring sight) and charmingly helpful. The trainee manager, Everlie, was simply excellent - always smiling, taking the time to stop, chat, take on board any niggles and, most importantly, caring enough to take remedial action.

Hawksbill look after all their guests but never underestimate the value of their repeaters - some of whom have visited 30+ times! Each week they arrange a special, very pleasantly done, pre-dinner get-together for them. There are other perks for regualars too - one being on our departure day, when we were fortunate enough to be able to keep our room on until mid-afternoon, with no extra charge, which makes one's last few hour so much more relaxing. Although it's obviously not always possible to be able to do this, if it can be arranged, then Hawksbill staff will do their best for you. What a refreshing change from some grasping hotels!

Downsides? A lot of the hotel looks dated and many parts are in need of a proper, up-to-date refurbishment. The rooms - other than the new Club Rooms - are not brilliant in their furnishing, lighting and fittings, but they are clean, spacious, with plenty of hanging space and the older ones are gradually being freshened up with new paint and tiles in the bathroom etc. There are no telephones in the older rooms, either, which can be a distinct disadvantage. The swimming pool, which shows in brochures as being relatively large (by cunning camera angle - which is totally misleading) is little more than a plunge pool. Disappointing and certainly not suitable for young children. There is a great lack of sufficient shade on some of the beaches. Sadly no sparkling wines are included as a norm in the all-inclusive package - but the house red, rose and white are very acceptable and lavishly served. Some of the entertainment is a bit stale - they repeat on a weekly basis, rather than fortnightly which could be changed. They have also now started to include an evening with a 'Fashion Show' which has, surely, to be the biggest and naffest turn-off of any so-called 'entertainment'- but at least gives one an excuse for an early night.

Sadly, too, there are no toilet facilities or bar on beach 4, though water is provided. As it's a good walk back to the main part of the hotel - particularly in the rain, more facilities would be nice to have - though, obviously, costly to instal.

There are a lot of mosquitoes, as there are in many parts of the Caribbean - and the hotel does provide plug-in machines for the rooms, but we thought a spray might also have be provided - we ended up buying a couple of sprays from the boutique and they were considerably more money than they needed to be - but we found them very helpful in repelling the mozzies, when we sprayed the room thoroughly, as we left to go for dinner.


Upsides? All four of the beaches are superb. If nude sunbathing is your thing, then Hawksbill's is private (no cameras allowed) and easily available to use.

We would most certainly go back there. Being valued as a guest at a hotel is important - and Hawksbill look after ALL their guests - both new and old. They do their best to make everybody feel special and valued - and, as I keep saying, give GREAT value for money.

I cant believe how much people moan. They moan about sandflies. They are in the caribbean, for Gods sake! I went to Florida and was bitten all over but accepted that it was a part of the natural surroundings there! As for the person from Billings, US saying the food was bad, and the staff were sullen, its just so wrong and far off the mark I cant believe he said it. So the goats wander onto the beach and leave droppings? Oh boy, what a calamity! If you want no signs of nature, go to a city for your holidays! As for the staff, Ive always found they cannot do enough to help you. If their natural demeanour seems to be serious, it may be part of who the west indians are, but you only have to speak to them and they are joking, happy, helpful people. We were hugged when we got there by the staff,and when we left. I truly think that some people expect to be fawned over without making any effort themselves to integrate with others.
An excellent resort and one I would go back to again and again, and mostly BECAUSE, not in spite of, the staff.

I have held off writing this as I do not like to be negative as I'm sure the staff works hard but it definately was far from a good experience. It would be okay for someone that didn't care and liked summer camp. We actually switched our reservations from Sandals to here because of their bad reviews. What a mistake and we really aren't hard to please but we do want to enjoy ourselves.
11 reasons that we did not like Hawk's Bill
1. Waited 45 minutes to be taken to our room.
2. Requested Air conditioning but didn't have any. 85 degrees and humid.
3. Beds were terrible (2 small doubles pushed against the walls. Accomadations fair.
4. Mosquito haven should have told us that there were repellant cloths in drawer.
5. Beach full of sand fleas.
6. Pool very small and water COLD.
7. Were not able to eat other than at their scheduled times.
8. Men have to wear long pants for dinner. (have they checked the temp outside)
9.Manager asked how are stay was and didn't seem to care after I told him.
10. Food at restaurant was nothing great and you could tell that they used it again the next day for lunch. Also birds flying through dining room and making deposits. My placemat had droppings. MM MM!!
11. Liquor choices were slim no top shelf. My vodka and tonic was flat so I asked for another and they gave me straight tonic.

My husband & I have been to many carribean islands and many times to Barbados. We had a perfect Christmas at Hawksbill. The staff are really special, so friendly, glad to see you each morning/evening etc. We usually drive around and experience the local restaurants rather than all inclusive but the package included all meals and we were delighted with the variety the presentation and taste! I rarely eat dessert but in fact I had dessert at lunch and dinner.

Try the key lime pie at lunch. Some guests have written about the fish being overcooked we had no experiences like that One day we went to the other side of the island and had lunch which was not as good and cost $60. for two with one glass of wine each.

The manager Richard is great and if you have a problem let him know and he will fix it.

We had a room in Honeymoon cove and it was terrific, wonderful view and airconditioning although I don't think in the winter you really need it We used it one night.

Thanks to all the Staff! Hope to see you next Christmas.