We first stayed at Siboney in January of 2006, again this past January (08), and just finished 12 days there. We have stayed at some very posh resorts, including Four Seasons and Rosewood properties and fully realized that Siboney is not that type of accommodation. We wanted something quiet, unpretentious and down-to-Earth. And that is what we found, with some extras that some of our reviewers don't seem to appreciate. So, if you're considering a visit, read on and decide if Siboney is right for you.

The rooms are not of spotless granite, marble, brass and teak, but they are plenty comfortable especially if you are not the sort of Caribbean traveler who spends the day in your room. They are not moldy or dirty, and yes, there are some mosquitoes, but we have not found them to be much of a problem if you keep doors shut. A natural citronella-based repellent spray was all we needed. Our kids, sleeping in the den, were fine with the nets the office provided immediately on request.

Contrary to what one reviewer said, the locks on the door are perfectly adequate - we never had any concern about security. Crime on Antigua is nothing like crime on other Caribbean islands such as Jamaica. There has been some recent increase, but the Dickinson Bay area is not involved. We usually had our garden-facing door unlocked during the day. There is a security safe in the room for valuables. Security is NOT an issue!

The air-conditioning is only in the bedroom - we never noticed this to be an issue in January, and during our summer visit, we just opened the bedroom door and the remainder of the suite was comfortable enough, especially during the night, which is the only time we spend in our room. The abandoned structures on the adjacent beach are no longer present. It is a very quiet beach and privacy is readily available. The beach directly in front of the hotel and restaurant is ideal for children - it is clean and two small jetties keep it calm. The slope is gradual. Some locals often bring their children by to swim and my children always have lots of friends to play with. To be sure, Antiguans are warm, happy, friendly people and we have made lots of friends there, whether they be born-and-raised there or expatriates from other countries. We find the presence of the adjacent Coconut Grove to be an asset, as it has been the focus of many introductions to great people. It is not necessary to take your meals at the restaurant (which shouldn't be considered in a review of Siboney as some have done here, since it is separately owned and operated). There is a reasonably-priced restaurant just up the beach, and there are two upscale restaurants down the road on Runaway Bay, both reasonably within walking distance for young adults - one in particular, La Bussola, is fantastic. A van appears on Wednesdays and Fridays, selling excellent fish and chips as well as some nice Indian offerings at very reasonable prices. The Bay House and the not-to-be-missed Papa Zouk are short taxi rides.

What do we REALLY love about Siboney? The garden that Mr. Johnson has cultivated over the years is spectacular and creates an isolated paradise that separates you from the world - I can't believe that one reviewer found the pool area to be unattractive! It's a slice of heaven! Let your kids play in the pool while you recline on a chaise or in the hammock and watch the hummingbirds or read your book. It doesn't get much better!

And the staff - friendly beyond description if your eyes and ears are open to that sort of thing. If you're the type who doesn't care to fraternize with the help, they'll sense it and back off discreetly, but I think you'd be happier some place else. The staff at Siboney are one of its attractions, and I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't find them attentive and accommodating - but beyond that, they will become your friends during your stay and many will be available for pleasant conversation if you so choose. The housekeepers made our day with their morning cheer and laughter. They loved our children, and we spent lots of time talking with them, as well as with the office staff, Ulysses the groundskeeper, and Mr. Johnson.

The taxi fares can add up, but if you're the type that likes to see the island (which has SO MUCH to see and enjoy), you'll find it a good idea to rent a car for at least part of your stay. if you decide to rent a car, ask for Tasha, who is based at the hotel. We rented from her and were very satisfied.

All I can say is that my wife, kids and I absolutely love the Siboney Beach Club, and its real appeal lies in the charm and friendliness that money can't buy. We consider one of our best discoveries when it comes to traveling.

Having just returned from Siboney, i can assure you that if you enjoy fighting for a chair on the beach, having a mass of people all around you, hearing the non-stop pitching of the hawkers, and the annoyance of conforming to a resort-lifestyle, then the Siboney Beach Club is not for you.

The previous reviews basically sum up what my family enjoyed while staying with Mr. J at Siboney.

We were all treated more like visiting family, than occupants of a room in their hotel.

