Grand Royal Antiguan Beach Resort

“Hotel in need of love and attention but situated in paradise!!”

As part of a 2 week cricket tour for the England West Indies tour we stayed at the Grand Antiguan Hotel. This hotel was booked within the package by Smile Travel Group. This hotel is classed as a 3 star hotel. The hotel reviews did not fill me with confidence, however the Travel Group sent a repres… Plus

As part of a 2 week cricket tour for the England West Indies tour we stayed at the Grand Antiguan Hotel. This hotel was booked within the package by Smile Travel Group. This hotel is classed as a 3 star hotel. The hotel reviews did not fill me with confidence, however the Travel Group sent a representative in several days earlier and they managed to work with the hotel to amend/change several issues. The hotel is situated on its own peninsula, overlooking a lagoon and on one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever been to. The hotel is run down. It needs love and attention. It is being starved of love and attention. Due to its location and its loyal staff, who work constantly with their hands tied firmly behind their backs due to the total lack of investment by the owner, the place will always be a sad reminder of its glory days. The hotel comprises 2 buildings. For our stay one whole building of 8 floors was closed for refurbishment. In the busiest time of the season, with 2 cricket internationals being played on the island, speaks volumes of the owners total lack of desire to fulfil this hotels potential. Apparently the Antiguan government has told the owner he has to sell it to them, but no agreement on price is forthcoming. It will continue is this limbo state until agreement is reached. We stayed on the 7th floor. Room 724. Room was very tired. patio doors functioned, barely, everything needed ripping out and refurbishing, but the view. The view was delightful. Lagoon and sea view ahead and beautiful beach and bay to your left and Fort Barrington overlooking it all. We were on an all inclusive package. The catering team and staff were lovely and attentive. Food choice was limited, but it was always plentiful, beautifully cooked and served with a smile. All inclusive beer and local spirits were excellent. I found the lack of diet soft drinks a puzzle and a headache. It was the same everywhere on the island. The hotel had a large pool area adjacent to the beach. Again this needed a complete refurbishment, areas of the pool surface had paint and tiles missing but pool was maintained and cleaned regularly. The beach area had its own bar area and also a beach restaurant area but even though the half of the hotel that was open and was nearly full, it never opened. A real shame and a casualty of the hotels lack of investment. The hotel deserves and the staff deserve better than the situation they find themselves in. Hats off to the staff for trying to make peoples stay enjoyable when they must be bombarded constantly regarding its many problems and issues. I loved it. For me the view from the 6th, 7th and 8th Floors with a lagoon facing room are worth some of the hotels many flaws. The food is good, the drinks are great, the beach is amazing, the staff are amazing and friendly so some of the faults that are ever present can be tolerated.

Moins

“Stay if other hotels are booked”

I had stayed here on a business trip and I am in no hurry to come back here. It has the basic amenities - a clean room, a restaurant and a good beach. But if you are looking for great wi-fi, good breakfast and easy access to the city hub, you are in the wrong place. The staff is lethargic and it ta… Plus

I had stayed here on a business trip and I am in no hurry to come back here. It has the basic amenities - a clean room, a restaurant and a good beach. But if you are looking for great wi-fi, good breakfast and easy access to the city hub, you are in the wrong place. The staff is lethargic and it takes ages for them to pay heed to your requests. Overall an average property.

Moins