Royalton CHIC Antigua, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort - Adults Only

⸻ Disappointing Stay – Not Recommended for British Travellers We recently stayed at this resort in Antigua and, unfortunately, our experience fell well short of expectations – particularly for a hotel marketed heavily through British travel providers like TUI and British Airways Holidays. Arrival & Check-In Our disappointment began the moment we landed. Despite booking a package that included transfers, there was no TUI representative at the airport to guide us. We later learned we were supposed to find “a woman in orange” – hardly clear or professional instructions for tired travellers unfamiliar with the setup. Frustrated, we opted for a private taxi. Upon arrival, we were given a cocktail – an extremely strong tequila-based drink with a cherry – and then left to deal with an inefficient and disorganised check-in. Despite having pre-selected and paid an extra £60 for specific rooms back in October, we were told those rooms had already been allocated. We spent over 90 minutes being passed between staff members who ignored our repeated requests for clarification. Eventually, we were told we would be placed “nearby” instead. No apology. Grounds & Facilities At first glance, the resort looks promising: palm trees, beachfront views, inviting pools. But a closer look reveals a troubling lack of maintenance. • Pools: All pools had mouldy grout, missing tiles, and visible cracks in the concrete. One had a scummy build-up so bad we had to request cleaning. Clearly no regular upkeep. • Beach Bar: The worst area by far. Overwhelmed by the constant and heavy smell of marijuana. Everyone smoked openly, and staff did nothing to manage it. One bartender outright refused to serve us with no explanation – rude and completely unprofessional. Accommodation There were some positives: • Excellent air conditioning. • Comfortable beds with plenty of pillows. • Showers were consistently hot with fresh towels daily (just drop them on the floor for replacement). Special mention to Anita and her cleaning team – fantastic service and spotless rooms with fresh sheets multiple times a week. However: • We booked and paid for a king-sized bed and received a standard double. • Storage was minimal – just six hangers. Bring your own if you plan to unpack. • The fridge was barely stocked. When we tipped for a restock using cash left by the fridge, the staff member simply took the money – without checking. From a British perspective, this felt like theft; a tip should be offered, not assumed. Tarisa, a concierge, was a rare bright spot. Friendly, attentive, remembered our names, brought our favourite drinks, and genuinely cared about our stay. She deserves recognition. Food & Dining • Buffet: Very poor compared to other all-inclusives like RIU. Limited selection, mediocre quality. Twice during our stay, the buffet was inexplicably closed. Chicken and salad were passable at best. • Food Truck: Avoid at all costs. Cold, greasy, undercooked food. On one occasion, they ran out of chips. A staff member shoved ungloved hands full of jalapeños onto my sister’s nachos – completely unhygienic and unacceptable. • Steak Restaurant: Overcooked, low-quality meat. • Italian Restaurant: Mediocre. • Mediterranean Restaurant: Lovely steak, everything else just OK. • Coffee Shop: Excellent. Great variety of fresh sandwiches, cakes, and muffins – easily the best food option on the resort. Bars & Service • Lobby Bar: Surprisingly good. Stylish, well-run, and staffed by a friendly team. • Pool Bar: Terrible. Foul smell of sewage and rubbish. Service painfully slow. Staff clearly prioritise American guests – a frustrating theme throughout the resort. An example: after waiting 5–6 minutes at the bar, a Diamond Club (black bracelet) guest approached. The bartender apologised for the delay, handed them a cold water, and served them ahead of me. Overall Impression This resort is not geared towards British holidaymakers. It’s clearly focused on short-stay American guests with a party-centric mindset. British guests – especially those on longer, pricier packages – are treated like second-class citizens. The resort heavily promotes its Diamond Club, but even guests who’ve paid thousands for a two-week stay are often overlooked in favour of those wearing a black wristband for a night or two. It’s insulting and disheartening. If you’re considering this hotel through TUI, BA Holidays, or similar, my advice is simple: avoid it. There are far better resorts in Antigua that offer proper hospitality, cleanliness, and respect for all guests – this just isn’t one of them. Read less

Review for Royalton Chic Antigua Our group of 400 recently stayed at Royalton Chic Antigua, and we were incredibly impressed by how well the staff handled such a large influx of guests. We all arrived within a two-hour window, so check-in understandably took longer than usual, but the team handled it with professionalism and a smile. While there was a brief shortage of washcloths for a few travelers, any requests were met with swift action, and everything was delivered quickly to our rooms. Considering the resort typically accommodates around 200 guests, the staff went above and beyond to serve a group twice their normal size without compromising quality. The entertainment team was especially impressive, seamlessly incorporating our DJs and performers into their scheduled shows. Our group concierge was an absolute star—available 24/7 and always working behind the scenes to make sure every detail was taken care of. The food was plentiful and varied, with something for everyone to enjoy. Even at the busy food truck, the line moved quickly thanks to the team’s efficiency and dedication. Overall, Royalton Chic Antigua exceeded expectations for such a large event. Their adaptability, attentiveness, and warm hospitality made our stay truly memorable, and we wouldn’t hesitate to return or recommend them for both individual travelers and large groups Read less