finding accomodations in Antigua

I have never been to Antigua. Now we are faced with last minute plans,,my nephew is getting married. Have a few questions re Antigua in general. Is it difficult to drive there? We always rent a car while in St.Martens, so can anyone tell me how that compares. Also,,any "pointers" on sites that may be able to help finding accomodations for 2-4 people,,,for arrival either Jan 30-Feb 2, 2014 and staying for 1 week? We do not like all inclusives, and the area where wedding is is the Long Bay area. The price for wedding party at an all inclusive is very expensive,,,so just curious if anyone has any suggestions or information.
Thanks a lot. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Long Bay, for Antigua is out of the way. Just two hotels there, Grand Pineapple and The Verandah, both All Inclusives.. Driving is on the left there, roads are ok. Try the following sites.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g150894-i224-Antigua_and_Barbuda.html

http://www.antiguaforums.com/

http://www.antiguanice.com/v2/index.php

Hope that helps

Driving is easier than on St. Martin - less traffic.

The websites suggested by "Antigua" are very useful.

Difficult to make specific recommendations on where you might stay without knowing your budget - all you've told us is "The price for wedding party at an all inclusive is very expensive" - tell us what you consider affordable.

To me, personally, ANY driving which requires driving on the left is automatically 6 times as hard..

Sorry should have been more specific. The price for each person to stay with wedding family at Verandah is 2400.00 each. I find that expensive, especially because we do not like the AI experience. I would rather stay at a scaled down, homey place,,as long as it is clean. WE have found flights out of T.O. on Feb 2 for 590.00 , direct flight, taxes in. When in sxm we usually exchange our week thru RCI and have nothing but great experiences. We don't need the Ritz,,,we like to rent a car for a week, a day , or whatever. spend the extra money on eating out at different places, doing a boat tour, checking out the island, etc. Everyone has their own idea of a vacation. I guess we are different?? It is just a little harder planning when we know nothing of Antigua. Some have given me good direction to Antigua forms, etc. And I have been in touch with a few owners in Antigua. So,,,,I have not given up. One place was Ellen's apartment,,5 miles to Verandah resort,,,looks clean and tidy, and the reviews are very good. No pool,,,but I am trying to find out how far a sandy beach is. It over looks the Atlantic and boats dock there,,,just really not the white sandy spend a day on the beach place. lol.....any info would be great. Thanks again to everyone that has responded. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Don't know how far it is from Long Bay but we like English Harbour best. Lot's of places to eat, things to see and great history.
cheers
irina

Hi there. Sounds like you have been to English Harbour area. Did you rent a car while there? I am quite familiar with prices and driving in SXM,,,always rent a car. How would you say the "difficulty" of getting around in Antigua, compares to heavy traffic/roads in SXM?? I realize it is left sided driving, but if the traffic wasn't too too crazy,,,I think I could handle it. And do the rental prices compare to renting a car in SXM (we usually paid around the 250-300.00) per week. Thanks again.

I wouldn't but then again I hate driving. It's not that challenging, much less traffic than SXM.
I remember where we stayed, Galleon Beach Resort. Own kitchen etc.
Still, lots to do and see in English Harbour area. Take cab to wedding.
Have fun!
irina

We have been to Antigua several times and we have rented a car. (I am the type who likes to have a car and am comfortable driving on the left.) The traffic is not heavy.(just stay away from St. John) But the roads are rural -- meaning signage isn't great and at night lighting is not great. Also, because of the topography, the distances are farther than they look on a map. I agree with Irina about the English Harbour area -- that is my favourite area of Antigua. Check out the Antigua Yacht Club hotel, The Inn at English Harbour, Admiral's inn or Copper and Lumber Store.

Renting a timeshare may be the way to go - full apartment - AARP 35% discount..

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Endless Vacations

i'll have made it three times to anu in 12 months.. and love every minute of it. anu is nothing like sxm.

English harbour is out of this world and affordable. lots of options. you can get a house in pigeon beach for $50-65pn including kitchen and sea view. in jan/feb last year my friends easily picked up the place at the last minute during round the island regatta, so not to worry. wish I knew the name of the place. it's above bunpkins beach bar(not even sure of the name here either but close) in pigeon beach. this area requires a car but only a few minutes from the marina, nelson's dockyard and my fav.... mad mongoose and abracadabras. WOW. during the day it is safe to walk to town and in fact i walked to pigeon beach thru the hills alone and had no problems. the beach was deserted and the most picturesque I have ever seen. I could even leave my stuff on the beach without worry. this is not sxm.

driving is far more pleasant.. no honking, patient drivers where everyone waits their turn, no double line motorcycles, etc.

watch for donkey man in English harbour.. what a hoot. also watch for dogs, they are like deer.. blinded by your headlights and dare you to run them over. lololol

I also stayed in jolly harbour.. but good luck finding a place here at this stage.. not impossible but a tough one. it's very safe and quaint. much nicer than ob. villas are far superior than any condo I stayed at in ob.

you will love Antigua if you are looking for quaint, quiet, simple and uncomplicated... I spent 8 days alone on the beach at jh in nov. no beach boys to harass you and great customer service all the way around.

stay wherever you like, and as someone else noted.. cab it to wedding.

cab from anu to English harbour is about 40 bucks, I think and jolly harbour 24 dollars... to give you an idea when selecting location.

and finally, check out accommodation on liat airlines website..!

enjoy your stay... don't forget to check out the round the island regatta end of jan.. or the valentine's regatta in jolly harbour during valentines... and in between??? Shirley heights.

see you end of jan/feb in paradise!

ps be sure to get your ec at the airport, though usd accepted everywhere.

We stayed at villa h which is right by long bay and directly across from devils bridge, we swam across the bay to get there! Gorgeous villa, worth a look. Driving is a breeze in Antigua