My boyfriend and I went to Halycon Cove in October 2005. Let me just say that my boyfriend and his family have been share owner of Halycon Cove for 20+ years. He has not been there in the past 5+ years so he remembers it when it was the hottest place in Antigua and when it was tons of people and excitement. First of all we arrive at the Halycon Cove and IT WAS CLOSED for renovations. That's right. closed. My boyfriend even called to conform the week before. There was nobody at the resort except for a security guard to was the sweetest thing. She explained that it was closed for renovation and we were transferred to Antigua Village next door. We walked around and it was pretty much a mess. The wary pier was all border up. The Tiki Umbrellas on the beach were all destroyed. The hotel is in need of a major renovation. It is very outdated and old looking and sticks out like a sore thumb compared to Sandals and Antigua Village which are all in walking distance. We took a video to show his parents back home and the could not believe it.

We were transferred to another time share resort at Dickenson's Bay called Antigua Village. We had a great time at the resort and met wonderful people. Coconut Grove Restaurant and The Beach restaurant are wonderful. Great atmosphere, food is delicious. If it were not for those two restaurants, the area would be dead. Sandals takes up a good portion of Dickenson's Bay and now they are taking over the rest of property towards the other end of Halycon Cove with a new Mediterranean Village.

Over all we had a great time. The vendors on the beach are nice. We spend a day at sandals and used their spa - it was wonderful. Shopping in town was fun. We had the ‘Fruit Lady” come to our resort a few times a week and she sells exotic fruit right out of her car. One word of advice - BRING bug strap - you will be eaten alive once the sun sets. I have never seen anything like it. My boyfriend had over 50 bites on his back.

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!