Post Recreated: Originally posted - 11 March 2003
After reading all these reports we are in a dilemma about where to stay, we have paid a deposit to stay at the rex but are now unsure if it really is what we are looking for. The run down state of the place sounds very off putting and with all due respect to our OAP’s we are looking to stay with couples of similar ages and interests with nice surroundings to relax in, snorkeling, places of interest to walk to. We can’t afford the prices off the coco reef so any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Our tour op mentioned the Grafton any reports on that would be very helpful.
Where Do We Stay?
- Jill Wooler
- myTobago Editor & Chief Anorak
- Posts: 29
- Joined: Fri Mar 14, 2003 6:00 pm
- Location: Bures, Suffolk, England
- Contact:
Where Do We Stay?
Post Recreated: Originally posted - 11 March 2003
Hi Michelle and Glen It is difficult to recommend one hotel over another as everyone has different tastes and wants different things. I've visited both the Rex Turtle Beach Hotel and the Grafton though, and I would rather stay at the Grafton. It has recently been refurbished and is looking good. We've also heard very good reports about the food since the recent modernisation. Both have excellent beaches, although the Rex Turtle's beach is wider and longer.
Hi Michelle and Glen It is difficult to recommend one hotel over another as everyone has different tastes and wants different things. I've visited both the Rex Turtle Beach Hotel and the Grafton though, and I would rather stay at the Grafton. It has recently been refurbished and is looking good. We've also heard very good reports about the food since the recent modernisation. Both have excellent beaches, although the Rex Turtle's beach is wider and longer.
Jill Wooler
www.myTobago.info
www.myTobago.info
Where Do We Stay?
Post Recreated: Originally posted - 13 March 2003
Hi Michelle and Glen
I'm staying in the Grafton as we speak and can recommend it if you are looking for a quiet hotel with a stunning location. I'm in a sea view room which is very comfortable with air con/fan and a balcony, from which you are a stones throw from a gorgeous beach.
The food has been fine. The menu changes every night for dinner for which the main courses have generally been good, with the starters a little less so but still fine enough. I have heard good reports of the restaurant at the next door Seahorse Inn which I may try later in the week.
I'm in my early 40's (but obviously look much younger) and would say that the average age for clients is around 40-50. There is not much happening in the evenings save for the hotel entertainment - which is variable. Sometimes good fun, though last nights 'Rasta Irish Jig' band seemed to play the same tune for about 3/4 of an hour! It all depends on your taste though!
A couple of slight problems. First there is a water shortage on Tobago at the moment so the water is being switched off for some parts of the day. It is still pretty easy to plan showers etc around the times avaialable - but you need to plan thing a little bit. There is still plenty of time where the water is available. I suspect this is common to all hotels though at the moment and is the price you pay for having such fantastic weather.
The other problem has been a couple of people have had a really unpleasant, drain like smell appear in their rooms. It hasn't persisted but was not very nice for a while. It may be related to the lack of water and certainly hasn't affected all the rooms. Mine has been fine. If there were any problems the staff have been very helpful and I'm sure they would move rooms if you asked - the place does not seem to be full.
Don't be put off by any of this though - the hotel as a whole is very nice and you have a beautiful beach almost to yourselves. The only problem that I have had is that the waves crashing in on the beach in the morning sometimes wake me up a little earlier than normal................but I prefer that to an alarm clock any day!
Hi Michelle and Glen
I'm staying in the Grafton as we speak and can recommend it if you are looking for a quiet hotel with a stunning location. I'm in a sea view room which is very comfortable with air con/fan and a balcony, from which you are a stones throw from a gorgeous beach.
The food has been fine. The menu changes every night for dinner for which the main courses have generally been good, with the starters a little less so but still fine enough. I have heard good reports of the restaurant at the next door Seahorse Inn which I may try later in the week.
I'm in my early 40's (but obviously look much younger) and would say that the average age for clients is around 40-50. There is not much happening in the evenings save for the hotel entertainment - which is variable. Sometimes good fun, though last nights 'Rasta Irish Jig' band seemed to play the same tune for about 3/4 of an hour! It all depends on your taste though!
A couple of slight problems. First there is a water shortage on Tobago at the moment so the water is being switched off for some parts of the day. It is still pretty easy to plan showers etc around the times avaialable - but you need to plan thing a little bit. There is still plenty of time where the water is available. I suspect this is common to all hotels though at the moment and is the price you pay for having such fantastic weather.
The other problem has been a couple of people have had a really unpleasant, drain like smell appear in their rooms. It hasn't persisted but was not very nice for a while. It may be related to the lack of water and certainly hasn't affected all the rooms. Mine has been fine. If there were any problems the staff have been very helpful and I'm sure they would move rooms if you asked - the place does not seem to be full.
