The inscription on their matchboxes sums it up: "A small attractive inn at historic English Harbor."
Our stay at the Admiral's Inn last March was our third time there and it just keeps getting better. The complex of 18th century buildings is located on the edge of Nelson's Dockyard, a former British Navy port and an easy cab ride from Antigua's V. C. Bird international jetport. Arrival at the inn, through the little door set into its thick walls, is always a gracious experience; even on our first visit we were greeted like old friends.
The main building was originally used for tar and lumber storage by the royal navy and what are now guest rooms on the upper levels once housed offices for marine architects. The ground floor is an airy lounge opening onto a terrace overlooking a yacht mooring. Main building guest rooms are small but comfortable and a good value for this part of the Caribbean. We preferred the suites: spacious air conditioned units in a building that was originally the naval hospital.
Mornings began with breakfast on the terrace where we had to guard our marmalade from the fearless bananaquits hopping onto the table. One morning a friendly cat appeared and for a few bacon scraps kept the birds away.
Nelson's Dockyard is a treasure trove of historic buildings, hiking trails, unique shops, waterfront pubs and excellent restaurants. The Inn features Caribbean food which most guests enjoy on the terrace, accompanied at twilight by a symphony of tree frogs.
All of English Harbor is within an easy walk. Across the harbor (a short cab ride) is a cultural center. The nearby Lookout restaurant provides spectacular sunset views (we finally saw the fabled green flash) and a barbeque with steel band on Thursdays and Sundays.
When it's time for pure relaxation, pick up your beach towels at the desk and go down to the dock. One of the always friendly staff will take you in a little outboard motor boat through the mooring field (past some truly awesome yachts) to one of those Caribbean dream beaches - sand and palm trees cradled by dramatic cliffs and all but deserted.
For the money (approx. $275.00 per night for a suite, plus meals) this is a deal: an opprtunity to enjoy the kind of vacation you came to the islands for in the first place.

We stayed at the inn this April 2006 and have just got back home. If you like big international hotels with all the amenities in your room then this is not the place for you but if like us you prefer charming small hotels with masses of character then this is the one for you. The inn only has 6 rooms and rooms 1, 2, and 3 all look out onto the harbour. The location is brilliant away from all the all inclusive resort hotels at the other end of the island. There are plenty of restaurants all within a short walk and the rooms whilst not plush are more than adequate. The staff are very helpful and the breakfast good value.
Whilst in Nelsons Dockyard try HQ2, and Trappas both very good restaurants. The place is idyllic and we highly recommend you try it.

For non package travellers who do not require being right on the beach, this is an excellent no frills hotel.

Make sure you request a room in the main house. We stayed in 6, but No. 1 is the best. The rooms are colonial in style and the superior rooms have air con. The bathrooms although small are spotless and the staff is really friendly.

The setting in Nelson Dockyard is fantastic and with a hire car you are a stones throw away from Shirley Heights, Harmony Hall (wonderful) and a myriad of excellent beaches. Visit Sweet T's for a delicious ice cream on your way home from the beach and stroll down to HQ2 for a faboulous evening meal.

The downside of not being right by the beach is far outweighed by the value for money and location of Admiral's Inn.

Charming place. 9 Clean rooms, some with AC. Some with Harbor views. Old building, originally 1788, was buily as a warehose for Admiral Nelson.
Large hand hewn Beams in rooms. Courteous staff. Suffering from jet lag I stayed up one night and talked with the night watchman for hours, listening
to his version of the mysteries of life. Lovely patio where you can take meals (watch out for the birds who would love to take your meal away.)
No beach in immediate area, but a nice one a short walk away.
Walk to a museum, bakery, immigration office. Very low key. Would stay again.