If you have chosen Antigua as your vacation spot, you will need to know the best place to stay on this beautiful Caribbean island.
The capital, Saint John’s , is the main centre of the island – a cosmopolitan town with beautiful sandy beaches, duty-free shops and excellent bars and restaurants.
Alternatively, English Harbour Town and Jolly Harbour are lively coastal resorts with a wide range of activities and historical sites and a good nightlife for families, couples and friends.If you are looking for a quiet holiday, Dickenson Bay is an ideal choice for a few days with the family, with crystal clear water, fine white sand and old sugar cane plantations nearby. If you are looking for an even quieter place, but with services and attractions within reach, Falmouth or Saint Philip will satisfy you perfectly.Both have access to beautiful beaches, historical sites, shops, family attractions, bars and restaurants.
If you are interested in knowing where to stay in Antigua you may also be interested in knowing where to stay in Guadeloupe, where to stay in St Lucia or where to stay in St Maarten.
Best places to stay in Antigua
Saint John’s
In the north of the island, nestled on the west coast, is the capital of Antigua, Saint John’s. This lively town is only 15 minutes from the island’s airport, which means less travel time to your hotel!It’s a busy city lined with pastel-colored buildings, including shopping malls, historical sites and museums, and many of the cruise ship establishments are located around HeritageQuay, and this is where you’ll also find a variety of duty-free shops.
You can search for jewelry, electronics, clothing, accessories, perfumes, wine and tobacco products in the shopping malls near the harbor, but if shopping isn’t your thing, you can delve into the history of the island at Fort James, St. Johns Cathedral or the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda.Some of the island’s best beaches are also in this region, with secluded Hawksbill Bay and Runaway Beach within easy reach, there’s no shortage of options to choose from.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Saint John’s, the accommodations consist of low-rise apartments, mid-range hotels, luxury hotels with spa facilities and all-inclusive options for couples only; or if you prefer to go from island to island, it’s possible to reach neighboring Barbuba in approximately 90 minutes by express ferry.
> > Hotels and places to stay in Saint Philip
English Harbour
The town of English Harbour sits on the southern coast of Antigua about 35 minutes from the airport.It is a beautiful place with historical sites such as Nelson Dockyard National Park, the Pillars of Hercules or Shirley’s Heights, a colonial-era lookout point with breathtaking views.
There are many activities to do including hiking, sailing, or scuba diving. Or you can spend a few days of leisure drinking cocktails and tasting delicious Caribbean food in a bar or restaurant on the promenade.Some of the best beaches on the island are also close to the town of English Harbour, you can build up your tan or snorkel at Galleon beach, or the more romantic and family oriented ones can drive to picturesque Rendezvous Bay or Carslile Bay.The town of English Harbour also has one of the best nightlife in Antigua, with live reggae bars, DJ’s and dancing on the promenade.
If you think the town of English Harbour could be your favourite, there are plenty of hotels to choose from.The town offers a selection of apartments, reasonably priced guest houses and luxury hotels to suit all tastes and budgets.
> > Hotels and places to stay in English Harbour Town
Jolly Harbour
Jolly Harbour is a charming town on the west coast of Antigua, about half an hour from the island’s main airport.With white sandy beaches full of palm trees, vast emerald green plains and a variety of shops, water activities, bars and restaurants, it is a great choice for families and couples.
There is a golf course just a few steps away if you want to improve your technique, you can take a day trip to St. Thomas. The hotels at Jolly Habour are charming and full of character, with a variety of inns, villas, apartments and hotels ranging from budget options to 5 star luxury accommodation.
> > Hotels and places to stay in Jolly Harbour
Dickenson Bay
Dickenson Bay is nestled on the northwest coast of Antigua, less than 20 minutes from the main airport. It’s quieter than St. Johns and some of the southern towns, and therefore ideal if you prefer soft sand beaches flanked by palm trees, calm waters and relaxing days in the sun.
You can make a visit to St. Johns to shop at the HeritageQuay duty-free shops or rent a car to explore Antigua’s northern beaches and sugar cane plantations.Dickenson Bay hotels cater to every taste and every budget, with a selection of budget and mid-range hotels, apart-hotels and luxury resorts.
> > Hotels and places to stay in Dickenson Bay
Falmouth
Falmouth sits on the south coast of Antigua, near the town of English Harbour and 30 minutes from the airport.This quiet location is a great place for those looking for a quieter location, but only a short drive from the historical sites and the hustle and bustle of the city of English Harbour.
This is an ideal location for diving, snorkeling or fishing, and there are several hiking trails that offer wonderful views within walking distance.one of the most magnificent beaches, Rendevous Bay, is a 10 minute drive or less than an hour’s walk away.Hotels in Falmouth, Antigua, include 2 to 5 star hotels and apartments to suit all needs and budgets.
> > Hotels and places to stay in Falmouth
Saint Philip
Saint Philip is located on the east coast of Antigua, approximately 30 minutes from VC Bird International Airport.This is a quieter town that families and couples will love. There are multiple attractions nearby, including the ruins of the old sugar mill, the Devil’s Bridge and the City of Rays, where tourists can swim with friendly rays.
Accommodation in St. Philip consists of an amalgamation of apartments, holiday houses, villas and hotels to suit all requirements and pockets.
