Pros

  • On Jolly Harbour, within walking distance of restaurants and nightlife
  • 10-minute walk to a lovely beach
  • Home can be rented in its entirety or rooms rented individually
  • Each rooms has a private bathroom and access to shared kitchen/living space
  • Development has golf, pool, and restaurants
  • Access to tennis and squash courts
  • Fitness center with up-to-date equipment
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout
  • 24-hour gated security
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Cons

  • Cars or golf carts are necessary for getting around Jolly Harbour
  • Sharing the house with others might feel awkward
  • Parking is free but limited
  • Most features are shared with other Jolly Harbour development residents
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Bottom Line

Antigua Chiama Italia is a pleasant two-and-a-half-pearl guesthouse situated in the popular Jolly Harbour township in Antigua's southwest. The two-bedroom home has a huge waterfront balcony and can be rented in its entirety or by room, each with its own private bathroom. However, sharing kitchen and living space with another couple or group on vacation is not for everyone. Guests have access to a range of activities, restaurants, and small shops within the township, but will need a car or golf cart to reach some. This simple place is a good fit for independent budget travelers, or families looking to save a bit of cash. Those who want a more full-service stay might compare rates with Jolly Castle Hotel, with an on-site restaurant and chic rooms.  

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Amenities

  • Cribs
  • Fitness Center
  • Internet
  • Pool

Oyster Hotel Review

Guest house Antigua chiama Italia

Scene

Low-key guesthouse on a residential street in Jolly Harbour

In contrast to the mostly high-end resorts and luxury accommodations that populate Antigua, this is a low-key place that's much more akin to staying in a private home. Getting here requires passing through the gated entrance to Jolly Harbour, a township that feels something like a gigantic vacation and residential complex. The guesthouse -- white stone with a terra cotta roof -- is situated within a series of narrow streets lined with identical little cottage homes.  

There's no lobby, and the Italian couple who owns the property live just outside of Jolly Harbour. Guests can choose to rent a room with one or two beds or request the entire house. While they primarily advertise the use of just the one guesthouse, the owners also help organize large groups looking for multiple villas within the complex. Most guests are Italian couples or families wanting a self-sufficient, affordable vacation. Close proximity to the well-known Miramar sailing school also attracts young would-be sailors. The house is available for short- or long-term rentals, except during the month of September, when the couple returns to Italy to wait out the slow season. 

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Location

Within a 10-minute walk of restaurants and beaches

The guesthouse is about 10 minutes' drive from the entrance to Jolly Harbour, a gated township on the southwest coast of the island that contains various shops, restaurants, a golf course, small beach, boatyard, and marina. Roughly half of the homes here are privately owned, and the other half are villas rented to vacationers, most of whom are families and older European couples. 

Jolly Harbour dining and nightlife are popular among the expats who stay here. There are a few simple bars and restaurants that stay open until late -- like Melini’s and Al Porto, both with Italian dishes, and Akropolis Greek Taverna. The township is a big place, and much of the activity is centered around the entrance, which is at least a 15- to 20-minute walk from the guesthouse. Renting a golf cart for getting around the premises might be wise, and can be arranged through the hotel at an extra fee. Alex, one of the owners, offers shuttle service to and from the airport, and there’s a bus stop and taxi stand at the entrance as well. 

Jolly Harbour North Finger is the closest beach, a mile-long stretch of white sand that’s about a 10-minute walk from the house. Otherwise there’s Darkwood Beach -- about five minutes' drive -- or Ffryes beach, a six-minute drive. Shops in downtown St John’s are about a half-hour ride away, and English Harbour (another popular late-night hub) is about a 45-minute drive. The VC Bird International Airport is a 35-minute drive away. 

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Rooms

Simple two-bedroom home with marina-facing balcony

The Italian couple owners of Antigua Chiama Italia is a guesthouse with a fully equipped kitchen, living room, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms. The living room offers a dated flat-screen TV, table and chair, and some soft couches for lounging. The decor is simple and feels a tad unfinished: white walls, wood cabinetry, rattan furniture, and homey tchotchkes and small framed art on the walls. Bedrooms are pleasant but minimalist, too -- mostly white furniture, with bright turquoise accents and flat-screen TVs. The full kitchen here has a full-size refrigerator, stove and oven, and plenty of cookware and dishes to make a proper meal. There’s an extra bathroom downstairs for those who rent the full guesthouse (otherwise it stays locked).

It's possible to rent one of two bedrooms -- either the Superior King or the Queen Double, each with a small private bathroom with shower -- and share the common spaces with guests in the other room. It’s a relatively small house, though the chance of sharing with more than one or two other guests is thankfully quite slim. Still, some guests have found the set-up to be a bit awkward. The best part of the place is the big outdoor balcony, which is directly over the marina and brings in plenty of sunlight. 

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Features

Plenty of Jolly Harbour amenities -- including a pool -- and 24-hour phone assistance 

Most of the extra features here come thanks to the hotel’s location in Jolly Harbour. Highlights include a white-sand beach, modern fitness center, 18-hole golf course, and tennis and squash courts. There’s also a huge outdoor pool, mostly frequented by teens and young children in the complex. Here, guests can expect to find a handful of lounge chairs and tiki huts providing shade around the perimeter. Restaurants and bars are also located within the complex. 

