St. James's Club & Villas

The St James Club was the best all inclusive I've stayed in. It is not the most opulent, but it has true character, a friendly staff and really great food. Here's the bad (or not so good considering the price point): The rooms are a bit aged in both design and maintenance. Don't expect sleek decor or good water pressure Housekeeping was erratic. Some days we didn't get towels until we asked, and they didn't make it into the room at all. I'm not sure if any day they did a thorough clean of the room in the 7 days we were there. Saragossa seaweed. I would caution getting rooms that overlook the ocean beach, as on certain days we were there the whole area was filled with seaweed and it was hard to deal with the smell at times, even though the hotel diligently worked to clear it every day The pool area(s) are all fairly modest, with no water slides or water or splash pad etc., and I don't think there was any ploayground for the kids. Now the great: The location is amazing, with the bay on one side perfect for kayaks or Hobie Cats or paddleboards, and the other side for swimming/ snorkeling (when not choked with seaweed) Lots of things to do close by, including English Harbor, Nelson's Dockyard, Shirely Heights etc. and easy to get cabs The staff were proudly local and I felt that we were really in Antigua, not just at a generic resort. Nice but real and not subservient, with personality and charm THE FOOD! I've read mixed reviews of the food, which I really don't understand. My only complaint would be the lack of good coffee at breakfast (you have to go to the cafe for that). Otherwise the food seemed fresh, local, varied and not just filled with fat and salt to make it taste better. All of the local dishes, seafood and soups were really fantastic. I've never felt better after eating resort food three times a day for a week. The drinks. Best drinks I've ever had at an all inclusive, again by a long shot. The kids club. My younger kids loved the kids club, although it wasn't much to look at. They just seemed to draw and play games, but they didn't want to leave! Probably the staff again. The guests. It was a good mix of Brits and Americans, with mostly families and retired folks. Peole seemed more down to earth and polite than at many other resorts I've been to.

Beautiful hotel as our previous two visits one of which in 2009 to get married. Can’t fault the hotel. The main issue for my wife and I on this visit we were placed in a room near to the games room on front reception and on the 2nd night we realised that certain guests thought it was ok to play pool and loud music into the early hours. We reported this and were hopeful it had stopped but unfortunately the following night a repeat. That night we reported it again and were then offered a room change which was much lower standard but we felt we had to take it as we were not getting any sleep due to noise. My wife then spoken to the “manager” Alton and asked for a better room for the inconvenience, to which he replied what inconvenience. He said quote he couldn’t control the guests and it’s not the hotels fault!! To say we have been here 3 times , got married here the poor management and management training structure here by certain members of the team are the reason we won’t be returning to this resort. Very disappointed is an understatement.

As already recently reported, there’s currently a serious seaweed issue here which sadly has really spoilt our holiday expectations. Our room overlooks Coco beach which has been plagued with large accumulations of rotting seaweed which not only gives off an awful stench, but at times has prevented us from sitting on the balcony and on occasions has even filtered into our room. The alternative Mamora beach offers white sands and plenty of sun beds but the sea water is a yellowish/brown colour, not at all inviting for a proper swim. So if you’re expecting a “dream Antiguan” beach experience and snorkelling from the hotel complex - forget it! This can only be achieved elsewhere on the island, typically at a cost of around USD150 (taxi & sunbed hire). I appreciate this is a natural phenomenon, which apparently happens every year, with there being very little the hotel can do about it. BUT: a) we were never made aware of this possibility by TUI from their marketing information which brings the question of transparency and misrepresentation into play. Had I been aware I would have opted for an alternative location. b) the hotel reception staff, when challenged, showed very little interest or empathy (relying on the natural phenomenon argument I suppose) c) aware of the problem I feel the hotel could offer a courtesy shuttle bus to a more suitable beach, it’s ironic in that the island boasts about their fine beaches and that there are 365 of them! On the positive side: a) The rooms are spacious and comfortable with a high standard of cleanliness b) The food is excellent both in terms of choice and quality (although there is a bird problem in some of the restaurants which could pose a hygiene issue) c) The majority of staff are ready friendly and helpful d) the grounds are beautiful and immaculately maintained e) the evening entertainment is pretty good although ends a little early

The hotel is beautifully nestled between two beaches, which really makes it feel special. Mamora Bay is absolutely stunning, and having access to non-motorised watersports was a big plus—we loved being able to sail every day. While there was some seaweed on Coco Beach, Mamora Bay more than made up for it with its beauty and calm waters. There’s always something happening at the hotel, with plenty of activities and entertainment to keep things lively. The staff are vibrant, friendly, and very engaging, which really adds to the atmosphere. The food offered great quality and variety for an all-inclusive stay. Dinner at Piccolo Mondo was a highlight—such a special experience. Narissa took great care of us, and the overall service throughout our stay was excellent. A few team members who really stood out were Breanne, Ozzie, Cordel, Nia, Keysna, Joan, Shekena, and Askiya. The shuttle service around the property could be a bit inconsistent at times, but the grounds are so beautiful that walking was actually a pleasure. Drinks were always cold, and they certainly don’t hold back on the pours! We had a fantastic time and would absolutely return.

Still in resort and unfortunately if you are looking for the beautiful turquoise beaches that Antigua is famous for this is not the place. They have arguably one of the worst beaches in Antigua. Even the local taxi drivers say how bad they are and the smell is awful. The amount of seaweed depositing on Coco beach is unbelievable to the point the hotel cannot cope with it and it is stagnating and smells like a sewer. The Mamora bay side is equally as bad but with no seaweed depositing directly on the beach. However it does on the opposite side of Mamora bay which is privately owned and does not get cleared at all and has decomposed and is making the water brown, murky and smelly. No body goes in the sea here at Mamora bay. Unheard of on a Caribbean beach holiday The hotels answer is that it is a natural phenomenon out of their control. Which is true to a point but they cannot cope with it and suggest going to other clear beaches at your own cost. So not being very helpful. I have reached out to them and had a discussion with the manager but to no avail. Tried to get my holiday company (Blue Bay travel) to help but not much use either. It’s a shame because apart from this major issue the hotel and staff are lovely. But if I had known about the seaweed issue on this coast I wouldn’t have come. But no advise of the problem was given so I was unaware. The hotel are saying they cannot move us to another Elite hotel as there are no rooms available, this is not true I tried to book at Galley bay this morning and could have got a room. So what’s that all about. Maybe it would be helpful for the hotel to put on shuttle busses and give food vouchers for other beaches as a goodwill gesture. They did upgrade our room on the first day, but it was because our room overlooked Coco beach and we could not even have our patio balcony doors open because of the sewage stench from the seaweed. I can’t believe people are putting up with it. I have just had an update from Bluebay travel and they have said that Elite the owners of the hotel can do nothing at all. Bluebay said I could book Galley bay but at 5k extra cost to myself and no refund for my days lost if I change. They keep saying it’s a natural phenomenon but some updated advise prior to our holiday starting would have been helpful, then you have the right to choose. ” Buyer beware “ See photos but obviously can’t pick up the smell.