Verandah Resort & Spa

A great hotel

We stayed at the Veranda for a week in July 09. It was an enjoyable week.Every aspect of the stay was excellent. The staff was outstanding in service,coutesy, and was friendly and accomodating.The hotel is new and everything works..the A/C, TV and other facilities. We went all inclusive...do so, if you can. Each meal was very well prepared, with a large number of choices includung wine at dinner time. The beaches and pools were well maintained with plenty of chaises to go around and beach towels included.Two caveats: The Antigua sun is very hot; use plenty of sunscreen and seek shade in the afternoons.One downer... the mattresses are very firm and some could consider them uncomfortable. We have traveled the Caribbean for more years than we wish to remember.This hotel is among the very best. GO...you will enjoy your stay.

Traveler's tip on getting the most out of your stay

They have a dress code! Men must wear shirts with collars and sleeves at dinner time and shorts must be Bermuda lenght. Women must wear appropriate cover up attire. Stay away from the gift shop. The prices are not high, they are outrageous!

Great time!

We had a wonderful time at the Verandas. The grounds are beautiful and clean. We really liked how the rooms were like cottages (2 rooms each). Food quality was average. Often bland and overcooked. Dinner at Nicole’s was very good. Room service would be nice. The staff are great fun and will go out of their way for you but you need to take the time to get to know them.

Traveler's tip on local attractions

Hire a driver to see the island. You’ll get a better feel for the culture and avoid the tourist traps, and won’t feel hurried.

Can’t wait to go back!

This hotel is so great, so clean and super-new (only built 2 years ago)! Beach is gorgeous! Very family-friendly and the staff is so polite and friendly all the time! It’s a huge hotel, yet the pool and beach are not crowded at all ... was totally relaxing and enjoyable. Go for the all-inclusive package or you WILL spend a fortune! And if you don’t like waking a lot, like to get to your room or to get to the beach or restaurants, this is NOT the place for you! Everything is outdoors and nothing is connected, but it’s better that way : )

Traveler's tip on dining

Food isn’t the 5-star but it’s decent. And go for the all-inclusive plan unless you want to spend a fortune!

Perfect for Relaxation

The hotel is beautiful! The beach is calm and warm, excellent for couples with small children. Only problem is the stairs to get to the beach, if you want a drink you must go up and down because the only thing available at the beach are water and soda, kept in coolers. The week we were there only once did a bartender come to ask us if we wanted something to drink from the bar. The food is OK, you don’t go hungry but there is little variety. We did not eat at Nicole’s but noticed it was closed most nights. The dress code is enforced, a nice gentleman was turned away from the buffet restaurant because he was wearing a T-shirt, bring polos or shirts! The staff was friendly and courteous, always had a smile. The entertainment was fair, except the few nights the music was easy listening. We enjoyed ourselves and would consider going back except for the beach stairs.

This hotel is not the place to go if you have teenagers. It’s far from St. John’s and taxis are expensive.

Not impressed

good for children

Too expensive

The hotel is a great place to stay if you are on vacation and not on business.Also, I found the breakfast meal charges per person for a bouffet service exhorbitantly high. I was not informed of this expensive charge until the amount showed up in my bill.

Relaxing spring break

My family spent 5 days at the Verandah Resort and enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, beautiful grounds and perfect weather. The 2 beaches and pool were never crowded; finding a lounge chair was never a problem. The water at both beaches is very shallow and there were no waves. We enjoyed swimming and snorkeling at Long Beach next door to the resort and also rented a car one day to visit other beaches on the island. Our favorites were Half Moon Bay and Darkwood Beach. Snorkeling was great at Half Moon Bay but there are no facilities there. Great if you want a beautiful beach with small waves all to yourself. Food at the Verandah was just OK but we could always find something we liked on the buffet and the all inclusive is the only way to go unless you want to spend tons of $ or drive long distances for meals. We found the staff to be pleasant and helpful. The spa staff were exceptional! I booked a massage and facial and enjoyed both treatments. Overall, we enjoyed our stay and would return for a relaxing vacation.

Enjoyed my stay

The Verandah was a nice quiet resort. There were more small children than I anticipated but I was not bothered by them in the least. The only negative aspect was that the mattress was very hard. Both my husband and I had a difficult time sleeping as a result. The beach was relaxing and quiet.

Traveler's tip on saving a few bucks

Absolutely go all inclusive! If we had not we would have spent a fortune!

Great place

The service was great, and the rooms were large, clean and offered great privacy. The beach was very clean and had a lot of activities to offer but was a bit small. The food was good, but surprisingly the seafood was lacking. Overall, it was a great stay. I would recommend this resort to all.

Traveler's tip

Instead of going to the beach at the Verandah, take walk to Long Beach. It is a beautiful beach and is a bit larger. Take a right out of the Verandah and walk 5 minutes, its worth it. Other must see beaches are Darkwood and Half Moon Bay, but they are not within walking distance, rent a car. Enjoy!

