We vacationed at the Halcyon Cove in February and before our trip we were a bit nervous because of all the bad reviews the resort had received. After returning from a week in pure paradise I couldn't disagree more with the negative comments.
I found the staff to be very friendly and warm - the location incredible - and the food was abundant and wonderful every day. The hotel needed some updating - but you could definately tell they were working on it and our bedroom was one of the updated ones. The bathroom was gorgeous and the bedroom was spacious with a king size bed and a fridge. We did experience a few luke-warm showers - but after a day in the sun it was actaully quite welcome.
We also must recommend that you rent a car and drive around the island one day. There are so many beautiful sites to see and many incredible beaches that are stunning. Our favorites were Coco Bay and Half Moon Bay.
I would not hesitate to recommend this hotel and Island to anyone looking for a Carribean vacation - but just remember if you don't like something about the hotel or area just remember that you are in the middle of paradise and just enjoy that you are lucky enough to be there.

The rooms at this place were last refurbished circa 1960, and although the brochure stated "recently refurbished", there wasnt much evidence of it.
Food restricted to a buffet that seldom changes, greasy chips for lunch, Pier restaurant closed most of the time.
Only one bar is open, a dilapidated structure next to the beach. Poor selection of drinks, every night there was something missing, e.g, draft beer, cranberry juice, martini.
Hotels anti-smoking policy is confusing. Manager told us we could smoke next to the beach bar, but when we did, were harassed by the (extremely rude and hostile)bar staff who told us it was not allowed anywhere except the beach. (We heard one American complaining about smoking on the beach!). When we returned to our room, we were constantly disturbed by violent arguments in a room upstairs. Most attempts to find the manager, or duty manager, or a senior person, were fruitless and frustrating.
There were numerous smokers gathered around the trees next to the toilet block!
Also on the beach, there are lots of beggars asking for money, cigarettes etc. Security people ignore them.
Although we went all inclusive, after two nights we ate out, and drank out, most of the time. I can recommend "The Beach" for good food and drinks. Note to Halcyon managers; visit this place to see how it should be done. Also "Putters" a great friendly bar with golf, pool and kids activities, great music and food.
In town, Coast and Hemingways are good places.
We like Antigua, but will not be going back to Rex Resorts, it is obvious that penny pinching by the management has resulted in poor quality food, lack of drinks, outdated and dirty decor and fittings, no hot water much of the time, the poorest quality of service I have ever seen, and a hotel that needs rebuilding. My advice; avoid Rex hotels if you can

We booked a weeks stay at the Halcyon Cove as a last minute break through Virgin. Due to it being a last minute booking the Halcyon was the only hotel that we could get in to. After reading the reviews posted here prior to arriving at the Halcyon, we had a fair idea of why and what to expect!..

The Hotel - Needs a complete overhaul - it was a cross beween 1970's Butlins and the hotel in 'The Shining'! The management seem to be trying to keep up to speed with general maintenance issues - such as repairing the paths and painting the stones in the gardens, however, to really get to the route of the problem this place needs to be gutted and completly modernised. We had a poolside room which was basic, fairly clean (if you didn't look too close) with a working fridge, TV and Aircon. The Bathroom was pretty yuck, however we always had hot water - no probs there.

Generally if it wasn't for the fantastic location (the amazing white sandy beach and crystal clear seas) this place really would be the pitts.

The Food - We were on the All Inclusive plan (we had never done all in before). The Pier is lovely at breakfast, such a lovely place to start your day and with a nice selection of fruit, cakes and cereals - it was hard to go wrong - although we were always the only people taking advantage of this at breakfast as most people seemed to go to the Arawak. Afternoon tea on the Pier was stunning too.

The bar area at the beach was pretty dire, it stunk of left over booze due to the fact that empty bottles were just left behind the bar. One day we saw some vodka being de-canted in what looked like an old bleach bottle into a glass vodka bottle. The beach bar has zilch atmosphere and trying to actually get someone to serve you here is pretty much impossible - but I will come onto the staff shortly.

The Arawak Restaurant - we ate here twice in the evening. Again no atmosphere whatsoever. All it would take would be a paintjob a freshen up and some candles and light music. We nicknamed it 'The Canteen' as thats what it felt like. The food was fine, quite a selection although I am sure it would be much better if they cooked local cusine and dishes. Not sure why men are asked not to wear shorts here as it really is just a glorified food hall.

We had a dire eveing meal on the Pier - so frustrating when you are sitting on the sea and they have Turkey on the menu! We opted for the Tuna (they never had the lobster that they advertised on the menu) and it was straight from the freezer- such a shame as they have so much opportunity to really make this into a lively and enjoyable place to eat. We discovered Coconut Grove further down the beach which really was gorgeous - there is nothing stopping the Wari Pier giving Coconut Grove a run for its money - if they got their act in gear.

The Staff - what can I say? The most unhelpful, rude and arrogant people we have ever had the misfortune to come across (with the exception of a couple). The manager of the Beach Bar does not deserve to work at all. She was so rude and refused to serve us at 10.25am because the bar didn't open until 10.30am - however promptly served some of her friends. She sits on the chair at the side of the bar so slumped over you think she has passed out - and really can not be bothered to serve anyone. Generally we found this of most of the staff - everything was far too much like hard work - it was so obvious that they really couldnt care less. Unfortunately this problem does not seem to occur solely at the Halcyon. Sadly Antiguans have a serious attitude problem which results in this very sad behaviour.

The Lady at the Car Hire Company on site at the Halycon was the rudest we encountered - she wouldn't speak to us when we wanted to hire a car and insited in asking her colleague (who was in the same room as us) what type of car we wanted! She then threw our car hire documents at us. She was so unbelivably rude that we actually found it quite amusing!

Overall, if you get a good deal to come here and have a cheap week or two in the sun, I would recommend it as its a lovely island with stunning scenery. Dickenson Bay is lovely too. However, if this is your main holiday, wedding, honeymoon, special occasion or holiday of a lifetime - I suggest you book elsewhere as this place has serious issues.

I have read all of the reviews listed for this resort. It is not that bad. You can find negative in everything if you try hard enough-not saying that is what everyone did. I just came back yesterday, and was there for a week. It is an absolutely beauitful beach! Further down, the other resorts beaches don't even come close. The smell of all the flowers were amazing! We did go All-Inclusive, and I highly recommend doing so. Several other people had and were very happy as well. The food at Arawak Terrace was really good, and we looked forward to seeing what they had every day. Breakfasts usually weren't anything to brag about though. We didn't go to Warri Pier to eat. Several other couples at the resort advised us not too. We went zip lining at the Rainforest canopy Tour-A MUST DO!!! I had so much fun. We also we snorkling with Larry-he is down at the end of the beach. Zip lining was $85 each, and snorkling was 2 hrs for $30 each, but everything else on the island was very expensive to do. My room was cleaned every day, and clean sheets on the bed. The room was dated, but you don't go to the Carribean to stay in your hotel room anyway. The entertainment was alright. Fenton really tried his best. And I also need to mention that Jacqualine at Arawak was very nice as well. We never had a problem with housekeeping, the reception desk wasn't very helpful though. People do bother on you the beach selling things. All of the beaches are open to the public, so this wasn't an isolated problem. If I do go back to Antigua, I would definitley stay there again.