Discussion
A few years ago my other half wanted to stay at one of the Art Deco hotels - We arrived late due to flight delays. To say the area made me feel uncomfortable at night was an undertsatement and I watched drug deals 'going down' from the bedroom window at the rear of the hotel in the alley behind.
Felt OK in most areas during the day and along the beach front at night but very uncomfortable after dark in most areas.
We enjoyed breakfast here a couple of times: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g34...
Felt OK in most areas during the day and along the beach front at night but very uncomfortable after dark in most areas.
We enjoyed breakfast here a couple of times: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g34...
We went last year and ended up getting there a few days before Memorial Day weekend. We enjoyed ourselves as we did a bit of sight seeing, went to the beach, visited some fun bars and then drove down to Key West. When we came back it was like a different place! Private Security and Police were everywhere to keep everyone in check who visits for that holiday period which was now in full swing. It felt very unsafe and we just felt on edge the whole time.
It's a shame because I don't think it gave a true reflection of Miami so we do plan to go back in the future but we'll make sure it doesn't coincide with Memorial Day weekend!
It's a shame because I don't think it gave a true reflection of Miami so we do plan to go back in the future but we'll make sure it doesn't coincide with Memorial Day weekend!
It's not a nice place. I've been twice on business, each time for a week, and on both occasions I've been advised not to go out after dark. On one occasion, I popped out at lunchtime to look for a present for my wife. My 'host' called me when he noticed I'd gone out, and when he found out I'd gone wandering, told me to wait inside a shop until he came to collect me in his car.
I wouldn't go for pleasure. Unless it was South Beach at Halloween. All that bodypaint..!
I wouldn't go for pleasure. Unless it was South Beach at Halloween. All that bodypaint..!
Not sure if this would appeal or perhaps too samey/pricey as the other resort.: http://www.hawkscay.com/
They have resident Dolphins which they charge people to go and feed about 8am and the dolphins are expected to do tricks for their food.
My wife discovered that if she went down to the lagoon around 7AM she had a free dolphin show before the handlers arrived as the dolphins went through their whole routine either in practice for their later 'show' or to say, 'Hey, we're performing, now where the hell is breakfast?'
They have resident Dolphins which they charge people to go and feed about 8am and the dolphins are expected to do tricks for their food.
My wife discovered that if she went down to the lagoon around 7AM she had a free dolphin show before the handlers arrived as the dolphins went through their whole routine either in practice for their later 'show' or to say, 'Hey, we're performing, now where the hell is breakfast?'
Yes, Miami is not great and I live in Antigua, so hope you enjoy it
Not a huge amount to do, we don't enjoy it very much and are always passing through to travel. The Hilton airport hotel is pretty good and offers a lot considering it is an airport hotel, tennis courts, great rooms, breakfast is good etc. which can be nice if you are going to split the journey up as I can only imagine what it must be like with a young child.
The rest of Miami is not great, lots of outlet shopping which is good for bargains if you go at the right time of year. That aside it is a party town, lots of drugs / loose lifestyles. The Keys are nicer but actually quite a long drive away from Miami but do have some good resorts.
Where are you staying in Antigua?
Chris
Not a huge amount to do, we don't enjoy it very much and are always passing through to travel. The Hilton airport hotel is pretty good and offers a lot considering it is an airport hotel, tennis courts, great rooms, breakfast is good etc. which can be nice if you are going to split the journey up as I can only imagine what it must be like with a young child.
The rest of Miami is not great, lots of outlet shopping which is good for bargains if you go at the right time of year. That aside it is a party town, lots of drugs / loose lifestyles. The Keys are nicer but actually quite a long drive away from Miami but do have some good resorts.
Where are you staying in Antigua?
Chris
I had a stopover a few years ago; we stayed in the Hyatt near the airport which was fine but nowhere near anything. We took a cab to South Beach / Ocean drive which was great especially at night seeing all the art deco buildings lit up in neon, plus it’s fantastic for spotting supercars and classic muscle cars. I never felt unsafe, even at night but was constantly warned not to wander away from the tourist spots.
toohuge said:
Yes, Miami is not great and I live in Antigua, so hope you enjoy it
Not a huge amount to do, we don't enjoy it very much and are always passing through to travel. The Hilton airport hotel is pretty good and offers a lot considering it is an airport hotel, tennis courts, great rooms, breakfast is good etc. which can be nice if you are going to split the journey up as I can only imagine what it must be like with a young child.
