Antigua is a lovely resort lots to do and see around the island.( Just see Elvis he's great you will see him on the beach he will help you with your trips). The beach is fab!!! one of the best on the island.The weather was wonderful lots of sun! Stayed at the Rex Halcyon Cove 11th/25th August 2004. The hotel could do with a lick of paint here and there, and where the standard rooms are the grounds around this area needs more than a lick of paint! Our room was clean and tidy but the furniture was very old draws would'nt open or close properly. We stayed in one of the standard rooms which did'nt have a telly asked if we could have a room with a telly, and they said it would cost us £350 pounds. So if you want a telly then upgrade before you go there it's cheaper! We did have a great holiday and would go back to Antigua again. So have fun and enjoy your holiday.

The service was sloppy ,no aircon in any public areas ,changed rooms 3x to get aircon.The drains blocked and the smell spread thro the whole complex.The whole complex is VERY tatty.Food good but no choice.Only 1 bar open most evening ,in the lobby it was like being in a train station.2nd resturant closed for refurbishment so only 1 resturant open.
The beach is Superb and the watersport crew are so helpfull.
We had a dissapointment with another holiday and this was the ONLY Allinclusive available that suited our requirements ,we had read the comments on this site so we knew what to expect.

Visit to the Rex was from 7. Aug 04 to 21. Aug 04 and I truly wished I had stayed at home. Trip was to celebrate my retirement and our 30th wedding aniversary. Went all inclusive to make life easier and found it a nightmare from arriving and confronting the reception staff from hell. They were rude and unhelpful. We inspected five rooms before settling on one mainly to try and reduce stress levels. The first three rooms were dark and filthy the surroundings consisted of old broken chairs and tables and a run down abondoned childrens play area. The next two were small, noisy and the outside smelled of sewage. We were finally given a "superior pool room" not much better but slightly cleaner.
The exceptional dining at the Warri Pier was like eating in a decaying garden shed open to the birds who wandered over the buffett picking at will the staff unwilling to do anything. The Warri pier was closed part way through my holiday as unsafe no reopening date given.
The Arawak dining room provided basic bland and limited food. The staff were rude and could'nt care less. They only use a third of the seats at any one time (to save work or make it look busy).
By the way they don't tell you that there is time share at the hotel either.
Please avoid the sadness that my hard earned pension went to pay for - Never again will I trust advertising literature.

I have been staying at the Halcyon Cove for 20 years during Christmas and love it. It is not luxurious but has the best beach on that side of the island. The rooms are always clean and the maid staff work very hard to take care of you. Keep in mind they are not getting rich by cleaning your room. Sometimes tipping at the beginning of your stay goes a long way for extras. I do agree the front desk staff are not beaming when you arrive but beyond getting your key you don't need to deal with them as there is a concierge desk to help with any plans you make. You may find the food at the hotel dull . I suggest you eat dinner out as there are wonderful restaurants along the beach and in town. There is not much entertainment at the hotel (theme nights and bars) but there is a casino in town and a few night clubs. This hotel is very peaceful and laid back. You can walk through the lobby in your swimsuit and have a drink at the bar (unlike many other hotels I've stayed where you must cover up).
Many of the complaints I have read here have nothing to do with the hotel but everything to do with it being located on a less "overdeveloped" Carribean island. The beaches are all public so no matter where you stay (Sandals included) you will encounter vendors. Water pressure is a problem (you won't get a shower like home) but it is not unbearable. Airconditioning has always worked in my room and frequently I turn it off during the day b/c it gets too cold. Perhaps if you travel in summer when it is especially hot it might not work as well. This is an older hotel and could use a sprucing up but the grounds are beautiful and the rooms, large and clean.
If you are looking for expensive, plush, high end accomadations go to Pineapple Beach Club or St. James Club. If you are looking to sit on the beach and vege out at a good price this is a great place.