Living in the Caribbean we usually vacation in North America or Europe, however wanting a change we decided upon a 'do nothing' holiday nearer to home.We visited in June 03 and stayed in a apartment (close to the children's pool) which was very large and well appointed. Proximity to the children's pool worked out very well for us as our 2 year old daughter was able to play in the shallow water with other children of a similar age.The apartments are situated on a hill somewhat removed from the main complex and as such offered a very quiet relaxing environment. We walked to the complex proper for breakfast otherwise spent the whole time near the apartment or on the beach.We found all the restaurants to be very good. Piccolo and Docksider offered excellent fare in very attractive settings. Rainbow and Coco's were more casual but perfectly OK. We never had a problem getting a reservation although we did usually eat early with our daughter. We also attended the Bare Foot bar b q which was great.The resort does enforce a dress code in the evening but we never found the atmosphere stuffy. There were many children most of whom behaved better than our daughter. The staff were excellent. Within a day or two the breakfast ladies knew our daughter's name and spoiled her with their attentions. Similarly the service received in the restaurants and elsewhere in the Hotel was relaxed and very friendly.I really can't understand the negative reviews and can only assume that the unhappy few had expected something different. It is true that SJC promotes itself as an exclusive resort which it probably isn't. Most of the people we spoke to had booked through Virgin in the UK and seemed to get a very good deal. One point to note is that Virgin allow their guests to check in for the return flight at the hotel and having now experienced Antigua International I highly recomend this option. The airport check-in desks are outside!I would recomend the hotel to anyone that wanted a quiet relaxing holiday. Having the apartment made the difference for us as we spent as much time on the balcony as anywhere else. We were very lucky with the weather and I must admit that the resort has little to offer if the weather is bad. That however is probaly true for most of the caribbean.Final point, we took the all inclusive option and thought that the quality of food and boose very good. The bars were open all the time and offered plenty of premium brands. We don't have much experience of all inclusive resorts but would have no hesitation in recomending this one.

Just back from a great week at St James Club. It was my first time to the Caribbean but am well travelled in the States and middle and far east. Really did not know what to expect after the variety of reports posted on this site but as I have worked in the hotel industry all my life, I know that everyone has different expectations, especially in this current market of competetive pricing, and one small thing that goes wrong can send a guest away unhappy. Anyway, I can only speak as I find and we had a great time. Had a Premium room in one of the 3 blocks, which are only 2/3 stories high. Had everything we needed, small balconey with ocean view, a/c & celing fan, coffee maker, iron & board, hairdyer, in room safe . However, if you are in a party of more than 2 and you can afford a bay suite or villa- go for it. The area known as the village up on the hill where the villa's are situated is wonderful. All the Restaurants were good, especially Rainbow for Breakfast & lunch, Coco's for lunch and the Docksider & Picolo's for dinner - food was of a high quality, varied and plentiful. It's best to book for dinner the night before if you want to eat at a specific time but we never had a problem getting a reservation where we wanted, although it was low season. Staff were on the whole professional, friendly, great with kids and would do whatever they could to please.
They appreciate how vital tourism is to their island economy. Do go all inclusive as unless you have a car for the duration, taxis to go anywhere to eat will take all your budget and there are no food shops or restaurants within walking distance. Taxis are expensive although there are set government rates so you know in advance how much. e.g. to airport US$26. However, it is well worth hiring a car for a few days to get to see the rest of the island especially some of the beaches.
Turners and Darkwood on the west coast are fabulous as are Half Moon Bay close to St James and Long Bay up by Devils Bridge area in the NE - Turners & Long bay are good for snorkeling off the beach. Whilst the 2 beaches at St James are lovely beaches - the caribbean wind & Atlantic can make Coco beach a bit windswept & uncomfortable at this time of year and whilst Mamora bay beach is long, wide and sheltered, the waters are not very clear, certainly not for snorkelling. There are plenty of sailing & pedal boats and you can borrow snorkelling gear for the day if you travel elsewhere. The south of the island is quite volcanic and the sea bed is dark and can seem a bit murky at times compared to the aquamarine colour experienced at the beaches mentioned above. Word of warning re: car hire at the Avis desk on site. Make sure you are specific about what you want, i.e right or left hand drive, a/c or not etc when you book your car. They drive on the right in Antigua but many of the cars and jeeps they supply are from USA and are left hand drive. Prices vary but from US$45 for basic car to $65 for a/c jeep per day. Also their collision damage waiver at $10 has a $1,000 excess so a accident could cost you dear. We hired from Dollar, off site but rep visits. $50 for a jeep but for $12 pd they give you fully comp cover. A much better deal. As many others have said, if you go with the flow of the Caribbean, don't expect things to be the same as back home, treat the staff as people not servants you will be rewarded with a most enjoyable vacation.

Let me start by saying that i have been to numerous all inclusive destinations around the world and quite a few in the carribean. Before we went to the SJC in Antigua i looked on this website to see what to expect and was surprised at some of the comments made (one guy mentioned something about he wish he'd have spent the money (some £7,000) on the lottery) i dont know where the £7,000 comes from unless he took a party of 12 ???? - then there was the comments from several people from the usa mentioning that they thought the place was shutting down / some restarurant food was not edible.???? -OK here is what i think of SJC antigua. All of the staff we encountered were extremely friendly and courteous.All Restaurants have more than edible food and in the Docksider and Picolo Mondo restaurants the food was nothing less than beautiful.The Rainbow garden and Coco's food was nice and in a buffet style - but if there was nothing you wanted they would cook you anything within reason.The drinks and clientel were all wonderful and made for an exceptional week's vacation.As for the quality of the rooms i can only comment on our room which was a club room, - it was spacious, clean and made for comfortable living quarters.This hotel is excellent and only the Galley Bay looked nicer as we went on a circumnavigation catamaran trip around the island and got to see most of the competitive hotels.The hotel is quiet and relaxing - if you want a noisy bustly vacation this is the wrong place for you, however if you want a nice relaxing vacation theres no place better.A+++++++