The Catamaran Hotel

A long, unassuming residential street in Antigua leads to a simple archway marking the entrance to The Catamaran Hotel. This boutique, family-owned inn occupies its namesake marina and has been around since 1968. First opened by yachtsman Hugh Bailey, it's now cared for by his daughter Feona. As one of the first black-owned hotels in Antigua -- and one of the few that has stayed that way through plenty of change on the island -- the hotel was initially a place for sailors and temporary workers on the island to rest their heads. Over the years, it slowly gained popularity among international tourists for its authentic Caribbean charm and ideal location on Falmouth Harbor.The secluded property has managed to maintain a laid-back, homey vibe that still appeals to modern-day guests. The tiny reception area is charmingly cluttered with local flyers, and a corner library lets guests trade in gently used books. Colorful mosaic-tile pathways lead to the rooms and beach, where guests lounge on private hammocks and listen to the water lap against the shore.Couples are often attracted here by the privacy of the beach and reasonable room rates, as are self-sufficient travelers who appreciate the full kitchens standard to each room. Guests come from all over, but most are repeat guests from Canada, the U.S., or the U.K. 

This relaxed hotel is on Catamaran Marina in Falmouth Harbor. The immediate surrounding neighborhood offers just a few choices for dining. It's three minutes on foot to Sweet T’s, which has Caribbean-style burgers and wraps. Nearby there are also a cake shop and local grocery store. Otherwise, there’s little else within walking distance, but English Harbor is seven minutes away by car and has a wide range of dining choices. For example, there's Abracadabra, a popular spot for dinner and late-night gatherings. The hotel is an eight-minute drive from Nelson’s Dockyard and 10 minutes by car from Pigeon Beach. It’s a bit of a hike -- about 30 minutes by car -- to St. John's and the restaurants in that area. The international airport is 30 to 40 minutes away by car. 

The large rooms here face the sea and are in surprisingly good shape, considering how long the hotel has been in operation. One of the major selling points here is that all rooms are mere steps from the sand -- this is one of the few places around where guests can actually hear waves break on the shore at night. Each room also has balcony or terrace space with seating to take advantage of the setting. Entry-level rooms offer simple white walls and beige linoleum floors, while some higher categories resemble a ship's cabin, with wooden walls and exposed ceiling beams. Decor across categories is outdated -- multicolored-striped curtains, tropical-print bedspreads, and wooden palm tree-shaped lamps. Tube-style TVs, scuffed walls, and worn furniture all make appearances, but rooms still feel cheerful, much like the Caribbean owners of the hotel. There are some homey touches, such as four-poster beds with carved wooden posts, and comforting extras like shag rugs and personal hammocks. Full kitchens further elevate rooms' appeal. All have sinks, full-size refrigerators, stoves, toasters, coffeemakers, tea kettles, cookware, and utensils. Higher-category rooms may have more modern, stainless steel appliances as well as flat-screen TVs. However, while rooms have coffeemakers and filters, some don't come with actual coffee. Bathrooms are clean and small, with a dated look and older tilework. Most space is taken up by generously sized raised walk-in showers or shower/tub combos.  

While all beaches are public in Antigua, this one is tiny and nestled behind the hotel entrance, so it rarely draws non-guests. Once a marsh, this manmade beach is pleasant, despite somewhat murky water and seaweed lining most of the sandy bottom. There are also several boats parked along the perimeter. Almond trees grant some shade and a handful of lounge chairs are organized in a perfect row along the center. Several kayaks and mini-sailboats are available here for free guest use as well. The beach is part of Catamaran Marina (and owned by the same family), so the harbor shares space with a handful of yachts and sailboats. A family of pelicans seems to have made the beach their home, too, providing a good opportunity for bird-watching as they make their daily dives for fish. The small pool overlooks the beach area. While the pool area is clean and pretty, with a wooden deck and several cushioned loungers, it lacks shade and only has a couple of umbrellas. The restaurant is simple and straightforward, with pricey options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On arrival, guests receive a ticket for a free rum punch at the small bar, where there's a handful of other spirits. Room service is also available. While Wi-Fi is free, it works best in the reception area and can be spotty everywhere else. The hotel also features a mini book-swap in the lobby.