Don't be put off by any of this though - the hotel as a whole is very nice and you have a beautiful beach almost to yourselves. The only problem that I have had is that the waves crashing in on the beach in the morning sometimes wake me up a little earlier than normal................but I prefer that to an alarm clock any day!
Where Do We Stay?
Post Recreated: Originally posted - 13 March 2003
Hi Allan Thanks for the update - you lucky bxxxxr, we are sitting in horrible wet cold weather dreaming of Turtles at the mo! Have you managed to see the Rex Turtle Hotel on your travels as it looks as if we will probably have to stay there, as we have already made a deposit? If you’ve got 5mins could you pop down and check it out for my wife as she is panicking about the place. I will email you a big drink if you can!!!! Many thanks Glen & Michelle
Hi Allan Thanks for the update - you lucky bxxxxr, we are sitting in horrible wet cold weather dreaming of Turtles at the mo! Have you managed to see the Rex Turtle Hotel on your travels as it looks as if we will probably have to stay there, as we have already made a deposit? If you’ve got 5mins could you pop down and check it out for my wife as she is panicking about the place. I will email you a big drink if you can!!!! Many thanks Glen & Michelle
- Jill Wooler
- myTobago Editor & Chief Anorak
- Posts: 29
- Joined: Fri Mar 14, 2003 6:00 pm
- Location: Bures, Suffolk, England
- Contact:
Where Do We Stay?
Post Recreated: Originally posted - 13 March 2003
Hi Allan Hope you are enjoying your holiday. Yes, virtually all of Tobago is suffering from water restrictions at the moment.
Hi Glen & Michelle Relax! You'll have a fantastic time at the Rex Turtle Beach. It has, arguably, the best beach location on the island with the most stunning views. The last thing you'll notice is that the hotel could do with a lick of paint. I hope you'll e-mail ME a drink for saying that!
Hi Allan Hope you are enjoying your holiday. Yes, virtually all of Tobago is suffering from water restrictions at the moment.
Hi Glen & Michelle Relax! You'll have a fantastic time at the Rex Turtle Beach. It has, arguably, the best beach location on the island with the most stunning views. The last thing you'll notice is that the hotel could do with a lick of paint. I hope you'll e-mail ME a drink for saying that!
Jill Wooler
www.myTobago.info
www.myTobago.info
Where Do We Stay?
Post Recreated: Originally posted - 14 March 2003
Hi I have also booked at the REX but having read Debs reports of "Just Home" 03 Mar 2003 read them all. sure you will be fine I am looking forward to going now and at that price you can't go wrong, after all as long as its clean and comfy what more can one ask for 14 nights.
Hi I have also booked at the REX but having read Debs reports of "Just Home" 03 Mar 2003 read them all. sure you will be fine I am looking forward to going now and at that price you can't go wrong, after all as long as its clean and comfy what more can one ask for 14 nights.
Where Do We Stay?
Post Recreated: Originally posted - 17 March 2003
Hello again Glen and Michelle. Funnily enough I popped down the road to the Turtle Beach out of curiosity for a quick look before reading your request! I only had a very superficial look at the appearance/location so bear in mind that my impressions could be totally wrong. If I had to chooose between them I would go for the Grafton simply on the basis that the accomodation did look a bit run down and not so attractive at the Rex TB. Having said that, the beach is equally impressive and the bar/reception area looked very nice. To be honest though you are really still chosing between good options. I'm pretty sure that whichever base you end up with you will have a great time. The one thing that I would recommend is that you don't get too tied down by the all-inclusives as there is lots to see and do around the island. I've just come away after working on Tobago for a week and have a week in Port of Spain before rerturning to enjoy Tobago properly for a holiday. Having spent one week there I can't wait to get back. I'm sure you will have a good time whichever option you end up with. Regards Allan
Hello again Glen and Michelle. Funnily enough I popped down the road to the Turtle Beach out of curiosity for a quick look before reading your request! I only had a very superficial look at the appearance/location so bear in mind that my impressions could be totally wrong. If I had to chooose between them I would go for the Grafton simply on the basis that the accomodation did look a bit run down and not so attractive at the Rex TB. Having said that, the beach is equally impressive and the bar/reception area looked very nice. To be honest though you are really still chosing between good options. I'm pretty sure that whichever base you end up with you will have a great time. The one thing that I would recommend is that you don't get too tied down by the all-inclusives as there is lots to see and do around the island. I've just come away after working on Tobago for a week and have a week in Port of Spain before rerturning to enjoy Tobago properly for a holiday. Having spent one week there I can't wait to get back. I'm sure you will have a good time whichever option you end up with. Regards Allan