The rest of Miami is not great, lots of outlet shopping which is good for bargains if you go at the right time of year. That aside it is a party town, lots of drugs / loose lifestyles. The Keys are nicer but actually quite a long drive away from Miami but do have some good resorts.
Where are you staying in Antigua?
Chris
Carlisle Bay but struggling to get my head around the price, any thoughts?Not a huge amount to do, we don't enjoy it very much and are always passing through to travel. The Hilton airport hotel is pretty good and offers a lot considering it is an airport hotel, tennis courts, great rooms, breakfast is good etc. which can be nice if you are going to split the journey up as I can only imagine what it must be like with a young child.
The rest of Miami is not great, lots of outlet shopping which is good for bargains if you go at the right time of year. That aside it is a party town, lots of drugs / loose lifestyles. The Keys are nicer but actually quite a long drive away from Miami but do have some good resorts.
Where are you staying in Antigua?
Chris
brissleboy said:
Carlisle Bay but struggling to get my head around the price, any thoughts?
Carlisle Bay is stunning, the food, accommodation everything. Every time I am there, there are always families with young children - so it is well suited to this. It is spicy but worth it. There are lots of hotels in Antigua but as i don't have kids I cannot recommend ones that are appropriate, but the huge draw for families at Carlisle speaks for itself. You will have a good time.
When are you coming down? - Stock up on sun cream from either the UK / USA it is very expensive here in ANU.
Chris
toohuge said:
Carlisle Bay is stunning, the food, accommodation everything. Every time I am there, there are always families with young children - so it is well suited to this. It is spicy but worth it.
There are lots of hotels in Antigua but as i don't have kids I cannot recommend ones that are appropriate, but the huge draw for families at Carlisle speaks for itself. You will have a good time.
When are you coming down? - Stock up on sun cream from either the UK / USA it is very expensive here in ANU.
Chris
Thanks Chris, you have confirmed what everyone says about Carlisle Bay, I think it is right up there with the very best family resorts in the world... but like, everything, it comes with a price... £10k+ for a week all-in.There are lots of hotels in Antigua but as i don't have kids I cannot recommend ones that are appropriate, but the huge draw for families at Carlisle speaks for itself. You will have a good time.
When are you coming down? - Stock up on sun cream from either the UK / USA it is very expensive here in ANU.
Chris
Nonsuch Bay has also been recommended, much cheaper but I think we would always wish we had gone to Carlisle Bay!
Thanks for the heads up re sun cream, would always bring it from the UK anyway. Plan is to come Feb, either before half term or afterwards so early or late Feb, what would be best?
Thanks
Neil
Neil,
Nonsuch Bay is an excellent resort and the accommodations there are very nice, the restaurant is good but it is a long way from everything. Carlisle Bay is mid way between Jolly Harbour and English Harbour, both will have things going on during Feb.
Nonsuch Bay rooms can have a full kitchen which may or may not be useful for your wife and little one as meal times and snacks/milk (kettle/microwave etc. are all here) can easily be prepared as well as full meals.
As to time of year, closing to January will have weather akin to a beautiful summers day in the UK. End of February and things can heat up a little.
Oh also, if your baby has certain foods / brands of things they like, I would recommend bringing them with you. Whilst ANU is much more developed than other surrounding islands, you cannot rely on the stores to have exactly what you want, so if it's critical then bring it with you.
Chris
Nonsuch Bay is an excellent resort and the accommodations there are very nice, the restaurant is good but it is a long way from everything. Carlisle Bay is mid way between Jolly Harbour and English Harbour, both will have things going on during Feb.
Nonsuch Bay rooms can have a full kitchen which may or may not be useful for your wife and little one as meal times and snacks/milk (kettle/microwave etc. are all here) can easily be prepared as well as full meals.
As to time of year, closing to January will have weather akin to a beautiful summers day in the UK. End of February and things can heat up a little.
Oh also, if your baby has certain foods / brands of things they like, I would recommend bringing them with you. Whilst ANU is much more developed than other surrounding islands, you cannot rely on the stores to have exactly what you want, so if it's critical then bring it with you.
Chris
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