Over the past year or so I have stated at VCH several times, on business-related trips of about one week duration each. The last trip was at the end of March this year (2011).

The staff picked me up -- at the Vere Bird Int'l Airport and at the Deep Water Harbour for different trips [about 15 - 20 mins travel time, off peak traffic hours, at the local speed limit, roads are LH drive, 2-lane asphalt top] -- and were uniformly courteous, friendly and supportive.

The first floor [UK count] apartments have been well laid out, with a kitchenette- dining- living area leading up a flight of stairs to a double bed and adjoining shower-bath, with cable TV. A/C is provided, but screened windows allow the trade winds to do a very good job of natural ventilation for those not happy with the artificial atmosphere provided by air conditioning. Just as is in the pictures in the hotel's own web site.

Temperatures in the EC are usually low-mid 80's F during day, sinking to 70's at night.

There is a parking area, there is a gym downstairs, and the 20 or 22 buses to and from the bus station in St Johns next to the Vere Bird statue/portrait -- painted in real life colours (how the old Greek statues really were) -- pass right by the front gate; just ask for the Gym over the Bridge.

A gas station with a convenience store is around the corner, on the road to the S. Across town, there are several reasonable supermarkets. Be prepared for Caribbean -- imported and dutied -- prices on grocery items. Be prepared for the same on gas prices.

The location, beyond "Golden Grove" [IIRC] and across from Big Creek, over the Chinese Friendship Bridge, is just outside of St Johns, about 1/2 mile from the State College. The road passing by the front leads on to the South part of Antigua.

The beach is a short hike away, though I have had no reason to use it.

(Maybe I should bring a travel rod with 6 or 10 lb thin diameter line and some 1/4 oz or so shad tail baits next time -- small, Walleye size will do, from experience on a next door island, 30 miles away; and in Barbados, 300 miles away -- and try for a jack or two; a sand-bug or a bit of shrimp should pick up a small pompano or croaker or small scaled threadfin or the like in the inshore wash or the first dropoff; panfish sized and fit for the pan too. That might be a useful early morning hike. The creek under the bridge may have interesting prospects, too.)

As a former graduate student who lived on the Mona Campus UWI Ja in a very similar apt [2nd floor, UK count] and as an owner of a Strata Plan 2-BR in New Kgn Ja of similar plan, this apt is suitable for the regional or international business traveller who wants a small and conveniently located hotel rm/apt to serve as a base for business operations, or for students in an offshore school.

Suitable for short trips or fairly extended stays for students at an offshore school or the like.

GEM of TKI

PS: By now, as you can imagine, the staff are friends not just arms-length business acquaintances. Typical of the Caribbean.