What a fabulous position, between two beaches and many swimming pools. The staff are mainly nice and helpful, there are a few exceptions but that is normal. The food is ok, but we heard a few moans about small portions at dinner. Especially starters !
We had a great holiday.
A few points to note…..pools not cleaned enough and contained cigarette ends and a lot of rubbish at bottom. Bird poo everywhere, especially on chairs and in restaurants. Beach service for drinks very poor. Beware of unreasonable LOUD club music around the main pool which a lot of guests complained about, too loud to even relax and read.
Lighting in rooms dim and no USB ports , which in this day and age, is very inconvenient . Room service would also be great.
The WORST thing is $24 RESORT CHARGE daily. What for ??
This came as a complete surprise at checkout and ruined the end of a lovely holiday .

Came Early in may with my partner, travelled almost all of the Caribbean islands and I’ve got to say this is up there for resorts. Met with a welcome drink and lovely helpful staff to take my bags away after a long day travelling from London. Quick and easy explanation of the hotel itself.

Our room was lovely well decorated and gives the real feel that you are in the Caribbean. Amenities in the bathroom included. Given two bottles of water to refill at water stations planted all over the resort which was a good idea to keep hydrated.

I’ll start with the food and drinks,

We tried 4 restaurants,

Docksider - Themed nights buffet style, live cooking, different food for everyone it was outstanding we thought. All drinks were available to order via your waiter

11/11 - open from 11-11 we went there for dinner on two occasions, a smaller menu but again variety of food for everyone to eat, I enjoyed the steak with blue cheese, my partner had a pesto chorizo wrap which we both thought was good. Drinks again were ordered via waiter

Rainbow Garden - buffet style breakfast, absolutely outstanding everyday, all foods you can think of for breakfast.

We also went for lunch which was buffet style with all sorts of meats being cooked infront of you and a variety of other dishes you lots of choices, the same is for dinner apart from an Italian a la carte menu which was fabulous, fine dining experience. Again drinks via the waiter

Beachside grill - says it in the name you know what to expect, hotdogs, chips, chicken, wraps etc
Quick easy bite to eat.

There are multiple bars dotted over the resort open majority of the day, main poolside is probably the most busy but never ever a wait to get a drink so efficient.

Moving on, The grounds are well looked after everyday the workers are keeping this place in tip top shape. Seaweed is there on the main beach early morning but they sort it out by 10am and the beach is all clear. Water is crystal clear both sides of the resort,

The harbour side you can swim in but is used for water sports which there is a wide variety to do all inclusive but everyone tends to go to the main beach to sunbathe.
There is a few pools all lovely enough sunbeds around them for everyone to have a seat.

Excursion office the people who work in there are amazing and they have all sorts of half days or full day trips so easy to book and organise.

Overall I would highly recommend for anyone couple, family or solo who wants to see the Caribbean this is a real reflection of it.
We loved our stay and we will be getting ourselves back to this lovely place very shortly.

10/10 knocked it out the park!
All the staff are so kind especially Kourtney who is always looking out for us to make sure we are having a good time lol!

For weeks prior to our holiday we looked at all the reviews and became increasingly worried what we were coming into with a lot of bad reviews. Once there we realised those people clearly had never visited St James.
This hotel is the best we have ever been to, and we have been to a lot. The views alone, especially from the Royal Suites are to die for, lying in bed and watching the dolphins in the bay! The resort is large and spacious, nicely landscaped and never felt full or intimidating.
The one thing that no-one, not even the resort itself, mentions is the hills and stairs. Everywhere, even in our room. If you have mobility issues or a heavy pram this may not be the place for you, there are slopes but not everywhere, so be mindful of this.
The room was huge and the shower… enormous. As was the bath. Those who complain that the room and bedding are only cleaned/changed every other day… really… do you change bedding and towels every day at home? On holiday we usually put the cleaning not needed sign a few days.
The rude and grumpy staff, where? Every single member, from cleaners, gardeners, waiting staff, management the lot were nothing but happy, cheerful, professional and only too happy to help. We cannot mention all, but Sylene the waitress, Lorraine in the Royal Suites reception, Brianna Royal Suites bar and Shervon (who liked my hair) omelette cook stood out and of course the legend that is Elvis.
The range of drinks in the bars is amazing, all the top brands at no extra cost and even a choice of type of wine, never had this before. Only issue is there is no indication of bar opening times, sometimes we went for a drink at 10 pm to be told closed, others we were served but this had no impact on the holiday at all.
Food, we can see why some say there is limited choice, this stems from the fact that the serving arears of the buffets are quite small in comparison to other hotels, however these hotels often have the same option repeated. There is a huge variety of meals available each day and we counted at least 6 a day, however there is not always the pizza, chip, hot dog option daily which may also account for some reviews. Those who want this can find it at the Grill until 6 pm daily (lovely food there) Please take a visit to Eleven11, the views, the food, the breeze, everything about this restaurant is good.
I am a veggie who does not like veg, so difficult to please but I never went hungry, however the pre booked restaurants do not offer a veggie main meal and some not even a starter. In the rainbow Italian night I had starter for main as well, no big deal, food was lovely.
The coffee bar is a great new addition, every morning hubby had an ice coffee, with coffee liqueur, rum, amaretto, cream and chocolate sauce. This set him up nicely for a full day of relaxation!
Evening entertainment was OK, some bands in the Dockside where better than others, Sunday, Thursday and Friday the best days.
The hotel offers shuttle bus to Shirley’s Heights, Sunday there is a party there, $10 entrance fee, steel band first then the more reggae/rock/pop band. Fantastic views, unless it rains like when we were there, disappointed they did not play more Caribbean music but a good evening out.
The trip to St Johns, avoid, there is nothing there except a Levi's shop, very expensive jewellery and a market, you are left for up to 3 hours and there is nothing to see. Glad we went but will not return to St Johns.
The Pink Panthers offer a lot of trips but felt these were more expensive and saw less than others we pre booked before coming, ie VIP Antigua Tours. We were also lucky enough to use Calvin Air for the helicopter ride over the Monserrat volcano, amazing and bucket list.
The resort offers lots of free water sports, including snorkelling equipment, paddle boarding, I never managed to stand up, Kayak, Hobie Boats (they will take you out on one if you pre book or you can do it yourself)
Don’t forget to say hello to the hotel duck Chester, he cannot eat bread but he loves lettuce.
All in all this is an amazing hotel and husband tried to convince me to get a time share there, we will be back and fully recommend.