Admiral's Inn

Admiral's Inn

, English Harbour, English Harbour, Antigua.

The Admiral’s Inn is a luxury hotel within Nelson’s Dockyard and English Harbour. The main building was completed in 1788. The ground floor was used to store pitch, turpentine and lead, and there were offices upstairs. The bricks used in the building were brought over from England as ship’s ballast, and it is said that the ballast used on the return trip was mostly rum. Meanwhile 100 yards across the smooth waters of English Harbour is the Gunpowder House (it’s former purpose needs no explanation) where there are four deluxe junior suites, the Boom restaurant and a swimming pool. A free shuttle boat carries guests to and fro.

Sitting right on the water’s edge, the Admiral’s Inn has a pleasant garden and terrace facing the hotel’s private jetty, and a small private beach alongside.

The ground floor of the main building houses the reception area, a large lounge and a bar. The ship’s plan hung behind the bar is of Lord Nelson’s ship, HMS Boreas. This plan is a photographic copy of the original Admiralty drawing of the vessel. The frame surrounding the plan is of lignum vitae, and is an original door frame from one of the entrances to the building.

Pillars restaurant stands in front of the hotel, where the tree-shaded terrace is a delightful place to sit and dine, looking out over the water. Local seafood is the speciality, and the a la carte menu uses fresh local produce whenever possible. The stone pillars which give the restaurant its name once supported a large boat house with a sail loft above. Boom, is the new poolside restaurant at Gunpowder House, having spectacular views looking back over Dockyard and the harbour. This is the place for informal fresh lunches and your favourite cocktail or glass of wine.

Standard and Superior Rooms are located on the first and second floors of the main building and the adjoining 18th century annexe. Depending on choice they have harbour views, hillside views or a patio and a garden view. Beds are king-size or twin and they all feature all the facilities one would expect from a hotel of this calibre.

The Deluxe Loft Suites in the restored joiner’s loft feature an all-wood decor and a spacious sitting area with a pull-out queen couch and spectacular views of the dockyard and the bay. The two suites can be interconnected for a group of family or friends.

The Deluxe Gunpowder Suites are located across the water in the Gunpowder House and the adjacent cottages. Each suite has a four-poster bed, sitting area, desk and private bathroom with a shower. They are all close to the large infinity pool wit hviews of Nelson’s Dockyard.