Just returned on the 11th of March from Antigua, and to sum up the hotel and country, I only need one word, AMAZING, wish I was still there. Having read various reports, good and bad, the only thing I can say to those who run the hotel down is that they must be the fussiest people ever. The staff were friendly courtious and always enjoyed a laugh with you, from the bar people to the maids. We got checked into our room very quickly, we had booked a spacesaver room, which was small (but who spends their time in a room on a holiday), but there was enough room to keep a suitecase open on the floor all holiday (must disagree with a previous review).The shower was a good power and the all facilities excellent in the bathroom (been to a dem rep hotel, and bathrooms were terrible).
The first night we had food at Hemmingways, which is buffet style, and we had a choice of about 4 main meals with rice, pasta and loads of fruit and salads.I had a soup starter every time, they had the best soups ever. The breakfast's were excellent, with loads of choice, and if your like me with streaky bacon, sausages etc, you'll love it.
Keeping to the food theme, the 3 specialised restaurants were of a good standard, with Lydia's (fish restaurant, with meat choices and vegie options) being a must, it served brilliant food. The Italian we thought wasn't as good, but saying that a very good place to eat. Lastly the Indian was also very good but not as good as our UK Indian restaurants, the curry's just weren't as hot, but deffinatly worth going too.
During the day we ate at the grill by the main pool, which served budgers, hot dogs, chicken etc, I loved it, went everyday, and tried nearly everything on the menu.
The beach was like being in a James Bond movie, white sand and light blue sea infront of your. There was a chap on the beach called Lyndon was was just brirriant, although not part of the hotel, he was selling trips and the motorised sports, he did ask people if they were interested but wasn't pushy at all, if your going ask for Lyndon. I must say that the traders on the beach were good, they did come up and ask if you wanted to buy something, but once you told them, "not today", they would say "no problem", and tell you to have a nice day, they were so easy going, like all the people in Antigua. When your on the beach have natural aloe vera rubbed into your body to stop you peeling and buring, ask for "Sound" to do it for you, he calls himself, sound as a pound. Top Guy.
With regards to trips and events, we wents horse back riding one day, went into St Johns a couple of times and hired an open top jeep another day, which was the best way to see the island, as you can see the island at your own time, we went through the rain forrest to English Harbour, and saw Nelson's dockyard, before going to the interpretation centre, then on to shirley's Heights, and finally over to the east coast to see devils's bridge and finally called to to Betty's hope and old sugar cane mill.
It was a holiday of a lifetime, and would reccommend this hotel and Antigua. Amazing. If your going to Antigua, you can not go wrong with Jolly Beach Resort.

My mum & I went to "The Jolly Beach Resort" last September having been transfered from Rex Halcyon Cove due to their temporary closure. We had such a great time, that we returned in Feb 06 with my 2 nieces aged 15 & 12. They really enjoyed it and we have all booked again for 2007 including their mum & dad. The beach was beautiful. The vendors were no problem and if you said "no thank you" they went on their way. The rooms are kept clean with beddding and towels changed regularly. There was plenty of food & variety in the breakfast, also lunch & dinner. Lunchtime we usually went to the grill & ate it on the beach admiring the wonderful view. The staff were all very friendly. It was great going back & surprised that so many staff reconized us, as they must see so many people. Would highly recommend this hotel, and is great value for money.

We went to the Jolly Beach Resort for 2 weeks, as soon as we arrived the service we received was brilliant, all the staff were so friendly and helpful.

The wedding co-ordinators, Beverly & Isha, were fantastic the wedding went without a hitch! As it was just my now husband and I it was an intimate affair but couldn't have gone better - a dream come true.

Everything at the Jolly Beach was 5*, the rooms were cleaned every day without fail, the staff were always happy to help.

The only thing we found was that as we are quite fussy eaters we found it hard to find something we liked, however we always managed to find something! All of the food was prepared to the highest standards if you like what was on offer- i did love the speciality rice!

Definately plan to go back sometime in the future.

Recommend it to anyone!!!

Jodie &( Barry ) Ormrod

A really beautiful hotel that caters for all types of holiday-makers. The food and buffets are absolutely excellent with the exception of the "Univited Guests" (Blackbirds) very intelligent and pecked their way thru "brekkie" and lunch. This is not the Hotel's fault due to the fact they inhabit the island and search for food sources. Accommodation was basic in the "Saver" rooms but upgraded to a standard room on another side of the complex which improved the vacation. Great activities package, volley ball on the baech and excellent entertainment in the evening, very professional dancers who danced to "Thriller" and a sequence "Out of Africa" which in my opinion was just superb. The staff were incredibly friendly, very hospitable and made you feel welcome. The Antiguans are very nice people indeed. I would definately recommend this all inclusive resort to anyone, sure to have a really memorable vacation.