The Royal Antiguan Resort has had bad criticism from time to time. I visited Antigua in February and stayed in the RA for 11 nights. I must say that I had a great time. The hotel is situated probably in one of the best bays in the island, having a clean sandy beach. The gardens are magnificent and most of all the service is terrific. Polite, pleasant staff and good level of care. The only bad thing about this hotel is the building itself. Ugly and 'tired' but you really forget about it as soon as you are inside the complex. The rooms are spacious and very clean. We had a room with a view to the lagoon. The restaurants are fine (three of them) and the food variety is satisfactory. I recommend that you stay in the hotel for 3-4 days to relax and then rent a car to explore the island. Once again I must say that the RA is a good choise and deserves better reviews.

Having reviewed this hotel on this website before my holiday, I was a bit unsure of what to expect. However, having just returned - unfortunately - from honeymoon after staying at this hotel for a week, I cannot give it enough praise. The staff were always friendly, helpful and ALWAYS smiling. They could not do enough for us! From the moment we arrived - greeted with a glass of rum punch each - we were treated with the best quality service one could ask for. OK, it may not look the most amazing hotel at first sight, but all the amenities and rooms were clean. I would not recommend all-inclusive if you want to go out and explore the island which I strongly suggest everyone does - but for breakfast and a snack at the beach grill bar or Andes restaurant for lunch this will do you fine. Evening meals go out to some excellent local places like George's in St Johns or Coco's by the Jolly Harbour resort.

All in all, an excellent hotel with friendly, helpful and extremely courteous staff. Hell, they even have a meet the staff Manager's Cocktail Evening with free food and drink! Does exactly what it says on the tin! Definitely recommended!

Stayed at Royal Antiguan in Nov 2003. Rained every single day-worst weather they had had for over 40 years! Anyway, food in Lagoon buffett restaurant was good, cafe on the beach(when you could make it down there in the rain!!) was also good too. Went on AI basis, is pricey if going on R/O. Most staff nice, some downright rude though! Floor's very slippery and reception area quite shabby and in need of update. Rooms adequate but nothing special. Didnt get towels until approx 7pm at night. On arrival, greeted with a lovely rum punch which took the annoyance away of having to wait for nearly 20 mins to check in as only two people answering phones, doing check in/out and also any other business on reception. Hotel was not prepared for bad weather activities. Overall was disappointed in hotel and wouldnt go back, but would go back to Antigua and stay elsewhere. St.Johns is great, fantastic shopping, cigarettes and booze really cheap ( duty free port as all cruiseliners dock there )

Some of the reviews we read ,before going to the Royal Antiguan resort said the staff was not friendly , that is not true , not for our 7 nights there. The Safari Tour was fun , the weather was great, loved the pool. Sure the place needs an uplift, but a busy place usually does. Having been in business ,we know that some people are impossible to please, you know who you are !!!. Relax, enjoy the sun , life is too short to worry about a towel , ice cubes, or whatever some guests had trouble with. We have traveled all over the Carribean, and this place is as good as the rest. If paying more, makes you think that your time will be better, then by all means go for it. Thank you, Tony & Linda