Trade Winds Hotel

This business-oriented property is perched on an overlook above Dickenson Bay, one of the more popular coastlines in Antigua. Chugging up the narrow hill to get here is rewarded with a pleasantly tropical sight: Spanish colonial white stucco buildings dot the grounds, with bougainvillea hanging from the arched entrance and a row of palm trees lining the tidy walkways. More pink and peach flowers grow around the beautiful pool area, where guests can be seen relaxing on sunbeds below a shady pergola. On an adjacent wooden deck, clean-lined couches and turquoise sunbeds are perfectly positioned for gazing out at the ocean in the distance. The style is tropical-cozy and a bit dated, but altogether creates a pleasant package.This hotel offers plenty of business-friendly perks (like a 24-hour fitness center, Wi-Fi, and two meeting rooms), which explains the many flight attendants and captains who often stay here. Its cozy, intimate appeal seems to extend to a wider group of travelers, too, including couples and families, mostly from the Caribbean, US, and Europe. 

Trade Winds Hotel is on a hill above Dickenson Bay, an area often frequented by cruise-ship day trippers and international tourists drawn to the long, pretty beach that runs along the coast. There are small, swimmable coves with clear water and white sand, and one larger section that’s reserved for water sports. It’s certainly possible to walk from the hotel to the beach (about 15 to 20 minutes on foot), but be warned: the path is entirely uphill on the way back, with the steepest section saved for last. Thankfully the hotel offers free beach shuttles several times a day. Runaway Beach is also nearby, an eight-minute drive from the hotel.The beach area has a few dining options within a five-minute drive of the hotel. The pricey Ana’s on the Beach and more casual Coconut Grove Restaurant and Bar are popular. Otherwise there’s Putter’s Bar and Grill (four-minute drive; 17-minute walk) for cheap burgers and fries. A few locals have put up stands to sell beach apparel and simple trinkets here.  Getting to the capital city of St John’s takes 10 to 15 minutes, depending on traffic. Nightlife is generally to be found at Jolly Harbor (35-minute drive) or English Harbor (45-minute drive), or there’s a casino just down the road before the beach -- about an 18-minute walk from the hotel. VC Bird International Airport is a solid 25-minute drive.  

The rooms here are all charming and spacious, even if the homey, tropical look isn't the most modern we've ever seen. Decor is a bright and beachy blend of pastel blues, whites, natural wood, and whitewashed wicker. Stylish black-and-white or color sea-themed photography give the spaces a bit of polish. Almost all rooms have stunning views over St. John’s and Dickenson Bay, save for just a handful that look out to a concrete building. Rooms are stacked on top of each other, and while the steps up to the second-floor rooms seem tricky with a big suitcase, it might be worth it for the upgraded view. Each room comes with a sitting area, desk, and private balcony, as well as up-to-date amenities, like coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges. Amenities are similar across categories, which include Deluxe Rooms, Junior Suites, and Executive Suites with Ocean Views. Deluxe Rooms have sofa beds, while Executive Suites have separate bedrooms and living rooms. Some Deluxe Rooms have separate lofted sleeping areas and wood-beam ceilings. All options have safes, alarm clocks, and free Wi-Fi. The bathrooms are small and clean, with beige and white tile and large, raised shower/tub combos. The low ceilings might be bothersome for taller guests. 

Bay View Restaurant, a pretty pool, and a massive outdoor deck with gorgeous views of the bay down below all come together to create one large social space. Chic lounge chairs, couches, and various tables are lit up by a romantic bonfire at night, and guests are often found sipping cocktails at the small wooden bar that takes over one corner. The deck is wide and sunny (maybe too sunny for some), and the pool area has a pretty trellis covered in pink flowers that shades lounge chairs underneath it. The number of umbrellas is limited, at both the pool and lounge area. It’s not a huge deal since the shaded restaurant has plenty of comfy seats and tables too -- a few that are quite close to the pool.The restaurant here offers a breakfast buffet at an additional fee, featuring fresh fruits, bread, eggs, and sausage. The lunch and dinner menu items are on the expensive side (though prices are comparable with the rest of the island). But dishes are tasty, varied, and include vegetarian or vegan options. The 24-hour fitness center is cramped but offers plenty of modern equipment, including free weights and cardio machines. There are a couple of meeting rooms here, one with a capacity for up to 150 people. Wi-Fi is free but can sometimes be spotty. There are just a few free parking spots on a diagonal next to the hotel, and a bit more open space above it on a dirt lot. Pets are allowed at no extra fee.