Honestly, this is the worst hotel we have ever stayed in. Very basic rooms, grubby bathrooms, not very clean at all and the food is absolutely awful. Don't have a good word to say for it except its location is breathtakingly beautiful and if the food, staff, rooms were even a little bit better we would have made the most of it and stayed around longer than the two days it took to be relocated to the Halycon Cove, which was infinately better, even if we did have stone cold showers for the duration of the holiday. A good hint I think is ALWAYS book a superior room, because even they are pretty well 3 star. We looked at reviews and chose Blue Heron on the comments but were dreadfully disappointed and would never go back anywhere in Antigua again unless 5 star quality. This was not a cheap holiday, with Kuoni, so the reality was very surprising, being so bad!!!

We arrived in Antigua in the pouring rain and left in the pouring rain, but the week in between was mainly warm sunshine with just the occaisional shower.
On arrival at the Hotel, we were allocated a superior room on the first floor (212) which seemed fine at first, but we soon discovered that there was no fridge as we were expecting and the air conditioner was leaking water which looked a bit dangerous! Also the bathroom had been invaded by hundreds of tiny flies.
We went to reception and asked if we could move rooms, but were told the hotel was full and there was no other room available, but perhaps tomorrow something could be arranged.
The next day at 10am we spoke with Carleen the manager and she promptly arranged for us to be moved to a beachside room (105) which we were very happy with. The view from our room was of turqouise caribbean sea with the island of montserrat on the horizon.
We were pleasantly surprised that most evenings the dinner was a la carte in the Heron restaurant, as opposed to a buffet we were expecting. All other meals were served outside in the sea breeze bar area. The food was of a very good standard and I particuarly enjoyed the daily catch of the day. There was always a choice of about 3 different meals. My only slight criticism would be the breakfast, which was meant to be from 7.30 am, but invariably was not ready until 8am. But hey, we were on holiday, so it wasn't really a problem. Service was typically caribbean style and the staff were mostly very attentitive.
The bar was mostly well stocked (they did run out of beer one day!) and you never had to wait long at the bar. Errol & Andy the barmen were nice guys and always served you with a smile and remembered how you liked your drinks.
There was a very small water sports hut where kayaks and winsurfing was available and you could change the beach towels daily.
The best part of the Hotel was it's position on the beach, which was about half a mile of golden sand and great for swimming, although it did get quite deep quite quickly and some days there was a bit of an undercurrent.
There was always lots of sun loungers and parasols, although some of these were a bit tired and in need of repair.
The pool area had new loungers and parasol and was very pleasant although a bit on the small side.
The evening entertainment was very low key which suited us and there was a couple of excellent steel bands playing on a couple of the evenings we were there. If you are looking for Karoke and Bingo, the Blue Heron wouldn't be for you.
All in all, we had a very relaxing week, which wasn''t really long enough and we both want to return.
Big thanks to Carleen the manager who was a star. All the staff for looking after us so well. Big hello to Sue & Kev from Essex and all the other nice folks we met.
Ann & Darren. UK.

We spent two weeks at the Blue Heron in Antigua in November this year. Lovely small hotel, friendly overlooking Monserrat.
The superior room was spacious which is important as a wheelchair is reuqired for mobility by a member of my party. The bathroom was spacious enough to gain access and close the door for privacy. The management put out a "ramp" at then entrance to the room which allowed independent access. You just had to be careful using it as it was only temporary. The balcony was spacious and fairly easy to negotiate.
The pool area was attractive, no problem gaining a sun lounger at any time as most people preferred to use the beach. Quality sun loungers very comfortable with drinks tray attached.
The beach restaurant had one fairly large step which did not need to be there. We chose room only as we prefer to eat out. Breakfast a the hotel was 12$ and buffet - lunch was relaxing sitting watching the sea. Antigua tends to have more All Inclusive than other places we have visited but we did find nice restaurants. Namely Cocos at the Cocos hotel - lovely for lunch and dinner. Gibsons very close to Blue Herson was lovely right on the beach and the food was delicious - no light lunches though very much the same menu as the evening.
We did the helicopter trip to Monserrat - wonderful and very much brings you back to earth at just what nature can do.
Anitgua is a lovely island to visit - well worth hiring a car and go and explore. The scenery is wonderful and the beaches beautiful.
Mosquitos and sand flies a real problem. Hotel reguarly fogs the grounds which helps. Everywhere you go you see tourists with bites. We were bitten despite using sprays etc.
All in all a lovely time to get away for a lovely break in the Caribbean and the prices are reasonable at that time too.

We have been home now for 2 weeks and I have been thinking quite alot on how I would rate the Blue Heron. I think I could be called a season traveller and have been to some of the other caribbean islands.
The position of the hotel is excellent right on the beach although I was suprised how much swell the sea had when we where there, and the shelf it had made made it quite difficult for me to get out the water although other people seemed to manage.
We had a beach front room which was quite large but basic, we had 2 rooms while we where there as the toilet kept leaking in the first so had to change, the main dissapointment was the 4ft-6 bed most hotels have queen or king size these days. We had problems with both rooms on maintenance but Martin did his best to fix them, and the management soon send him round.
The entertainment was very poor and you found by 9-30pm most people had gone to bed although it could be the 4hr time difference,
The food was the biggest dissapontment lack of choice followed by icecream for sweet every day.
I do know the management where going to employ a new chef when we left a bit late for us so lets hope people going now are getting better choices and maybe cake for afternoon tea which would have been nice as we still have not got over the dry jam sandwiches we had one day.
We hired a car for 2 days which was well worth it and gave us a chance to have a good look at the island its easy to drive as it is the same as at home.
All in all I would like to thank all the lovely people we met and Harold really enjoyed talking to.
To the management keep cracking the whip and I hope things are working out for you I would like to think we could visit you in the future to see all your improvements good luck for now Ann