Jolly Beach, Antigua

Terri Garrant

We were looking to find a budgeted girls trip and found Jolly Beach Resort & Spa with American Express travel. We read the reviews prior to going and knew that we would not be vacationing at a 4 star resort. The rooms were small and the twin beds were very close to each other. The bathroom sliding door continually came off of the tracks when opening and closing. The air conditioning was very good. The view of the ocean from the room was outstanding. The room would have been 4 star if it was updated, the view of the ocean and sunset was awesome. Initially, the staff were not very friendly. June became our favorite bartender. We loved the singing lady at the buffet breakfast. Many of the staff did not seem excited and lacked energy, but some did warm up after we were there a few days. Typically at a resort or hotel, the staff is very accommodating and friendly. I have seen other reviews where the staff was described as rude, and unfortunately it is true. Here, they could use training on delighting the customer. The Pizza Factory restaurant was very nice and elevated the dining experience with a very nice wait staff and menu. However, dining at the Pizza Factory requires you make a reservation at 7:30am in person. That isn't too terrible because there is coffee and tea available while you wait. The beach was amazing! There were ample chairs and umbrellas so there was no need to reserve early in the morning. The chairs and umbrellas could stand to be replaced as many were worn. Alex the massage therapist on the beach was fantastic, definitely a bonus that I did not expect. His reflexology is amazing. I think I would try a 4 star resort on my next visit to Antigua for total relaxation and service. I loved Jolly Beach, but would like to experience a 4 or 5 level resort.

Scott

After reading some reviews, we were a bit concerned that we had booked this resort. But after having spent our March break there,it was absolutely a great decision. Honestly can't understand a lot of the negative reviews. Some people are just too picky apparently. Yes the rooms are a bit underwhelming, but we didn't spend a lot of waking time in the room, the AC worked well and the bed was quite comfortable. We also had plenty of hot water for showering and a great view of the beach. The beach was one of, if not the best we've visited yet. The staff were all friendly and helpful especially Margaret and the sweetheart bartender at the restaurant bar(apologies for forgetting her name). The resort grounds were great. The buffet and pool grill were good, but the a la carte was excellent. Drinks were good as well especially the old fashioned rum punch. We will definitely be making a return visit to Antigua and Jolly Beach Resort.

Scott George

Read so many reviews on this place, we came with an open mind and lower expectations. Our trip was in March, not a lot of people here to my surprise. The pool was great, pool bar was sufficient. The grill behind the pool bar was great, the chicken wraps are delicious. Not too many food selections other than the buffet, unless you explore outside of the resort. No real issues at the buffet, but check out the hours of operation and plan accordingly. Room was sufficient, king bed, ac worked great. Yes it’s a bit dated but comfortable. We have been to Cancun numerous times, no comparison, but we were not expecting such. We recommend going to Shirley heights for their bbq on Sunday evening, lots of people, great food and great views. We also booked power snorkeling, book it! We would consider this an average place, great beaches, views etc. Most of the activities are elsewhere and require a 45 minute drive. It’s a great place to relax at the pool and the beach. Would we stay here again, probably not. Probably closer to 3.5 stars than 4.

James Walsh

I went on vacation here with a big group (over 20). Almost every single person had a problem with their rooms. They were dirty, lacking refrigerators, broken coffee makers, leaky, small, and old. We made a big deal the first night because we had elderly with health problems (such as diabetics) that needed fridges (that were promised but not given), and that the rooms needed to be cleaned because we had people with asthma. We were told we had to "deal with it" for a couple days. After pestering the front desk we were given a fridge in one of the rooms and got cleaning done. The buffet was good but they were a little unorganized. Breakfast was good (singing waitress was amazing!), lunch is bare-boned, and dinner was good. The beach is phenomenal!!! I did not swim in the pool but it looked great. The resort is old and run-down. They are doing work in the back so you'll hear a lot of construction. Leaks everywhere, expect to get dripped on everywhere (hallways, rooms, etc). Only one restaurant other than the buffet (Pizza Factory). It's good but it has few things. The workers are mostly nice (the manager can be a little brash and unhelpful), with the exception of a couple workers that get overly flirty with my teenage daughter. At night there is either a DJ or a woman singing. Nothing really for entertainment but that (though the woman singing had a wonderful voice).Supermarket and restaurants near resort. (walking distance). You are recommended to book trips outside with the hotel. We did so, paying 110 US$ for a trip around Antigua.It was terrible, worth maybe 40 at most. Expect to leave covered in beach flies (this isn't the resorts fault, just making it known) A girl from our party left early and was told by her doctor the red bumps were bedbugs, but they weren't. They are beach flies.

bob tom

This resort is a such diamond. Honestly the beach alone would sell it but everything the food, drinks and hospitality are 11/10 I came on my honeymoon here for 2 weeks and me and wife had the best time ever. All the staff are so helpful and attentive. My wife lost her apple watch in the bedsheets we told front of house and they managed to dig it out of the mountains of laundry they do daily. Staff members like Clinton really went the extra mile to make us feel happy and cared for at the resort. Rebecca at the tours desk was so funny but hardworking and efficient she even came and found us on the beach to let us know our tour was booked. The pizza factory is so nice too my advice is book it as much as possible as the drinks are better than the normal stuff at the bar. The resort is very old so don't go expecting 5* facilities your plug socket might not work in your room but if you view it as a place to just sleep and not spend the whole day you'll be fine. I would definitely come back in the future. As long as you know what you're getting you won't be disappointed