We just returned from a week stay at the Verandah with our 19 month old. I have to say, the first few days, I really wasn't feeling this place. Oh sure, the accomodations were lovely and the staff was fantastic but there was a few niggly things that bothered us as a couple travelling with a baby.
We didn't like the "no food brought to the room" rule. Our son has his naps during meal periods and at every resort we have stayed at, they have generously allowed us and even wrapped up for us, small plates of food that we could bring back to our room and feed to him at our leisure. One of the reasons we booked the Verandah was because we heard that there were kitchenettes in every room. We thought it would be a snap to reheat something for him or keep a little snack in the fridge but from the first day we were tersely told that food must be consumed in the restaurants only. OK fine, we'll buy something from the "deli" on site however, there was nothing of nutritional value to buy from that mini store. I spoke to somebody from Guest Services and they were unwillingly to budge or accomodate us in any way. In fact, the lady with the short cropped hair working the guest services desk was the only blatantly rude staff member I encountered during our entire stay. Real sourpuss. I just want to add that I wasn't expecting waiters to carry heaping plates of food to our room, I just wanted to be able to take away a carton of yogourt or some fresh fruit as a snack. In hindsight, I do understand not every guest there is on the AI plan and we don't wear cheesy bracelets to differentiate us so it could be a case of keeping track of those on the EP... And the food really was excellent. That was our introduction to the Verandah and it took a few days to really warm up to the place...but you know, the place is really so wonderful that you can't help but fall in love!
The Staff- The absolute best! Everyone from the wait staff, the bartenders, the cart drivers and porters were wonderful (with the exception of short haired sourpuss girl) They were warm, funny and genuine. My son was in love with Tephaney, Shanelle and the other fantastic ladies at the Seabreeze and in the end, I was able to take a carton of yogourt here and there and nobody said a word.
The Rooms- Very clean and airy and the verandahs are huge! I love that you are only sharing a wall with one other room and the concept of white washed beach bungalows with their own little moniker is beyond cute. I do wish that there was a little more separation between the bedroom area and the living room area. We couldn't really watch tv at night as the television was too close to the crib area and woke our baby up but we didn't care as we sat out on the verandah every night and enjoyed a drink (which we are allowed to bring back to our room). We also were close enough to the main bar area that we could sit out at one of the tables and enjoy the bands while still keeping an eye out on the bungalow. This leads me to mention that if you are travelling with a small child, bring one of those baby monitors with you. It will allow you to sit outside while your little one naps. The range should be good enough and it will give you peace of mind.
The Grounds- The place was so quiet. We had Raggae beach to ourselves most days (with our own private bartender!) Even Lover's Beach was mostly quiet and we never ever had a problem getting sun loungers in the shade. The pool area was well laid out. There are plastic toys available at the beach (pails, shovels etc..) so don't even bother packing your own as we did. The mini-club was excellent. Our son was too young to be left there on his own but we went and played in the baby pool and jungle gym with him. I can't wait to bring him back when he is older as the facilities, games, toys and staff were excellent. I loved the fact that there was wi-fi available and although we did not bring our laptop, the public computer was free to use and always available.
All in all, a fantastic holiday. This was our second visit to Antigua as we were married at Grand Pineapple Beach in 2005. We like both places very much but the Verandah is where we would return hands down and we are already planning to do so very soon.
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Date of Stay: February 2009
Visit was for: Leisure
Traveling group: Family with Young Children
Your age range: 35-49
Member since: February 12, 2009
Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
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