The Verandah Antigua

We were one day late getting to the resort because of airline issue, but once we got to the main reception at the Verandah Resort everything turn around for the better. We were treated like royalty from the moment we checked in to the moment we left. Not only was this resort absolutely gorgeous but the staff was unbelievable...friendly, courteous, accommodating, ready to help in every way they can possibly help....we could have almost called them family by the end of our stay.
The cleanliness and maintenance of the resort is impeccable. The pool was stunning, the nightly entertainment was perfect, a different theme every night, the bar and the bartenders, always ready to make your favourite drink or recommend a nice one for us. The service, incomparable to all other places we stayed. I cannot express myself enough on how fortunate we were to have choose this place.
Then there were the restaurants, so much to choose from, everything looked and smelled appetizing and delicious. The waiters and waitresses always by to clean up or to refill coffee or water.
I would like to mention some names that made our stay at the Verandah PERFECT !!!!! Lisa (Pool), Cortney, Christel, Ashah, Sameita, Omara Edwards, Tyrone (resort Manager and all the staff and helpers. I'm sorry I didn't take down all their names, but all were perfection !!!!!
And finally I want to mention Captain Andre from Calypso Tours and his crew, Gigi and Daniel. If it wasn't for their courage, strength and professionalism, the women they saved from drowning would not have made it alive. They saw her in the rough waters off the cliffs at Devils Bridge and did not hesitate to turn around save her and bring her back to safety where the ambulance came to take her to the hospital. It was Captain Andre's first rescue and we could not be more proud of him and his crew.
I could go on and on but I will sum it up in two words....ABSOLUTELY PERFECT. I highly recommend this resort for anyone. [Details]

Would not recommend this resort to others. We had a great vacation because of the wonderful weather and nice beaches however would not return due to poor customer service. Staff are very unhappy and they do not care about your experience. Housekeeping forgot to leave us towels one night - we called three times but never received towels so had to dry off after our showers using a single face cloth. We were also very disappointed that the bar was closed by 10:15-10:30PM every night. [Details]

We just got back from a great experience at Verandah. We brought our 2 daughters (10 and 8) with us and everything was easy. The resort was not too large that we were able to walk everywhere. [Details]

We had a great week in Antigua. Very happy with the quick pick-up and drive to our resort, and the quick check-in. Welcoming rum punch was nice and strong, and the drinks all week followed suit:). Nice sized room, and the management was accommodating in moving us to be next door to our friends. We got a very windy week, so unfortunately were unable to enjoy our room's balcony most days...in fact most of the resort was windy, so we had to try and find places that were shielded. We loved that it was never difficult to find a beach lounger...no getting up at dawn to reserve one with a towel needed, even with a full resort. In fact, the resort never felt crowded at all, which was lovely. There were quite a lot of families with young children, however, which was not what we were expecting. Fun taking a cab to Nelson's Dockyard, and Shirley's Heights...gorgeous view. Really great excursion with Creole Antigua Tours for the Lobster Lunch...highlight of the trip for me:). Also great to go next door with a day pass to the resort on Long Beach, which had your more typical long (duh!) Caribbean white sand beach and wavy turquoise water. [Details]

we came expecting basic food service (all inclusive), fend for yourself entertainment in a great location. we left surprised with above average food quality, attentive service and an overall memorable experience in large part to the efforts and setup the Verandah delivered during our stay. [Details]

Hotel room was big and clean. The grounds were well landscaped. The beach is small but beautiful.
The fridge is not stocked. No bar on the main beach, it's 43 steps up if you want a drink and there are no tables on the beach for drinks. [Details]

The hotel is clean and the beach staff are fantastic. Chairs and towels are plentiful. Food is good. This was my second time at this resort and I did notice a decline in service. Bar and restaurant service was very slow. At times at the bar there was no one there and it still took a long time just to get a drink. Staff did not seem overly happy with their jobs. This was quite different from last year. There was always a shortage of classes. Several times I had wine in a plastic water glass-not really a big deal but you have to wonder when it isn't busy why they don't have enough clean glasses. [Details]

Very family friendly, smaller hotel. You need to do a bit of walking as the hotel is built on a hill site. [Details]

We had an unfortunate experience at Nicole's where we had arranged for our 45th anniversary dinner. There was no lobster available whatsoever and only 5 of 6 meals ordered at our table arrived, one meal was missed and all were very late. [Details]

We had a wonderful vacation!. We would not recommend this resort for people looking for nightlife or a party atmosphere. It was quiet and relaxing which was exactly what we were looking for. The rooms were large and clean, staff was friendly and polite. Food and drinks were great. The beaches were small, but we never had a hard time getting a chair and there was plenty of shade. The only negative comment would be that the in-room minifridge was not stocked with any drinks/snacks. Not a major issue, so overall we had a great time and would recommend this resort. [Details]

