Chez Mango Villas

The villa has a lovely ocean view and greenery all around, and our suite was clean and comfortable. The AC worked, and the kitchen had everything we would have needed to cook if we’d stayed longer. We were there over Christmas, so nearby places, including possibly a restaurant, were closed, but the beach is walkable. It’s a good idea to pick up groceries on the way from the airport. The hosts were so warm and gracious. They picked my daughter and me up from the airport on time and stopped so we could shop for groceries. When the host learned I was vegetarian, his wife even made a vegetarian meal and left it in our suite. Montserrat is known for its welcoming people, and the villa owners were a lovely example of that. We had a great two nights and would likely stay here again when we return.

I booked through a travel agent and wish I’d read the reviews and owner responses first. The negative reviews were accurate. When I arrived, I nearly flew straight back to Antigua, but couldn’t justify the extra cost. People I’ve spoken with in Montserrat and at my last hotel in Antigua already knew this place’s reputation. I also booked the jeep tour because visit Montserrat recommended it, and I plan to ask them to remove the vendor to avoid further damage to the island’s reputation. The problems I found included cockroaches, dirty towels, no proper curtains, and no fire alarm. Multiple rooms shared the same door code. The jeep had no working seat belts and no working horn. I don’t think a guest should have to ask for dead roaches to be swept up before arrival or for smoke alarms to be installed. After seeing the owner’s replies to other guests, raising these issues seemed pointless. As a woman traveling alone, I didn’t want a confrontation with someone who had open door codes for all the rooms. I’ll also advise my travel agent to remove the place from their listings. I can only describe it as being run by a slumlord. I’d have had a better time staying on Mama Morton’s cell block.

A local highly recommended this villa, so we stopped by to see it even though we didn’t stay. It’s beautiful and well located, and the owner we met was a fantastic guy. I’d definitely stay there sometime.

We had what we needed for our Antigua visit, a place to sleep and get ready for excursions. Our group of six stayed Friday morning to Saturday afternoon in the new building near Lime Kiln Bah, after arranging and paying through a direct link with the owners. The four rooms were set up for our group, with AC in both the rooms and shared space. There was a big screen TV in the living room, a two burner stovetop, microwave, and refrigerator. The style felt industrial mixed with modern, the towels were freshly folded when we arrived, and the bathroom had hot water. Only after checking out and heading to the airport did we realize there was a pool upstairs. Otherwise, it was exactly what we needed. 10/10, definitely recommend.