From Karl, Ulysses and Jerome on the grounds, Tamu, Sonia and the office staff, Lena and Carolyn in housekeeping...each made our stay extremely enjoyable.

When i asked for a fan for the living room where my kids were sleeping, they got one right away. There was no need too small for them to happily attend to. The staff will go out of their way to accomodate any reasonable request.
Each was met with a "can-do" attitude, yet with a style that kept the vibe of the hotel laid-back, relaxed and accomodating.
The pictures that you'll see on the reviews don't do the spot justice either...i'll only say that you'll find this a romantic, quiet haven from the rucus just down the beach. My personal favorite acitivity was having my morning coffee on the beach, underneath the palms and sea-grape trees, watching Sandals workers crowding their stretch of the beach with enough crap to accomodate the packed-in crowd. Their beach's only shade was from the few umbrellas that were plunked into the sand.
My kids enjoyed the pool as much as the ocean, it's wonderfully kept, and the beautiful grounds offer a nice respite from the sun and the beach.
People to encounter while staying there, Victor the "bead-man", Marvelous Marvin, Jenny, Jermaine and Gail at Coconut Grove, and go see Ashton at Dive Antigua for the best dive guide on the island.
If you really need a lot of commotion around you, and you need to be herded into planned activities, this place is not for you.
but, if you'd like a small slice of solitude to escape the typical resort zaniness, while still having all the acitivities close at hand...then the Siboney Beach Club is the place to stay.

Though we love to try new places we find ourselves returning to Antigua and, in particular, to Siboney. It is unique; laid back but service is excellent, the staff is always ready to assist you in your requests. Everyone is very professional but warm and genuine. The garden is beautiful and has a pristine pool, though with the crystal clear ocean right there, I only have used the pool a few times. In the evening the night-blooming jasmine lining the walk is heavenly.

Some of the rooms have been recently updated and I believe the plan is to remodel the others. Very nice. The rooms all open out on to the garden and it is soothingl to enjoy your coffee on the balcony. The rooms have efficiency kitchens, perfect for breakfast or lunch and dinner too, I suppose, but with a number of restaurant choices in walking distance, who eats in their room? Coconuts is a few steps from the hotel, the lobster is the best I had on the island. Nearby, La Bussola offers an excellent, authentic Italian dining experience. The location is great, it’s tucked away on Dickenson Bay and there are a number of restaurants as well as a small grocery within walking distance.

Beyond the room and dining, I think the reason we have returned to Antigua and Siboney four times is that the staff and the owner, Tony Johnson, makes certain you know all the island has to offer, beyond its perfect beaches. (Don’t even get me started on the beaches.) The landscape is lush and hilly. In the south part of the island is the historic Nelson’s boatyard, which has been restored and maintained; it is still a working boatyard. On Sundays Shirley Heights is the place to be, with live music, barbecue and the most unbelievable views. Then there’s Sailing Week, a world class event. The Antiguans are the helpful, some of the nicest and friendliest we’ve met in our Caribbean travels. I can almost hear their call. If you go to Siboney, say hello to Mr. J, Lorraine, Tamu, Paulette, Lena and Carolyn . They're the best!

We just returned from an amazing stay at a lovely hotel, The Siboney Beach Club. It is a small hotel where we received personal attention to every detail. The rooms were immaculate and always adorned with freshly cut flowers from the garden. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful in having transportation arranged for us. The owner, Tony Johnson, lives on the property, and we thoroughly enjoyed visiting with him. He was always out and about. The grounds are meticulously landscaped with beautiful flowers and trees. We awoke each morning to the musical sounds of the various birds outside our windows. In addition to the lush garden view, the ocean view from our balcony was breath taking. The hotel has a nice pool; however, we always preferred being on the beach right on the property. The location was perfect for us. We were near enough to do sight seeing trips and experience the local culture. Restaurants were also nearby. In fact, a really good one is on the grounds of the hotel. We could not have asked for a more perfect place to spend an exciting fun filled week. We did not have the crowds or the rows and rows of beach chairs filled with guests as the Sandals Resort just down the beach. If you are looking for a beautiful and quiet place to vacation, we highly recommend The Siboney!