Very relaxing

if you want to relax and just take it easy, or have a family = perfect hotel.. If you like to people watch and party, this is not the hotel for you... very scenic and well kept grounds, privacy is had..rooms all have verandahs overlooking the ocean - so pretty.. it’s on a hill so gets a little breezy/chilly at night.. Free internet, wifi so can pull out laptop anywhere on the grounds..not much night entertainment..not close to town, taxis charge $30USD one way to St. Johns Town to go shopping..make a friend and hitch ride..

Traveler's tip on dining

GET THE ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGE OR ELSE YOU WILL SPEND $$$$ TO EAT! VERY PLEASANT HOTEL OVERALL.

Nice setting

Beautiful grounds.We liked the feel of the resort. Staff was very helpful.

Luxury off the beaten track

The Verandah is way over on the east side of the island and unless you rent a car and brave the driving (which really isn’t too bad) it’s a hassle getting to and from St John’s, English Harbour and most of Antigua’s best-loved sites. The resort itself is fabulous - large rooms with microwaves and refrigerators. Tip: If you’re not on the all-inclusive package, make sure you stock up on snacks, drinks and beers elsewhere, they are soooo expensive in the resort. Great pool, and good food in the restaurants. The spa packages are luxurious, but top dollar. Two (small) criticisms - there’s wireless internet but only at the pool area, so while you’re trying to relax pre-dinner with a cocktail at poolside, you’ll be surrounded, literally, by couples tapping away on laptops - feels just like being at the office. Secondly, the picture on the low-budget flat-screen TVs in the rooms ghosts horribly. You can’t watch anything more than five minutes without it giving you a headache. It’s a shame a newly-built upscale resort like this tried to cut corners in this way. But all-in-all, it’s a fabulous place and thoroughly recommended.

Food isn’t the best thing

I would definitely go back but the food was not the best thing. The hotel caters to much to what they think the guests will like instead of offering more of the island’s traditional cuisine. If you would like a certain entree, then ask the chef or employees in the dining area. Also, Nicole’s Restaurant offers the the same food as Seabreeze except that it’s not a buffet style dining. So Nicole’s is only considered fine dining since you are served what is offered at Seabreeze’s buffet.

Traveler's tip on getting the most out of your stay

I highly recommend taking an island tour with one of the taxi drivers. It takes about 5 hrs to drive throughout the island and stop at the key points. It ends up being about $30 a person.

Room with a View

This was a trip where I only wanted to lay on the beach or lay by the pool and relax and that’s just what I did. The pool was splendid, not to crowded, plenty of activities on the beach. My room opened right out to the main pool area. There weren’t too many visitors there which was perfect for me. The gift shop was VERY EXPENSIVE but I would return and I plan to sometime soon!

Traveler's tip on getting the most out of your stay

Take an adventure trip, the "Excellence" cruise around the island. It includes snorkeling, luncheon and a visist to another beach on the island.

DO NOT GO THERE AGAIN DO NOT GO THERE

We Booked 7 nights in this Hotel we had to run away and go to a different Hotel. This was the worst Place. The Place at the Bad side of the Island you should stay on the other side much nicer the Food is really bad the service from 1 to 10 it’s 0. The Beach is small and you feel like you are in the lake not the Beach. Please if you used to good food and good Hotel and Good service THIS IS NOT the place I will never Go back there Again if you want to take a risk go ahead and try it. I have no idea how is this hotel was rating 4.8. We had a great time at the other Hotel and I’m glad I went somewhere else. Do not think I’m writing this because something bad happen at my stay no the Verandah not good

PLEASE GO to other side of the Island and do not got to this Hotel it not even a Hotel

Serious R&R

We were very pleased with our trip to the Verandah. The service was very good. The location of the resort is excellent. The design and condition of the Verandah is excellent. The food was predictable, but very good. The staff was very, very, good! And the beach and snorkeling(to our surprise) were outstanding!! One last nice thing....the walks to Long Bay and Devils Bridge are less than 10 minutes, good way to end the day!

Driving in Antigua is a trip!! Be careful, watch out for the goats! Driving around the island is a must do. Beautiful beaches and water.

Great Escape for Solitude and Relaxation

Accommodations and food were very good. This place is not in St. John’s or close to it. You are about 20 miles from St. John City($30 cab ride). Beautiful grounds and main pool. Bungalow studios are large with microwave and refrig. Can’t buy much to put in them because you are very far away from any stores. The shop on site is expensive and has limited selection of food and drink. Lots of solitude and time to relax. Good for a week’s getaway. One issue is that the place is spread out over a large area and most often you have to take the shuttle from room to either the main dining area or the lobby and beach.

Traveler's tip for business travelers

Don’t stay here if you are on a business trip unless you like 40 min. taxi rides to get to St. John’s City. I will cost $300 a week in taxi fares. Place is for vacations. Many tourists here from the U.K. also.

