This 'hotel' has been marketed as one but is more of a motel than hotel. The place has a casino downstairs and no security guards so if someone gets aggressive or drunk downstairs they have free access to bang down your room door, which is what happened to us and was a frightening experience in a new country on your first night.

The rooms are bog standard, has no fire door or windows. The lounge area has a fire extinguisher that was discoloured and had faded writing so testing equipment as part of health and safety does not occur. The shower had about 5 holes of water spurting out, out of 15 and did not seem clean. The rooms were also shadowy and had a dark and depressing colour scheme. The only good thing is that Joe Mike's supplies a cable box in each room.

Apart from that one 'quality' the location of the motel is within the capital which seemed quite ghetto and unsafe, especially at night. After one night we checked out first thing in the morning and found somewhere much to our taste and standard. We later found out that Joe Mike's is known as a 'knocking shop' and not somewhere where tourists frequent. I think the 'hotel' needs to think about renovating and changing its negative image so it caters for everyone and makes some profit.

Joe Mike's is a small (12 rooms) family owned hotel/restaurant/casino in downtown St. John's, Antigua. My first impression of the hotel was that i was staying in downtown New Orleans. The architecture and feel of the place is identical to some older hotels I have stayed in there.

Housekeeping and front desk staff are wonderful, and happy to give directions or help with anything at all. Hotel has 24 hour security, and if you come back to the hotel after midnight, expect the door to be locked, and a security guard to let you in.

It is within walking distance to everything except the beach. For a beach trip, take a cab about 10-15 minutes to Dickenson's Bay (about $11-$13 US), or 40-45 minutes to Jolly/English Harbour/half Moon Bay.

The hotel is located at the corner of two main streets, Nevis and Corn Alley. As a result, you get the pluses and minuses. It can get quite loud at night if you are in one of the rooms that faces the street. I did use ear plugs to sleep most nights. On the plus side, this is truly the way to experience Antiguan culture and day to day life.

Due to the location, the hotel is especially popular during the Carnival season. they have a balcony that wraps around the building and provides great views of the parades down Corn alley. If you plan on staying during Carnival, make reservations very early. With only 12 rooms, they sell out quickly.

The rooms are older and very small (closet small), but have a bed, bathroom, aircon, and small TV with a ton of cable channels. There is no counter space in the bathroom, but there is a vanity with a chair for makeup, etc. I didn't mind the size of the room, as I had no intention of spending much time there anyway. As an older hotel, it has the typical wear and tear throughout the property.

There are no in-room coffee makers, but there is a very large common area that has coffee, tea, and bottled water available in the mornings, and bottled water and ice the rest of the day. The common area has a large TV as well as free wi-fi (ask the front desk for the password), couches, comfy chairs, etc

It is very safe to walk around downtown during the day. If you are walking at night, it is best not to do so alone (as in any major downtown area).

There is a restaurant downstairs open from 7am to 11pm each day except Sunday, and they serve a wide variety of local Antiguan dishes, cafeteria style. Prices are extremely reasonable, and food is great (never thought I would like curried goat!). If you plan on going for lunch, be prepared to wait a while, as the line of locals is usually about 10-15 deep between 11.30 and 1.30 for lunch.

Also attached to the hotel is a small casino with slots, table games, a bar, and a sports book. The clientèle is predominately local.

The local produce/meat/crafts market is about 4-5 blocks away, as is the cruise ship port with a variety of shops and restaurants.

Overall, I would stay here again.

"First the hotel is in a terrible area. The tiny dirty office also sends and recieves money orders so all kinds of vagrant people are hanging around hoping for money. When I walked in I was hassled by a vagrant because I had not said "excuse me" when his outstretched leg brushed my leg. Believe he was trying to start something. Noisy and dirty. We ended up in a hotel 3 blocks down and could hear the noise from Joe Mikes till 4am for the 3 nights. It seems that no one actualy lives in the town but goes off to the suburbs so consequently no noise restrictions. Stay away at night from St Johns. In the day it is charming. In addtion though the hotel sent me a receipt on my email I never got a reply. If Joe Mkes is all you can afford in Antigua better to stay home.

I spent two weeks and will Always return whenever I can because of the wonderful service.
It is located downtown, St.John's. It is only 20 minutes away from the International Airport. It is run by a family who owns it. There is a wonderful Restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.You have a special choice especially for the local foods of the island. It has a Bar and a full Casino which stays open very late. You are located right in the heart of St.John's where you can walk around town to all the shops for all your needs. If you are a beach person they can make arrangements to take you the the beaches which might be only 30-40 minutes away to the best beaches; which have all kinds of different activities. The Mangement will Always assist you in whatever needs you have and the complete staff is wonderful. It is like home away from home and the weather is very sunny all the time.
This was my third trip in two years and hoping to return next year for vacation.
Sometimes they are all booked up so you have to mak resevations early.
It only has twelve rooms with bathroom and also cable television.
Try it you will like it!!!