Which hotel to choose in Antigua? October half term

[bronsta]

I am hoping to book a holiday for me and my two kids (9 and 5) this October half term. At the moment I am torn between three choices:
Grand pineapple (the cheapest by far)
Verandah Spa
St James Club
This will be my first holiday abroad alone with my kids and I want somewhere they will have lots of fun, freedom and other kids to play with and where I can get a bit of relaxation.
Any one got any thoughts or been to one of these and able to advise? Thanks

Years ago went to Antigua for honeymoon
Jolly beach is I think now pineapple
If its been done up lovely
If not it will be v tired and I dot think security is v good as open onto public beach
James club has v good rep
Verandah is lovely but only recently started taking under 12's so not sure how child friendly it actually is
As an aside it was v unpopular with locals due to wiping out a load of land for development...

Hi bronsta

Verandah resort is lovely. Rooms are good size and lovely pool .

We went to Jolly Beach Resort this summer, t'was lovely. Definitely not a re-furbed Pineapple. It's been established there for many years and the beach is beautiful. White sand and turquoise sea and very very calm. The main pool is huge and starts off shallow in places, and has fountains, waterfall and is just gorgeous for children

We went to Blue Waters for our honeymoon 10 years ago and it was lovely. Check TripAdvisor for current reviews.

I am hoping to go to Blue Waters soon!

I've been to blue waters... Amazing and there was kids there but not really 'kid friendly' as such. So it has pools but no slides or games or anything like that.

Have done blue waters, lovely but agree not ideal for kids. Have heard good things about st James club. If remember rightly the pineapple is a yellow block of flats? Think it is lot cheaper for a reason. Read the tripadvisor reviews they can be helpful. Have a great time.

We went to St James Club last year with our Ds, who were the same age as yours. The boys loved it, the kids club was amazing. We normally spend the holiday as a family but the boys were asking to go to kids club instead!
The food was average for the price but the location and free watersports were great.
The kids club was really flexible, any time for as long as the DC wanted to stay - they often preferred to have their dinner in the club with their friends and a movie instead of with us!