Arnos Vale Hotel - Reader Reports & Opinion
These reports are a combination of questions and comment posted in our Arnos Vale Hotel forum and visitor reports added via the 'Add Report' tab above. The votes awarded are weighted by volume and date to give a truer representation of reader satisfaction [more details].
Reader Satisfaction Ranking: 
Weighted ranking based on 26 votes = 2.6 (max 5)
Guest Report
Paul Joseph from Guyana visited in November 2010 and awarded 
Hi people my name is paul joseph and i work there from november 2007 2 april 2011 it is a beautiful place to stay its surroundings are breath taking bird watching snorkeling a walk trough the trail to the top hill to watch the sunset or a trip to the water wheel is just amazing the food is off the hook. The owener is a very nice person sorry i cant say that about the rest (no disrespect) but i realy think the mangagement needs to come to par to keep this place as it use to be. The need to have a tight security with a good work force all & all its awonderfull place to stay when u r in tobago hats of 2 u boss just keep it going i will be back soon jah bless one love paul
Guest Report
Donna Riley from U.S.A. visited in May 2010 and awarded 
Our stay at Arnos Vale was way above our expectations. Whatever may have transpired in the past we got a clear sense that the management of the hotel was doing their best to improve.
We were the only guests in the hotel - while this can seem a bit creepy, they clearly had our security in mind and took good care of us. It perhaps should also be noted that there were also very few guests at the other hotels we visited for drinks (Blue Haven and Coco Reef) - it was just too late in the season for crowds anywhere. The upside for us was that we had the entire property to ourselves - nothing but sounds of ocean waves and chirping birds all day and night.
Our room was absolutely lovely, with two balconies high in the trees overlooking the vale and the ocean - perfect for relaxing and idle bird watching. Gorgeous old mahogany furniture including a 4-poster king sized bed, a seating area with couch and two chairs, dresser, nightstands, vanity with mirror - deluxe accommodations for the low price of $100 US! The room had an air conditioner, TV, hair dryer, and refrigerator - everything we needed, all working without a hitch. A short walk down the garden path (with flowering trees and shrubs and mango trees producing fruit for the taking) led to the beach, which had the best snorkeling we could find on Tobago, and had a good balance of warm sun and palm-lined shade. The dive shop was active renting gear, and the beach bar offered lunch. We saw other people on the beach, at the dive shop, and at the beach restaurant, as well as walking through to look at birds - most frequently at breakfast or for tea, when the birds are fed. While this site suggested the birds have gone because they aren't being fed, we found them to be fed regularly and well during our stay -- and we found far more species present at Arnos Vale than at Grafton-Caledonia Reserve, which we visited during an afternoon feeding.
We ate dinner at Arnos Vale one night in their open dining area with carved teak tables and chairs overlooking the vale and the ocean beyond. While the selection was limited given that we were the only ones there, our dinner was lovely - an appetizer of bruschetta and entree of rack of lamb with mashed potatoes and vegetables. The lamb was grilled to perfection and the mashed potatoes were to die for - something about the spices we couldn't quite identify - but wow! While the prices seemed high - about $50 US per person for dinner - we soon discovered we were spending this much at other restaurants we visited (including MotMot and the Fish Pot) - we found the food was equally good and equally pricey at these three.
We ate continental breakfast at Arnos Vale regularly as well - a big plate full of fresh local fruit (bananas, pineapple, mango, melon), plus toast, marmalade, and baked goods available with coffee, tea, and juice. At $12 US, this was quite reasonable.
The location of the hotel was perfect for us - we rented a car and were interested in being able to explore other parts of the island during the day, but also able to access restaurants in Scarborough and Crown Point relatively easily. We aren't fans of highly developed resorts, and loved both the charm and natural setting of Arnos Vale.
All in all, the hotel was an amazing value and we feel fortunate to have been able to stay there. It has a rich history and while it clearly has suffered recently, it seemed to us to be back on the right track!
Guest Report
Sue Smith from U.S.A. visited in January 2010 and awarded 
My Husband was taking a diving course off of their beach so I went to watch and wait I was told very rudely bu a woman guard I was not welcome this was a private beach for residents only. DO NOT GO TO THIS BEACH YOU ARE NOT WELCOME we go to Tobago every year for the Winter and everyone else on the Island seems very friendly except at this Hotel Beware,,,,,,
Guest Report
Taylor from U.K. visited in January 2010 and awarded
We booked for a fortnight at the end of January to join friends as we had enjoyed staying there five years ago. Despite some bad reports we were happy to return to a simply run and relaxed hotel in a wonderful setting.
During dinner a a bottle of champagne and pair of sandals were stolen from our locked room while we were at dinner and reported to the management. Exhausted afer our flight from the UK, we were just falling asleep with a knock on the door and while my husband answered it, a person had crawled into the room from the terrace door and stole my handbag placed carefully alongside my side of the bed. I woke and screamed for him to get out which he did, with the handbag he must seen through the curtains placing there as I got ready for bed before the light was put out. This contained all my papers, money, and cards and medication. The police were called and much of the rest of the night was spent while they questioned us and took notes. Two other rooms had been burgled that night and it transpired later that everyone staying at Arnos Vale had had property stolen.
We left the following morning and switched to the safety of the Blue Haven (where we had also stayed previously. Much holiday time was spent seeing police and the Honorary British Consul. The bravura and methods displayed point to drug-driven criminality from within the hotel. This is borne out by the sad decline in standards of management in what used to be a happy and beautifully situated hotel. The wife of the owner tried hard to make us happy but it was clear that we could not sleep safely in our bed, thefts nowithstanding.
It is so sad that good Tobagans are struggling to keep the tourist industry going when such harm is being done by drug driven criminals protected by their families. The police need to be given the confidence to take a firm and professional hand. Arnos Vale was such a special place.
Guest Report
Nancy Mchenry from U.S.A. visited in June 2008 and awarded 
My husband and I enjoyed our stay at Arnos Vale - not for the accommodations, but for the lovely grounds, location, amenities and staff. Our greeting at the front desk was warm and welcoming. When we were brought to our room, our first impression was a bit disappointed because the rooms seemed a bit outdated.
After we began getting acquainted with the staff, the grounds, the pool, the beach, the snorkeling, the birds, and the wildlife, we realized we made a good choice by staying at Arnos Vale. The staff worked very hard to make sure our stay was delightful. They even served us complementary fruit punch after our snorkel and complemtentary wine with dinner.
We did not travel to the Caribbean to stay in our room, but to enjoy the island delights. Although the room was not up to par, we were not disappointed at Arnos Vale.
Do not miss the snorkeling on the reef in the Arnos Vale Bay, the 4:00pm feeding of the birds, the late night bats feeding at the hummingbird feeders, and the early morning bird feeding.
Go to page: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Next
Return to the search listing page
