Ellenbayinn is excited to announce we are newly renovated and under new management. We are located in the breathtaking village of Seatons which is 20 minutes from the airport, and 15 minutes from St John. All of our 365 and more beaches are a 15 to 20 minute drive from the Inn. We invite you to explore and enjoy Fionas Cove which is Seatons local beach and Stingray City. Book to stay with us or drop in and have a coffee at our Cafe located on our property. Looking forward to serving you soon.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Romantic
Location
Seatons Village, Saint Philips 00000 Antigua
Ellen Bay Inn
43 reviews
Getting there
Car recommended
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Ellen Bay Inn was an excellent place for us to stay during our 5-night vacation in Antigua. This family run inn staff treated us like extended family. They picked us up from the airport, arranged for a rental car, provided most of our meals, guided us on places to see and made sure that we enjoyed every moment of our stay. The location is a bit remote and a rental car is recommended. There are no elevators for those challenged with mobility. But the rooms are very clean and there are great views of the bay from the rooms as well as some common areas. The grounds are also very well maintained. A key Antigua tourist attraction - Stingray City - is barely a 5-minute walk from the inn. I strongly recommend this inn to anyone who wants to get a feel for the local hospitality. We are looking forward to our next trip back here in due course of time.
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Date of stay: December 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Â Rental car recommended. Be prepared to use stairs.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Not a top facility but if you are looking for quiet and peace with lots of breeze, then Ellen Bay Inn is top for you. My family and I enjoyed it. It location is so ideal, it offers easy get away around the Island and the beaches. Not far form the Capital city. It is clean and affordable but in terms of food, you have to obtain outside outside. It is good for relaxation especially if you like a windy environment which offers you fantastic views around.
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Date of stay: February 2019
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Take rooms in the upper flat overlooking the roadway
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ellen Bay Inn Antigua, General Manager at Ellen Bay Inn
Responded May 12, 2021
Thank you for staying with us at EllenBayInn. We sincerely appreciate your business and suggestions. We've now added a fully updated Cafe serving delicious breakfasts lunches and dinners. We've also added a coffee bar serving the best coffee cappuccinos espressos and herbal tea on the eastern side of the island. All our suites are renovated and upgraded with new smart TV's and expanded wifi. Again we appreciate your business and suggestions and will do what it takes to make our customers stay a memorable experience.
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Just on the plane heading home from the charter yacht show in Antigua. Wanted to stay somewhere cheaper than the $2,000 packages for rooms near English Harbour area...so found that the combo flight/hotel package had the Ellen Bay Inn & the Ellen Bay Cottages as an inexpensive option for me. I chose Ellen Bay INN...
On the plane, fill in BOTH sides of the customs form!
but let me start at the car rental: I had initially emailed and had a confirmation that "Island Breeze" would be at the airport with a car...but no one from there was or is setup at airport, I discovered. I ended up, for the same price, $45 US/day, renting a Toyota Corolla from St. John's. They have Hertz & a few other big names but I chose a smaller company...and no one had attitude or anything! The Antiguan people are super nice, I really enjoyed that aspect of it.
But I digress....the car I got...as I was signing the visa slip they hold, he handed me a map and said "oh and you drive on the left side of the road, you know"....eeek! I even researched car rental and it never really came up that they were right hand drive!! I had debated about getting a car...but when I thought of the inn location versus the docks..and I like to go where and when I want....a car was the super smart way to go, I applauded myself...however....driving on the left hand side from the passenger side of the car....hah hah...that was an event in itself...and people just pull over everywhere and you have to go around them, and someone may pass you....and the roads are just two cars wide with potholes and drop offs onto more potholed shoulders! And when you turn into a parking lot....stay to the left!! The funniest thing was when I got to the Inn, I was trying to be sure I had locked the car, I am on the left side, Canadian driver's side....looking for the key hole...as the remote did not see to work....so I am starting to get nervous thinking: well if the remote doesn't work..and the car is locked...and there is no key hole, how do I get in?! So, yes, I laughed out loud when I realized....driver's door is on the other side!! quite funny when you are also told to drive up onto the grass and it had just rained and it was so slippery I could barely get up the incline...and the car almost bottoms out as the incline meets the huge asphalt chunk at the side of the road...