Plrobably the best hotel on island

The hotel is very well situated - the Dean bay is great place for swimming, kayaking and sailing. Proximity of Devil’s Bridge and long bay makes it also a great place for walks. Exceptional food, one of two places on island to get real espresso. Should be a great place for kids - with shallow waters on a beach (former lovers beach, by the way) and kids club with separate swimming pool and activities. The only disappointment was Danna from the tour desk - "forgetting" restaurant reservations, overpricing tours, but that was sorted out by management quickly and professionally. They are waiting to be rated soon again, and I think they will have 5 star, so be quick to get their current prices.

Relaxation at its best

Resort was well maintained. Nearly all the staff was helpful and friendly. Resort beaches were good but not nearly the best on the island visiting other beaches on the island was a must. A great beach was right outside resort(long bay beach). Bed was somewhat uncomfortable(too firm). Food was good but rather expensive. Resort was very "Kid" friendly our 10 yr old met friends and liked kids club equipment.

Traveler's tip on getting the most out of your stay

We rented car to be able to get out and see the island such as beaches, sights and restaurants. since resort is rather secluded getting around by taxi seemed to be rather expensive.

Great place to relax

We stayed at the Verandah for a week and it was great! The rooms were always clean. The views we amazing and the staff was very friendly. The amenities were great, the beach had snorkeling, kayaking and Hobie cats. There are two pools, one adult only and one main. The resort was really close to Long Bay Beach which is one of the best beaches in Antigua. There was only one problem I had with the resort and it was its location. The hotel is about a 30 min car ride from anything resembling a city. There is no restaurants around or clubs to go to. The Taxis fares quickly added up. I’m surprised they charge so much. There are shuttles that are a little cheaper but even the staff aren’t well versed in how they work. But thats part of being in the islands. Would recommend this hotel but I would do the all inclusive, it’s a better bang for your buck.

Traveler's tip on nightlife

Check out the club Abracadabra on Saturday and Rush on Friday.

Highly Recommended

We just returned from a week’s stay at the Verandah...great location, new property! The views from the waterfront units are impressive. Although the property is not completely finished, the main section closest to the restaurant, etc. is complete. We heard no construction noise during our stay whatsoever! The current all-inclusive rates are a great bargain...decent food and top-shelf liquors. Nice staff...only a few minor glitches. We did not receive two wake-up calls, and the trams that transport guests around the property are not always readily available. I’m sure that these details will be smoothed out in the near future. Antigua is a beautiful island with extremely friendly people. You won’t be disappointed!

Traveler's tip on local attractions

One of the nicest beaches in all of Antigua, Long Bay, is just 100 yards from the front entrance of The Verandah. Although the hotel’s beach is nice, Long Bay is not to be missed.

New place still under construction and somewhat isolated

This resort is still under construction but it wasn’t obtrusive or annoying. It’s on the far east of the island and I would recommend having a car to get out and see the rest of the island unless you want to relax at the pool and beach every day and take the occasional organized excursion. We only ate at the on-site restaurant once and that was once too many times! The food quality/quantity was poor and very expensive. We talked to other guests who felt the same but were more trapped as they didn’t have a car. The pool and beach were very good. The manager’s cocktail part mid-week was good - plenty of drinks but only one hors d’oeuvre each! One slight bug was that the rooms are about 1/4 mile from the entrance where you’re dropped off by taxi or where you park your rental car. You then have to catch a ride on one of the several electric buggies to your room. Usually you don’t have to wait more than a few minutes but it can be annoying if you’re trying to transport lots of heavy purchases from your car. Generally very friendly staff. Decent complimentary water sports activities on site e.g. kayaks, cats for sailing.

Traveler's tip on getting the most out of your stay

Rent a car for a few days or a week and get out to see some local sites and meet the people. Stop at some of the roadside shacks to eat and meet the friendly Antiguans!

Wonderful staff, resort can only get better

We arrived at the resort only two days after it had opened. There was still some construction going on around us, but everything we needed was set up. We were greeted warmly and offered champagne and rum punch right away. Our room was simple but nice and clean. I was surprised/impressed by the flat screen TV with satellite. It helped pass the time on a the few rainy days we had. The drinks here are delicious! And they’ll even surprise you with something if you can’t decide what you’d like. The staff went out of their way to make us comfortable and also spent plenty of time chatting and hanging out with us. The pool is beautiful and very close to the bar. The beach is also beautiful and secluded. The bay keeps the waters very calm and you can go out pretty far with your feet still touching the bottom. The water activities staff is very nice and attentive - giving lessons and rowing out to help out if you lose the wind. The food was pretty good and the breakfast and lunch buffets had plenty of variety. Sometimes there was a long wait for drinks ordered during the buffet. All in all I think the resort can only get better as they finish the construction and their staff gains more experience. We would definitely go back again.

A luxury family resort

Beautiful...even though it is still being completed. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful, food is great, the pool large and plenty of chairs. The location of units is not clear. Oceanview is of a bay. The beach is small, but nice.

Traveler's tip on dining

Long pants are required of men at night in all restaurants.