We went to Verandah from November 30- Dec 14. We had a fabulous time there with my pregnant wife and 2 1/2 year old daughter. We made a a lot of friends with families from around the world there as well. The staff were super friendly and helpful. Never once did we have someone having a "bad day", if they did it was left at the gates of Verandah. Staff that made our visit better were Neil, Barbara and Douglas along with many others, these names just stick out. The only complaint would be that the beds were super firm. Also we were very close to the main pool which they had live music every night which made it difficult to get our toddler to sleep. Other than that our experience was great. The food was pretty good and they were very accommodating to our picky eater, which she ate pb and j's everyday! We loved the Verandah and will visit again when we go back to beautiful Antigua! [Details]

I thought the resort was amazing. Not your cookie-cutter resort. Love the little cabana for hotel rooms. Love the mountainous landscape. Staff was beautiful! [Details]

It was a nice resort, we thought it was much older than it was, needs some TLC. The food, drinks and staff were amazing. [Details]

Vacation dream come true

I will only say ''Best Vacation'' as I have nothing negative to point out. [Details]

The hotel staff are amazing and the service they give is beyond expectations. It was our anniversary and we received a bottle of Champagne on arrival and a complimentary dinner at Nicole's where the food was world class. The hotel is clean, well maintained and the food is very good. The watersports are well run and plenty to do. The beach is also very good. [Details]

We were very pleased with the hotel.From the time we were picked up and shuttled (in a small van) and taken to the room our first impression was "wow".
This is a very low key resort, quiet,and picturesque. The small cottage like bungalows were preferred to the 2-3 story compounds found at other resorts.
We were able to order Baileys, Jack Daniels and the beach bar offered pub fair...more than one or two items. The buffet was diverse and delicious.
We walked to the nearby beach (Long Beach) which is longer and wider to walk on and also to Devil's Bridge. The tour into Town through the hotel wasn't really worth the trip however the Stingray Tour (swimming with...) was worth it.
Wifi is available at this resort at main locations ie adult pool. [Details]

Pleasantly surprised with our stay at The Verandah in Antigua. Food was excellent including theme nights at buffet, especially enjoyed a la carte at Beach Grille. Self serve coffee & tea at main bar and water jugs at main beach and adult pool were a welcome surprise. The staff was always friendly and helpful. Beautifully kept grounds with lots of room to walk or run if you so desired (golf cart rides if you don't!). Rooms were very nice, we had waterfront close to main pool and beach. Beaches were small but well kept and beautiful sand. Always room to lounge at beach or pool (never seemed crowded anywhere even though it was half year school break for our UK friends). Would love to return next year. [Details]

My husband and I travelled with our 18 month ould daughter to the Verandah for a babymoon during the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend/week. As we our expecting our secound child in January 2014 we were looking forward to one last getaway before our lives become even busier with 2 kids.
The resort delivered a fabulous vacation for all of us. [Details]

I would not advise anyone under 35 to go to the resort. You will be very disappointed and bored. The food was terrible, almost everything was fried and not fresh. This resort needs to focus on local cuisine such as jerk chicken and roti.

The main beach does NOT have a bar and you have to climb 3 flights of steep rocky stairs to get a drink. Nightly entertainment was non-existent. They were amateur performers making watching TV much more interesting. The resort should have daily activities like water polo, karaoke night, dominos, cards etc.....anything!!!! I've been to Jamaica, Cuba and the Dominican for much less money and had much more fun.

The day trip to St. John's was traumatic. The 30 minute drive was nauseating and the 'downtown' area appeared poverty stricken and desolate. There was not many shops or restaurants and every 2 feet someone was trying to offer you a taxi ride tour around the island where everything looks the same. Nicole's restaurant was a rip-off. It was a $30 USD surcharge per person and the food was not even good! I had the lobster and after eating there, my husband and I felt very ill. Red Lobster is a thousand times better and they're not even that good either! The servers at this resort appeared grumpy and uninterested in serving us. Their beer tap wasn't even working on one day. Don't try the rum punch either, which is supposed to be their 'speciality'. It made my husband vomit.

The only aspect I enjoyed was the Stingray tour, it was worth my $50. [Details]

Booked a last minute week at The Verandah. Great staff, great food, great wine. Large hilly property with lots of walking, but golf carts readily available. Lovely beach with water sports, and adequate shade. No issues with towels or reservations for a la carte dining. We did not try Nichole's but heard from others that it was good. Bed was harder than we are used to, but easily fixed by asking for a memory foam mattress topper. Minor issues with room (safe and coffee pot)fixed promptly. Spacious, clean accommodation. Adequate free internet at main areas. Would re-visit in a heartbeat. [Details]

paid for waterview room received
mountain view. resort was unable to accommodate in waterview until 3rd day of vacation period. unhappy. would like a refund for the room value not received [Details]

Overall great experience !

