Cannot believe some of these reports I have read now that we have ACTUALLY been and experienced this wonderful location. Rooms very comfortable and spotless clean, although bathrooms do require attention, we had hot and cold water no problem. The food was first class although as Fries burgers are not my main diet the choice was very good. Pool and beach out of this world, plenty of beach towels and sun beds. The staff were very friendly and nothing was too much for them to help you, must mention:
Debbie - Front desk wonderful lady although we had nothing to complain about
Jackie - The Bar Manager great cocktails especially as you watch the sun go down
Orlan & Phillip morning chefs great guys great breakfasts
Watch out for Mr Moves wow can that guy bend his bod.....
For a tour of the beautiful Island get hold of Glentis what this man doesn't know about Antigua.

So for a relaxing holiday with a wonderful climate, fantastic location very comfortable hotel don't worry sit back enjoy the location the food the drink and the people after all that's what you are there for CHILLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

Like others who have written, I was worried about some previous reviews of the hotel which I had read. Our experience was quite the opposite. We found the hotel to be extremely well situated, the staff were outstanding and without exception, always helpful and anxious to please ( which they did - 100%). The location couldn't be bettered and although some of the rooms are a little old and have a very boring outlook you can obviate that by taking an upgrade and thus solving that particular problem.
Why people complained about the food is beyond me. What are they used to? I thought Warri Pier was terrific, super ambience, good service and very good food.
We didn't know before arriving that there was little else in the way of restaurants/shops/stores/bars etc in the vicinity of the hotel so when we return we would probably select one of the meal plans - probably all inclusive or a version of this.
All in all we loved it in Antigua, thought the people were outstanding and will definitely return.

I was very worried before by all the negative reports, well they are rubbish, the halcyon is lovely, the resort is lovely, the beach is lovely and Antigua id BEAUTIFULL. Freindly, safe and definately worth the visit.
Be advised if you want to sample the locals at shirley heights and not just a tourist trap, visit later , the locals arrive about 9pm, earlier okay for families.
Food at the Halcyon - Fantastic, make sure you try the warri pier, food exceptional.
As for service, why would anyone expect someone working in the heat, to work fast, everything is sllllllllllllloooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwww mannnnnnn. Be patient your food , ect will come. Lay back and chill and you will enjoy yourself. Dont be snobbish.

And as for the mossies, dont be stupid, of course there will be mossie, its hot and tropical. DUMMIES.

ANTIGUA IS GREAT, GO THERE, AND DONT BE PUT OFF BY HALCYON.

Having paid for my family holiday before reading these reviews of the Halcyon cove, left myself and my family very worried for what we were letting ourselves in for. Flying for 8+ hours from the UK was was very stressful for me as all i was thinking about was the reviews as i was also bringing with me my wife and two young girls aged 2 and five. I have been to the carribean on many occasions myself and have had some great times with an open mind and a laid back attitude, after all that is what the west indies is all about. What a pleasant suprise on our arrival to be met by a cold drink and a warm smile as our bags were whisked away to our room. I could feel the tension leave as i started to relax. We were staying in the basic room which was very clean, although not large it was big enough for the four of us to sleep in as we had no intention to be spending much time in there. I was suprised though at the electric supply, having bought US adapters there was in fact an equal supply of both US and UK sockets which was novel. The location of the hotel is superb, beach is fantastic and you are not bugged by the beach traders who are also polite and friendly and understand no thank you. There is a lot of sun loungers on the beach and around the pool for everyone and fresh towels are available every day. We went all inclusive and were impressed with the standard of food, with two young children to cater for, the chefs provided them with non menu food like fresh pasta as required. The Arawak buffet changed themes daily so the food was pretty much different for every meal, chinese night and italian night not to mention the abundance of sea food and fresh vegetables. If you want to eat fatty burgers and fries every meal don't eat here. The staff are very friendly and as i understand plans to constantly upgrade and renevate the hotel are in motion. I got back from there 27th April this year, my family all have wonderful tans, feel completely relaxed and have had a wonderful holiday. We will certainly be going back to the Rex Halcyon.