Guests of Chiama Italia receive 24-hour assistance via phone from owners Alex or Giuliana. The owners also organize island tours and pick-up and drop-off service at the airport (for a fee). Parking at the guesthouse is free but very limited. There’s enough space in the marina to moor a sailboat or small yacht here, and the owner can help with the rental process. Wi-Fi is free and functional in the guesthouse. 

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Guest house Antigua chiama Italia

Scene

Low-key guesthouse on a residential street in Jolly Harbour

In contrast to the mostly high-end resorts and luxury accommodations that populate Antigua, this is a low-key place that's much more akin to staying in a private home. Getting here requires passing through the gated entrance to Jolly Harbour, a township that feels something like a gigantic vacation and residential complex. The guesthouse -- white stone with a terra cotta roof -- is situated within a series of narrow streets lined with identical little cottage homes.  

There's no lobby, and the Italian couple who owns the property live just outside of Jolly Harbour. Guests can choose to rent a room with one or two beds or request the entire house. While they primarily advertise the use of just the one guesthouse, the owners also help organize large groups looking for multiple villas within the complex. Most guests are Italian couples or families wanting a self-sufficient, affordable vacation. Close proximity to the well-known Miramar sailing school also attracts young would-be sailors. The house is available for short- or long-term rentals, except during the month of September, when the couple returns to Italy to wait out the slow season. 

See More Scene

Location

Within a 10-minute walk of restaurants and beaches

The guesthouse is about 10 minutes' drive from the entrance to Jolly Harbour, a gated township on the southwest coast of the island that contains various shops, restaurants, a golf course, small beach, boatyard, and marina. Roughly half of the homes here are privately owned, and the other half are villas rented to vacationers, most of whom are families and older European couples. 

Jolly Harbour dining and nightlife are popular among the expats who stay here. There are a few simple bars and restaurants that stay open until late -- like Melini’s and Al Porto, both with Italian dishes, and Akropolis Greek Taverna. The township is a big place, and much of the activity is centered around the entrance, which is at least a 15- to 20-minute walk from the guesthouse. Renting a golf cart for getting around the premises might be wise, and can be arranged through the hotel at an extra fee. Alex, one of the owners, offers shuttle service to and from the airport, and there’s a bus stop and taxi stand at the entrance as well. 

Jolly Harbour North Finger is the closest beach, a mile-long stretch of white sand that’s about a 10-minute walk from the house. Otherwise there’s Darkwood Beach -- about five minutes' drive -- or Ffryes beach, a six-minute drive. Shops in downtown St John’s are about a half-hour ride away, and English Harbour (another popular late-night hub) is about a 45-minute drive. The VC Bird International Airport is a 35-minute drive away. 

See More Location

Rooms

Simple two-bedroom home with marina-facing balcony

The Italian couple owners of Antigua Chiama Italia is a guesthouse with a fully equipped kitchen, living room, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms. The living room offers a dated flat-screen TV, table and chair, and some soft couches for lounging. The decor is simple and feels a tad unfinished: white walls, wood cabinetry, rattan furniture, and homey tchotchkes and small framed art on the walls. Bedrooms are pleasant but minimalist, too -- mostly white furniture, with bright turquoise accents and flat-screen TVs. The full kitchen here has a full-size refrigerator, stove and oven, and plenty of cookware and dishes to make a proper meal. There’s an extra bathroom downstairs for those who rent the full guesthouse (otherwise it stays locked).

It's possible to rent one of two bedrooms -- either the Superior King or the Queen Double, each with a small private bathroom with shower -- and share the common spaces with guests in the other room. It’s a relatively small house, though the chance of sharing with more than one or two other guests is thankfully quite slim. Still, some guests have found the set-up to be a bit awkward. The best part of the place is the big outdoor balcony, which is directly over the marina and brings in plenty of sunlight. 

See More Rooms

Features

Plenty of Jolly Harbour amenities -- including a pool -- and 24-hour phone assistance 

Most of the extra features here come thanks to the hotel’s location in Jolly Harbour. Highlights include a white-sand beach, modern fitness center, 18-hole golf course, and tennis and squash courts. There’s also a huge outdoor pool, mostly frequented by teens and young children in the complex. Here, guests can expect to find a handful of lounge chairs and tiki huts providing shade around the perimeter. Restaurants and bars are also located within the complex. 

Guests of Chiama Italia receive 24-hour assistance via phone from owners Alex or Giuliana. The owners also organize island tours and pick-up and drop-off service at the airport (for a fee). Parking at the guesthouse is free but very limited. There’s enough space in the marina to moor a sailboat or small yacht here, and the owner can help with the rental process. Wi-Fi is free and functional in the guesthouse. 

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Babysitting Services

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Basic Television

  • Beach

  • Cable

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Fitness Center

  • Full Kitchen

  • Golf Course

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Pool

  • Rental Car Service Desk Onsite

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Supervised Kids Activities

  • Tennis Court

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.