Can't believe some of these reviews; 16 of us have just returned from staying at this hotel and have all had an amazing time!! The age range of our group was from 21 to 59 and everybody loved it. The staff were lovely and really helpful, the location is second to none and the food was much better than we had expected it to be. The rooms were basic but clean, bed was huge and very comfortable. There are a couple of lovely restaurants and bars within walking distance for a change of scenery. The beach is fantastic and the vendors are all part of the fun and don't push if you politely say "no". All in all we had a fantastic holiday and a big thank you to all the staff at Halcyon Cove!

Just a quick review as I was most horrified reading some other peoples comments. I would certainly recommend anyone going to Antigua to stay at the Rex Halcyon Cove. If you are getting married which was the purpose of our visit (A Family wedding) the happy couple could not have asked for more, everything was so well organised, the wedding itself held in the grounds of the hotel, was spectacular. As for the hotel Rooms, I would not describe as basic but well accommodating very comfortable, Air conditioned with nice balcony's and a huge bed!!. As for Food, exceptional, All Buffet style but loads of it and plenty of variation. The Staff are all very very helpfull, yes they are laid back but that is the Carribean for you.
I would recommend to go on the Cicum Navigation trip on the Wadadli Cat around the island (Try Suzzi's Hot pepper sauce if you like it spicy!! (Brilliant) the Helicopter Trip to Monserat (was just Amazing)and of course not forgetting Shirley Heights on Sunday evenings (If there is one place you must go, it is here).
Overall the holiday was made because of the friendliness of the staff at the hotel, the weather, the beautifull Beach (s) and All the locals who we met. Everyone who went too of course.
I will add photo's soon.

It's pretty difficult to be complimentary about a hotel that seems to strive to miserable from the moment you arrive. The bulldog faced receptionist acknowledged my presence and then proceeded to make me wait in reception for 30 mins - when I keep enquiring why - she just repeated 'wait'...er so I did having no key.

The rooms are basic, so if you are the type of traveller then enjoys a the Holiday Inn or a Travel Lodge then you are in luck. These are extra standard rooms where unless you ask for a hairdryer (which is what I did) the telly, balcony and a fridge will be glaringly absent.


The only time I encountered food in the hotel was at breakfast time - there was plenty of variety - although most of the time you had to practically beg for a spoon, plate or cup of tea - and this was only possibly if you could track down any of the staff whom all mysteriously disappeard...if you get thirsty while waiting though - please do miss out on the 'juice' this is simply some water with colouring and rather unpleasant.

The only plus for the hotel is outside of it - ie the beach - and very nice it is too. Not too many people selling genuine home made beads and if it all gets too much for you there are a few bars where the ubiquitous rum punch can do wonders!

Have been going to halcyon cove for the past 23 years as a time share owner and have seen the good, the bad and the ugly. as it was once a very beautiful, well run resort which has gone up and down over the years-we are always holding our breath in anticipation of what to expect on our next vacation. we were very nervous after reading the recent reviews but happy to report not anywhere as bad as some of the reviews portrayed. the grounds look beautiful-lush and well kept. the beach and pool areas have all new huts and lounge chairs-very pretty but the lounges are not as comfortable as the previous lounges. there are also new beach towels which seem to be in abundant supply. the pool has been retiled and for some reason has been filled in so that it is a depth of 4 feet all around-not sure what the reason for that is but not a big deal. the time share rooms were clean and updated with new bedspreads, pillows and towels-however the bathrooms are still in need of updating although the water is no longer brown. our room had plenty of hot water but the room next door had no hot water for 5 days. most of the old staff who knew the workings of the hotel were let go when the hotel closed for renovations and the new staff is not very helpful only due to their inexperience and obvious lack of proper training regarding the property. the woman who seems to be in charge of the front desk is obviousy overwhelmed and can get testy at times-she frequently tells guests to sit down until she can deal with them which doesnt make for good relations. the staff does their best and are very pleasant if they are treated with some respect and a smile. we do not have a meal plan at halcyon as the dining choices are very limited and the quality of food in the past was not very good. there are many excellent restaurants in antigua and some are within walking distance down the beach. there seemed to be more entertainment this year in the evenings with steel bands and other music either down by the beach bar or in the lobby which was a nice change. halcyon cove is not a luxury hotel with white glove service -it is however a clean, pretty place to stay on one of the most spectacular beaches in the world. if you are looking for an ultra casual beach vacation with no great expectations you will not be disappointed.