Antigua Seaview

Antigua Seaview turned out to have an outdated room, uncomfortable old furniture, and amenities that looked poorly maintained and unchanged for years. The name is misleading too, since from the room you only see a tiny strip of water in the distance. Privacy was a serious problem. The host entered whenever they wanted without warning, and even unplugged my laptop while it was running important processes. Air conditioning use was also monitored, which made the stay feel watched. They seemed determined to economize on everything. Guests are expected to bring essentials, including toilet paper, and there were only two towels for the whole stay and just 10 matches. If you don't bring what you need, the host may call to tell you how and when to handle your personal hygiene. This was easily the worst stay I've experienced.

The privacy issue was the final straw. After a beach trip, we came back to find our laptops unplugged. Donna called it a mistake, but we hadn't invited her into the room or asked her to touch our belongings. We concluded she might have been entering whenever we were out, so we reported the invasion of privacy to Airbnb. They rebooked us elsewhere and refunded the stay. Before that, the bathroom supplies had already been a problem. For 10 days, we were given only half a roll of toilet paper. After the second cleaning, no more appeared. Donna explained that toilet paper, shampoo, soap, and basically any bathroom essentials were not her responsibility, so we used paper towels and planned to shop when possible. The next day she called and yelled at my wife for using them, as though we were children being scolded. The advertised seaview was barely a view at all. From our 3rd floor room it was a tiny, distant glimpse, more of a seahint, while the lower floors had nothing. After checkout, Donna left my first negative review, simply calling us "unhygienic," despite refusing to provide toilet paper. Antigua Seaview may suit someone who doesn't mind limited privacy, minimal supplies, and a disappointing view, but it was an absurd experience for us.

The rooms are set up well, with a bedroom, bathroom, lounge and kitchen, plus either a balcony or a small patio. Everything was clean, and the showers were hot. The hotel is in a quiet area, about a 15 minute walk from a supermarket, 30-40 minutes from the nearest beach, and around 30 minutes from St Johns. The owner is very laid back and helpful, and nothing seemed too much trouble. I had breakfast there and really enjoyed it. Airport transport can be arranged, and there is parking outside. I'd gladly stay again and would recommend it.

We only booked one night and immediately wished we'd arranged a longer stay. The place was clean and comfortable, with a king size bed, spacious bathroom, strong air conditioning, reliable WIFI, and a well equipped kitchen. The panoramic views were fantastic too. Thanks to Donna for the warm welcome and for arranging the airport pickup and cruise transfer.