Rooms were nice and spacious. Amazing view. Beaches were beautiful and there was always equipment available (ie Kayaks, sailboats etc.)

Staff was not overly freindly (Mainly the women) at the bars during the day but service at the Resorts restaurants at nite was always very good.

The best thing about the resort is that it is not overcrowded. You could always grab a chair at the beach or pool, no lineups at the restaurants etc. [Details]

It was our visit visit to Antigua and would go back without any hesitation. Loved everything about the resort. The villas/ rooms were great because there is no one above you to make noise and all rooms have a kitchenette including microwave, sink, fridge and dishes. Would recommend it without hesitation. [Details]

This is a beautiful resort. The grounds are well maintained. Some of the rooms could use updating but were very clean. The food was fabulous. The staff with the exception of reception were outstanding. [Details]

Beautifully landscaped resort with great views. [Details]

The vacation was wonderful! The hotel has beautifully kept grounds. There is golf carts that motor you around, with "bus stops" everywhere. If you like to walk, bring your sneakers because the resort is very safe and big for exercise. Lots of hills. The room that we had room was very clean and surprisingly big with a beautiful view of the ocean. AND had a flat screen TV with lots of channels that we have at home and more :) The food was really great! Every night at buffet there was a different theme and everything was really good and flavourful. No salt/spice require :) There was always food to satisfy your tummy. The menu can be viewed, along with the other restaurants menus, by the pool bar/coffee station if you wanted to decide buffet or a la carte. The beaches are beautiful. Not huge, but there is always somewhere to sit shade or sun. The entertainment each night was singers and bands that were mellow and nice. I enjoyed the lady singer very much. Such a pretty voice. The service staff on the resort are so nice. They will always say hello and greet with a smile. Even the grounds keepers. Overall, it was a really wonderful and relaxing vacation. [Details]

Lovely resort with gorgeous beach - water is very calm and there are lots of water sports available. The rooms were very spacious with kitchen and large balconies. The pool tables and mini golf were great sources of entertainment especially at night. Great resort for family vacations, rest and relaxation. [Details]

The rooms were clean and the views were spectacular. You can drink the water! Nicole's restaurent is a must (well worth the extra $30 per person). The buffet was always stocked and the food was very good. No complaints whatsoever. [Details]

First let me say that I appreciated my stay at The Verandah. I am glad I went and experienced it. I was traveling with 2 other couples and a 22 months old baby girl.

The Verandah is a very clean, nice, quiet, family oriented small 4 star resort. The staff is very friendly and some really went the extra mile for us and it was greatly appreciated.

Resort and rooms are very clean. Rooms are of a normal size for a resort with a king size bed. The beds are extra firm but asking for mattress topper will make it more comfy. The patio is spacious and has a table and four chairs.

The two beaches offered soft, cool white sand. Water was very calm, no waves, plenty of chairs and shaded areas.

Food is at a 4 star level, fine but not great. Mind you, we never had a bad meal but only one great meal on our last night at the Buccaneers. Nicole's food was OK, very romantic and a nice ambiance. Servers, hosts and hostesses for lunch and dinners were welcoming, friendly and offered very good service. Entertainment at night was very good.

The only fault in the entire week was the breakfast staff.

We found it strange since we have not experienced this behavior from the people working during lunch at the Grill or dinner. It was noticeable since we all went for breakfast at different times and after 3 days we talked about the situation and we all had the same comment. The man and women at the door of the breakfast buffet need to learn to smile. On 5 mornings out of 7 we were greeted with grumpiness. Also, the servers need to come more than once at the table during breakfast.

Like I said, this was the only fault for the whole week for the entire resort… but a grumpy host and poor service at breakfast is a sad way to start a vacation day. Also… Seeing birds fly through the restaurant, picking up pieces on empty tables or trays is one thing… but it comes with a risk of… and on the 7th morning, just as I started eating my breakfast I saw a bird do his business on the back of a chair less than 10 feet away…

Now… All of this being said. I have travelled on many occasions for Beach, Sun, Ocean, good food and relaxation. I went to many five stars resorts in Punta Cana, Riviera Maya, Cayo Ensenachos. If I look at the price/quality ratio. Antigua and The Verandah just do not cut it.

Yes I agree it is beautiful, they have friendly and helpful staff, nice beach, etc… But leaving from Montreal, I could have had all of this and much better food and service by going to a 5 star resort in Punta Cana or Riviera Maya for 600$ less than what I paid to go to The Verandah AND without having a layover in Toronto. I understand the economics of it and it makes sense that they charge more but why would you spend more to have less for your $$ and a much longer travelling experience?!?

Antigua is a beautiful Island and The Verandah is a very nice resort with all you could look for at a 4 star resort but compared to what is offered elsewhere I have not seen a thing that makes it worth the additional travelling time and $$. [Details]

Verandah Resort and Spa

As expected [Details]