Antigua and Barbuda strangely lack the presence of the large American chain hotels, but this does not prevent the tiny nation from offering the widest selection of accommodations of any destination in the Leeward Islands.
Accommodations on Antigua range from the most exclusive in the Caribbean to more basic hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, villas, condos and locally run inns. Almost all the properties are well-managed and clean, but be careful about location—some places are quite remote. That's fine for isolation, but bear in mind that when you're lodging half an hour from St. John's, you can run up quite a taxi bill (US$35 to get to town isn't unusual). Check to see if the hotel offers a shuttle.
Although many hotels on Antigua are all-inclusive (room, meals, drinks, recreation, taxes and gratuities included in a set price), don't expect transportation to and from the airport to be included. There's also a room tax of 8.5%—find out if the price quoted includes this tax.
Located off Antigua's northeast coast, Long Island is devoted to the elite Jumby Bay Island Resort. Following some financial problems and legal entanglements, the resort got back on its feet when wealthy island residents, including TV-personality Robin Leach, purchased the property. The revived resort caters to the posh set, charging up to US$2,000 per night, and comes with the all-inclusive amenities you expect at that price. In addition to well-heeled humans, Long Island is home to hawksbill turtles that nest on the beach at Pastere Bay June-November.
Lodgings are extremely limited on Barbuda, so book ahead. There are only a couple of hotels and a few luxury resorts. Barbuda does have guesthouses and cottages available at considerably lower rates. Some offer only the most basic lodging and services, and others are equipped with cable television, a kitchen and air-conditioning.