Ok, so I get in the car..with the map from the car rental place, which was great, by the way, no kidding! The girl there told me how many lights and roundabouts to the inn general area...and I had GREAT directions from Monique Abbott: Ok, just to be clear: Ellen Bay Inn and Ellen Bay Cottages were both built by the Abbotts, the parents, whose names I apologize I did not get. The parents stay mostly at the Inn, which is higher up and has six rooms, and the kitchen & Miriam the awesome cook. Sharon is the daughter of the Inn & Cottage owners. She runs the Inn, and came running out to greet me and knew my name and everything....she is amazing. She is now helping her parents, as is her brother, who manages the Cottages. The neighbors with the birds are next to the cottages...and can be noisy, I walked down there. Very tropical, near the water, but a bit squawky for sure. The Inn has a neighbor with 9 dogs....who barked one night and kept us all up, but another night were quiet...if you go for a walk, the dogs may run at you so I had a big stick and had no problems. Two donkeys surprised me, and herd of goats here and there, but otherwise, nice to walk around.
Back to driving...Monique who gave such great directions is Sharon's daughter and lives in Toronto! Monique does all the emails and is great with information and everything. I followed the map and the instructions...all the while gripping the wheel and wondering what I had gotten myself into....I made some turns where I thought were right, and then one roundabout...I just knew I had headed the wrong direction, due to the sun location ...so I carefully turned around...and just when you think that maybe you are heading in the wrong directions....you see a sign! And the directions that said to turn left at the church and then where to turn when you see the cottages signs or the inn signs...it was great.
Miriam cooks great light curry meals with local vegetables...extra charge for dinners You can have breakfast cooked too, anything you want, really. You can buy water & beer is only $2, so the best value!! Buy some provisions elsewhere though if you want snacks or want to put stuff in the little bar fridge in your room! Rooms are super clean, large, with a huge shower (no tub) in mine. Shampoo & conditioner & soap supplied...I ended up using conditioner as moisturizer as I forgot mine and forgot to buy any!! I noticed the "no-seeum" bites, like sand fleas, on my legs and actually spotted some of really tiny black flies, barely the size of a period in a sentence. I felt them when I was having dinner...and ended up having about a dozen or so bites. Wore long sleeves at night after the second night (took me a while to clue in!) and only had a few more once I realized what they were....the bedding was spotless so I knew it was not that!! the room smelled clean and had free wifi too...I never even turned on the TV. Loud cricket-type sounds at night, the full moon night was the worst! My last night there was very quiet.
The hospitality was amazing...they want you to be happy at the Inn! I told them I was leaving at 7:00 am for a seminar and Miriam knocked on my door at 6:30 am asking if I wanted tea: scared the heck out of me as I was still half asleep, had just showered and wondered who was at my door at that time...I said "you got the wrong room", hah! Then I saw it was her....we laughed.
The Cottages does not have a kitchen service, but you can cook your own food there. There is more of a community feel there from what I saw when I walked by...I heard many languages of people coming and going from there. Again, many visitors had a rental car....it was worth the driving stress for sure! At the end of the day when they served my dinner, (I opted to eat dinner there each night so I knew I would get a good, large meal at least once a day) I always had one beer as my reward for driving on the roads!
Ok, when I was at the harbour, I found out about Shirley's Heights (great history in Antigua and thank you to others who write reviews, very helpful) ....so at Nelson Dockyards, which is also a park, (and there is a great museum there with donation only to get in - & yes the bakery was open so I bought three amazing squares and scarfed them down!) I asked the park attendant if I could drive to Shirley's Heights, (this is where you see all those Antigua bay pictures from ) she said yes, you can...and told me how...so I paid my park entry fee, and I did it...also went to the other two spots up there, the interpretation centre, (worth it for the little info show and the ruins & view) and the other "not so clear what it was" area...but at the top....the views were amazing.
