We stayed at the Blue Heron Hotel from February 22, to March 7, 2006. Things have improved since our last visit in 2004. The food is better and the quantity available has been increased. The hotel was about 30 to 40% filled so we don't know if the overbooking problem we saw 2 years ago has been corrected. The room we requested was the room we got and housekeeping was very good. The staff were much more friendly than on previous visits with the exception of two bar tenders, Duane and Yolanda. They definately need guest relations training. Halfway through our stay the manager was replaced and the new manager seems to be very interested in maintaining acceptable service in this beautiful little hotel.....we hope so.

We've just returned from a week all inclusive at this hotel and we really enjoyed ourselves.
However, the hotel itself in terms of fixtures and fittings is definitely tired and in need of a face lift although all the rooms are kept very clean.
The location is superb - the hotel is situated right on Turner's Beach which has beautiful white sand, bright blue sea and great views of Montserrat, Nevis & Redonda.
Within easy walking distance are 3 or 4 good places to eat which is very useful to know before you book ( if we were to go back again we would not choose all inclusive) as the food at the hotel is pretty poor. We had expected and were looking forward to eating fresh, local food especially fish and shell-fish dishes but the buffet style meals at the hotel didn't really deliver this and the variety offered was very limited (the same inocuous fish served every day in slightly different sauces which inevitably became pretty dry as it was left out on the buffet). Breakfast was the best meal of the day - at lunch time you can ask to see a different menu at the pool bar and on that are some excellent club sandwiches.

We did not want to be in a big resort with an animation team etc which is why we chose Blue Heron and on that score we were absolutely not disappointed.
The atmosphere was perfect for what we wanted - the hotel was quiet but because of the wonderfully friendly, happy staff (and indeed other guests!) we never felt at a loose end or bored. In fact I didn't manage to get past chapter 1 of my book!
This is Antigua and as such the pace is a lot slower and more relaxed than in other countries - so maybe the staff don't come rushing to take your order but you're not left for long - & you soon relax into the pace of things. All the locals are friendly, helpful and generous hearted. At no point did anyone take advantage or try to 'rip us off' - it's not in their nature which is incredibly refreshing.

In summary if you want a quiet, friendly 2 or 3 star hotel in a beautiful setting then Blue Heron is ideal - just be aware of its short-comings and don't limit yourself to only eating at the hotel.

PS the standard rooms are VERY standard with no view, a/c, TV or balcony. If you want a cheaper room that you're just going to use to sleep and leave your stuff in then this may be an option, but if you think you're going to spend any time in your room make sure you get either a superior or beach front room.

Although Antigua is a very prestigeous destination, I was greatly disappointed with Rex Blue Heron Resort.
Upgraded to the beach end of the hotel with bad plumbing. Food below average. Serving staff do not understand what customer service is and what the definition is. One staff member, waitress standing and trying to take a menu order chewing gum at the same time. Power off via Government source. The inhouse generator was like a "Rust Bucket" Was in the middle of an important overseas call when suddenly the power failed. Maintenance workers who tried to fix the sink and made things worse. I suggest a "Pluming Apprenticeship"
Bar staff member with attitude and negativity who did everything he could to make my stay unbarable.
In the end, lasted five nights and had to get out and leave. Would never stay at this hotel again.
The beach was good, thats about it. One of the worst hotels I have ever stayed in. I suggest all staff members of this hotel attend a Hotel Hospitality College and learn how to cook.

Have just returned from a week's holiday at the Blue Heron with my husband and eight year old daughter. In common with some of the other reviewers we all found it wonderful. We had a beach front room which overlooked the turquoise sea and vast, uncrowded glorious beach. The hotel is small and charming. On arrival its simplicity strikes you. A small reception and bar area and an intimate restaurant. The pool is small but clean and great for youngsters as it is only four foot deep. Around the pool area are loungers and the beach bar. Two steps away is the beach which is breathtaking; great for children again with a sloping and quite gentle sandy entry into the sea. Food fine. Particularly the breakfast and some of the local dishes - fish, stews etc. Staff extremely pleasant and very hard working (an A* going to Duane). Evening entertainment kept simple and local. Particularly enjoyed Slinger the Swingers calypsos - you can ask him to come up with a special calypso just for you. Simple rooms were kept spotlessly clean and contrary to some reviews the air conditioning was quiet and modern. And for those who worry about such things, beach towels are in plentiful supply too. Travelling about was simple with taxis on hand (drivers excellent, informative and professional - if you ever find Daniel based at Jolly Beach he is the perfect example) but there's also a bus stop right outside the hotel which takes you into St. Johns and beyond. In accord with others I would recommend this hotel to people who want a quiet, relaxing break on one of the best beaches in Antigua. Darkwood Beach is a one stop bus ride up the road. Practically deserted in the morning. The adjacent salt ponds are perfect for bird watching. You can see the pelicans have breakfast in the morning and nest down in the evening. For anyone wanting a bit of action, try Paddles Eco-Tour. It's fun and exciting and you get to kayak around the mangroves; snorkel off an uninhabited island and have a couple of exhilerating speed boat rides. Summing up, the Rex Blue Heron is the perfect base; easy to travel to and from and perfect if you just want to veg out. Brilliant. We will return.
PS No sign of any air-crew either.......