Admiral’s Inn & Gunpowder Suites

Admiral’s Inn & Gunpowder Suites is set in a collection of 18th- and early 19th-century brick and stone British buildings, on the grounds of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The upscale boutique hotel surrounds guests with historic charm while still offering plenty of modern amenities. Structures like a former pitch and tar store dating from 1788, an old gunpowder magazine from 1807, and massive stone pillars that have survived since the late 1700s serve as the backdrop for a relaxing tropical getaway. Rooms combine 21st-century technology with original architectural features to create a hotel experience that’s a nice alternative to the large Caribbean-inspired resorts that dominate the island.

While the hotel is kid-friendly, guests are more commonly couples, often in their 50s and 60s, or family groups with older children. The two on-site restaurants are open to the public, so the hotel sees an eclectic mix of visitors throughout the day, many of whom have wandered in on a visit to Nelson’s Dockyard. The mixture of historic buildings, lush tropical plants, and swaying palm trees feels almost like stepping into a postcard. The small boat that shuttles guests across the bay adds to the feeling that the hotel is a one-of-a-kind experience.

Sitting on two separate plots of land on both shores of Freeman’s Bay on Antigua’s southern coast, Admiral’s Inn & Gunpowder Suites offers double the water views and enjoys a privileged location within Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The close proximity to the town of English Harbour, with its restaurants, nightlife, and luxury yachts, makes the hotel an ideal choice for guests who prefer to spend their vacation exploring rather than staying on-property. The hotel is surrounded by the sights, museum, and marina of the Dockyard, which is easy to explore on foot. The town of English Harbor, which is home to several restaurants, bars, shops, and the Antiqua Yacht Club, is less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Galleon Beach is a nine-minute drive (or free boat ride) away. Shirley Heights, a popular spot offering weekly parties and stunning views of English Harbour, is a 10-minute drive away. Both the capital city of St. John’s and V. C. Bird International Airport can be reached by car in about 40 minutes.

Admiral’s Inn & Gunpowder Suites offers a range of rooms and suites scattered through 18th- and early 19th-century buildings that sit on both sides of Freeman’s Bay. There are 19 rooms on the Admiral’s Inn side and 13 rooms on the Gunpowder Suites side. Given the historic nature of the buildings, each of the rooms has its own individual features, and all rooms include original architectural elements like exposed brick, wood beams, or hardwood floors. Rooms are bright and exude a sense of historic charm, but include modern amenities like air-conditioning, ceiling fans, Brita water pitchers, and free Wi-Fi. Mosquito nets, safes, irons, and ironing boards come standard. There are no TVs in any of the rooms.

The entry-level rooms are located in the attic of a 1788 pitch and tar store on the Admiral’s Inn side, tucked into charming dormers that create sloped ceilings inside the rooms. The cozy rooms offer either sea or mountain views, and have tiny bathrooms that offer Basic Earth toiletries, hairdryers, pedestal sinks, and showers (no tubs). Couches are tucked into alcoves in the attic outside the rooms, and the stairs leading down to the other floors are lined with historic photos and documents.

Rooms in the former joiner’s loft and an annex building on the Admiral’s Inn side offer more living space, but not all have water views. Upgrading to Superior Rooms adds features like four-poster beds and/or private patios with daybeds. Some of these units overlook the harbor, while others are nestled among lush greenery and sit in the shadows of historic stone pillars that stand on the property. Deluxe Loft Suites add living areas and kitchenettes.

A few-minute’s boat ride takes guests to the Gunpowder Suites side of the property. Four suites are housed in a former gunpowder magazine dating from 1807, which also features an art gallery, a furnished atrium, and a shared lounge (with the only TV on the property). The beautiful suites offer the same historic charm as the rooms on the other side of the bay, but feel more secluded. In addition to the basic room amenities, the suites include four-poster beds, living areas, iPod docks, tea- and coffee-making equipment, and minibars. Private furnished balconies overlook the bay and the pool. There are also nine similar suites on this side of the property set in quaint cottages -- the only new construction found at the hotel.

Admiral’s Inn & Gunpowder Suites offers a number of lovely amenities split between the two sections of the property. Each side has its own restaurant/bar -- both open to the public. The airy Pillars restaurant on the Admiral’s Inn side offers tables right next to the water, as well as beautiful shaded lounge areas with sofas. There’s a cozy bar next to the lobby in the original 1788 pitch and tar store. Its walls are lined with historic photos and knick-knacks, embodying the historic charm of the whole property in one small, comfortable room. On the Gunpowder Suites side of the bay, the appropriately named Boom! restaurant is a nice spot to enjoy a relaxed, open air meal overlooking the bay. Each restaurant offers a great view of the historic buildings on the other side of the property, as well as the boats anchored in Nelson’s Dockyard. Bed-and-breakfast and half-board plans are available. 

Next to Boom! is a beautiful infinity pool overlooking the bay. It’s lined with sun loungers and daybeds, as well as a tiny, manmade white-sand beach area. Tucked among the Gunpowder Suites there’s also a small spa. Back on the Admiral’s Inn side, a small white-sand beach offers tranquil hammocks and sun loungers in the shadow of massive old stone pillars. While all beaches in Antigua are public, this is about as close to private as it gets. 

Nature hikes are available directly from the property. A boat is on hand to shuttle guests between the two sides of the property as needed, and free boat rides to nearby Galleon Beach are offered. Other free amenities include Wi-Fi and parking.