At the heights (where they have bands on Sun nites and people go to watch the sundown, a few vendors were there and was the only time I had actually been approached and she tried to engage me in "let me tell you what you are looking at", so I told her I knew the harbour (just because I had been there a few hours ago!) and I did know what I was looking at....so I told her I would come look at her stuff later...and she left me alone....so of course I walked around where I did not have to go by her & the other vendors again, as I did not want anything...and I really like to just take my pictures and enjoy the feeling of being there, in the moment, not having to politely tell someone who spots my blonde hair and pale skin that I do not want to buy anything as I know they will pressure me to...I will buy like I did from a lady up at the top of the other place who was busy making the stuff while she just called out to me to look, that was it..I then saw something and she came running out and after some bargaining....and she pointed out that the gift item I was buying may not fit a man and showed me one that would fit my guy...so that was nice. Mostly I cannot, nor do I want to, carry anything breakable or heavy in my tiny carry on bags, (which I take delight in carrying!) so I am not going to buy expensive vases or beads just because...
Anyways, I digress...as usual!
The last touristy thing I did was drive to Devil's bridge...now, why did anyone not mention the horrid dirt/rock road that is the last few kilometers of the way...omg it was worse than any road I have ever driven on! And: driving there was an adventure, there is a town you go through called Paradise, (most of these towns are very similar to African villages...) the road is only once car wide with a drop off....so you are holding your breath as someone comes towards you...and when you drive there from Pares Road, there are a couple of "Devil's Bridge" signs, but you have to look for them and will want know where the turns are from a map before you start driving....again, you will think you are on the wrong road...but just keep going...the dirt road starts when you turn right...where the one way says "do not enter", just keep to the left and turn right! Then, dirt road all the way there....a young British/Australian? ;-) couple zoomed by me on a dune-type ATV, and got there just before I did. Go up a steep hill, it all feels surreal...come to a big open area, there is no sign saying "you have arrived"...you just have to know it is right on the ocean....so you just walk towards the water and you hear the booming water....overall, all the tourist info online says "do not walk across it"...so what does the young fellow on the dune buggy do, he walks over it as he says "we've come this far"....and as he flinched when a big wave came up, I thought "and you aren't going any further...." I took pics of him in case I had to prove that no one had kidnapped him, nor did his girlfriend push him off, he had done something foolish....(watching too many crime shows at home, are we?! ;-)
sorry for the long winded review, as usual... hopefully I helped! ;-)
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Date of stay: December 2014
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip:Â all rooms are good, the Ellen Bay INN is farther from the bird sanctuary which is next to the...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from EllenBayInn, Manager at Ellen Bay Inn
Responded Mar 23, 2015
Thank you very much for your review! It was so detailed and on point. I was able to walk through your journey. We are pleased that you enjoyed your stay! Oh yes, only one correction, the Inn is owned by the David's!
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This is definitely not the place to go. While the property is nice, the food is substandard. At times there is no water to shower with or to flush your toilet until they get a water delivery. There are unknown charges once you check out for food and the so-called Bush tea that the old man is going to convince you to try. The rooms are pretty dusty but then again it is the Caribbean. Mosquitoes and otherwise are expected but what you don't expect is a TV that has no cable in for an antenna to watch channels. The air conditioner in the closet blows air like someone blowing out birthday candles. Again while the property is nice it's in a very run-down area. Nothing cute about it. The overlook if you are upstairs it's nice when you wake up to look out on the water but that's about it. It's just not the best place to stay. I know they will say they're under new management. It's a family-owned business so the new management is the same Management in the family.. they have a second property The cottages a short walk away not sure if that's any better. Also if you do end up staying there beware of the offers to take you into town by car. They never mentioned how much it is but you will get hit with a bill at the end of your stay. It's about 35 to 45 dollars going and coming. They will drop you into town and leave you there all day wondering around and then pick you up. They will never mention how much it cost so always ask questions and insist on getting the price.
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Date of stay: January 2025Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ellen Bay Inn Antigua, General Manager at Ellen Bay Inn
Responded 1 week ago
Hi there we would like to apologize that you had an unpleasant time. It is unfortunate that you were unable to shower and even watch television. However all the negative things you mentioned are false. Ima truly disappointed that you would smear a property just so you can satisfy your conscience. The mosquitoes are not our control and you should have travelled with insect repellent to be prepared. Our driver will never transport you without arranging a drop off and pick up time and also he would have advise you of the cost. Also you didn't have to have the bush tea when recommended to you. Sorry that you were not pleased.
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This was the worst place i have stayed in a very long time. Upon checking in the kitchen staff had to open the room which i found ants on the bed and bathroom counter. The owner was non helpful and blamed it on things i had brought with me. The food is over-priced with quality being extremely bad. The place is located so far out if you dont have a car, a taxi will take $50 usd to get you anywhere. I do not suggest this place at all. Bring cash as nowhere on Antigua can you run a card.
