Usually, when my boyfriend and I visit Antigua, we stay at the Halcyon Cove Hotel, because it is located close to my parents who live on the island.
For this trip, however we decided to try a new resort, and boy, are we glad that we did!
Ok, so it's not the most updated hotel, but the beautiful view from our room's deck made up for the lack of renovations.
The two pools on the premises were a lot of fun (especially the one with the bar), and the ocean was divine.
What we enjoyed most however was the food. The three restaurants provided wonderful variety. The Italian one was my favorite. Although the dress shoes policy was a drag, the delicious supper made up for it.
I was surprised that so many people complained about the attitudes of the staff. We thought that they were all great. We received fresh towels everyday and never had a problem with the cleanliness of our room.
The evening entertainment was pretty corny, but my boyfriend and I did wind up dancing on stage with the rest of the entertainment one night. We blamed it on the alcohol which flowed freely throughout the resort.
We had a lot of fun and would absolutely recommend it if you want a fun, relaxing holiday.

We stayed at the Jolly Beach Resort for 1 week from 3rd May 2008. On arrival at the Hotel we were slightly dissapointed with the overall look of the property, We had booked a supersaver room but immediatley on sight of the room we paid the extra to upgrade up to a standard room. The supersaver rooms are far too small.

The best aspect of this hotel is the location, the beach is fantastic, we have previously stayed at Couples Resort in Jamacia and on arrival we compared Jolly Beach to Couples which is not like for like, If you are looking for luxary stay at Couples.

The food at the hotel is fine, the location of the Fish restaurant is great, the buffet restaurant has a nice variety of food for breakfast and lunch. The staff in the restaurant are very good. Shame this cannot be said for certain other members of the staff at resort, the water sport staff are very rude and some of the bar staff are not the best. The Water Sports desk closes at 4pm which is far too early and the Pool Bar does not open until 10.30am which is too late and it closes at 5 which is too early.

The Jolly Beach is listed as a 3* hotel and its no more than this, although if we were looking for a cheap Carribean holiday then we probably would return.

I spent a week at Jolly beach 4-19 thru 4-26. I went after all the reviews expecting the worse and got a little better (not much) than what I was expecting. I was in a standard room in St Lucia block so I expected horrible conditions based on the reviews, but I must say room was not nearly as bad as the picture painted for me. I was Pleasantly surprised there. However I had given way too much credit to the staff getting negative feedback on here, and was shocked when I found the reviews did not lie. I celebrated my 30th bday and my travel agent put on my reservation celebrating bday, however no one noticed and when I mentioned it they even had my name wrong .....Now this wouldn't have been a big deal but little things just kept adding up. I asked 5 waiters/bartenders if they had Sangria, and no one even knew what it was. Asked for and iron waited an hour and half then went to find for myself. Sink was leaking on fourth day called front desk maintenance came said they would be back never came back. Fifth day told them sink was still leaking into floor, never got fixed. One day tried to get 34 oz mug filled with diet soda to take to beach, bartender told me she couldn’t do it. Didn’t I pay all inclusive? I wasn't even asking for alcohol. So I stood there got three cups ice 4 cups soda, and filled it up myself. That was the only day I had a problem with that, but really made me mad. The food was not bad just very fast at Lydia’s and the Italian restaurant. I did not even finish my dinner at the Indian restaurant because I had a meal that was supposed to be boneless...well about three bites in I bit into a very sharp bone, I hit the buffet. The last night I decided to have my Sangria I purchased a bottle at the store and took it to Lydia’s at 5 pm before any dinner service started. I asked if they could put in a different container and serve to me when I came in. The manager’s response was absolutely not. Now I do not know why there was such a huge problem with this because yet again, haven't they already got my money for the week? If they knew what Sangria was and would have made it for me then that would have been a different story, Ok that is the bad, the beach is as it was talked about. My opinion best on the island. I did do the day trip to Barbuda and that was amazing. All in all not worth the money when Cancun is less expensive and just as beautiful sand and water. I do like to travel, it was on my list so been there done that, but won't go back. Any questions feel free to email me. I have tons of pictures.

Attended a wedding at Jolly beach - the hotel charged us per couple £50 for the day.......and we could have just walked in to the private beach..Obviously didn't get our moneys worth - but it did include food and drinks so we could have tried!!! Managed to get a room from them - for the six of us- very small and dark on the ground floor. No nets on the garden rooms so need to keep curtains closed at all times. Superior rooms get a kettle and a fridge ...dont bother paying the premium! Other family members actually stayed here. Massive complex, no rushing back to your room for something you forgot..too butlinsy if you know what I mean, and I am sure that you do.
Food not great either - stick to the snack bars - shirt, tie, shoes for the Italian restaurant.
Wedding was well organised - the happy coulple opted for a wedding gazebo in the grounds which was not overlooked and in the shade.
Beach lovely and best bit of the accomodation - three star - not four -