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled on business
Room Tip:Â Do not come here
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ellen Bay Inn Antigua, General Manager at Ellen Bay Inn
Responded Oct 9, 2023
We were experiencing personnel issues. We are now under new management and major upgrades. Looking forward upon reopening January 2024.
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Only used the cafe for a spot of lunch as we had visited the nearby Stingray City. Please don’t bother very little choice just breakfasts……it was 1pm. Food was really pretty poor, I was worried about eating it to be honest. Two coffee’s a bit of toast for my wife and eggs potato and sausage for me came to 70 XCD so very expensive for poor quality food. Don’t go unless you have too.
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Date of stay: January 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ellen Bay Inn Antigua, General Manager at Ellen Bay Inn
Responded Jan 25, 2023
So sorry that you didn't have a good experience the food menu and presentation. We do not only offer Breakfast on our Menu, we also offer lunch, unless you ask to see the breakfast menu. In this time with COVID things are overly expensive so you must expect to spend a little more. $70.00 XCD $26.00 is still reasonable for breakfast. Again, we would like to apologize.
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Service was horrible, the front desk lady was very rude and made us feel like we were bothering her. Room was full of bugs and spider's. No hot water. The website says that there is free breakfast, but that isn't true. She will charge you.
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ellen Bay Inn Antigua, General Manager at Ellen Bay Inn
Responded Dec 10, 2022
Thank you for your review. It's unfortunate that you spent 11 hours on our property as a last minute booker with so much to say. You arrived with your partner did what you had to do and left our property in the morning. We welcome all customers, however, integrity and honesty is extremely important. You made no complaints about water, bugs or spiders in your 11 hours. You arrived super late and had little no interaction with the Inn keeper. We offer all guests continental breakfast at no cost. There is a menu in which you can order from for full breakfast. I would strongly suggest you book for your needs in the future not for price and convenience.
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On very short notice, I decided to go to Antigua for 4 days by myself. I generally avoid the large resorts and prefer cozy, friendly places with real people. Ellen Bay Inn was perfect for me, even traveling by myself. Louie picked me up at the airport, and Genivive cooked me two wonderful evening meals and light breakfasts. One day I rented a bike and rode it to Devils Bridge. Another day I took the public bus into St. Johns. My room was simple but quite comfortable. The A/C really works well, and the free WiFi is tops. If you do not need to stay right on the beach, and an off-the-beaten path location is OK, this small inn is great.
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Date of stay: March 2013
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed at Ellen Bay Inn and had an beautiful experience there. The family who own Ellen Bay are very welcoming and really helpful. The rooms are big, airy, well equipped and clean. The area has a shop round the corner and a bus route so you can get round to the capital, St Johns. The views from the Inn are gorgeous looking right over the sea. It is a very peaceful area so you will not be woken by bars or traffic and the family cook absolutely delicious dinner. Its good to hire a car as you can see a lot more of Antigua that way but Leon who owns the Inn is happy to give lifts into town or to and from the airport. Thoroughly enjoyed the stay at Ellen Bay Inn with the wonderful Davis family. Would go back in a heartbeat and would highly recommend Ellen Bay Inn to everyone!
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Date of stay: December 2012
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
After a very long journey we were informed no food was available as the chef had gone home, breakfast was not included despite having written confirmation that it was, there was no hot water and a pack of barking dogs awoke us in the early hours every morning. We found alternative accommodation as soon as we could.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2015
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from EllenBayInn, Manager at Ellen Bay Inn
Responded Mar 19, 2015
Hello there, I am sorry that you did not enjoy your stay. As it pertains to our kitchen is open upon request for either breakfast, lunch, or dinner. We ask for advance meal notice, as we are a small Inn. We try to accommodate all visitors by being prepared in advance. We are also located in the rural area of the island, therefore, offering a more "Antiguan" experience as oppose to being at an All Inclusive. I do hope you enjoyed the balance of your stay Antigua.
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There are more places to choose from in the Saint Philips area.
PRICE RANGE
C$128 - C$162 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
CaribbeanAntigua and BarbudaAntiguaSaint Philip ParishSaint Philips
NUMBER OF ROOMS
10
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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