Guest Report

[Gareth & Sue]

My wife and I have just completed stays at four Tobago vacation rentals over a 5-week period. Parrot Estate Villa (PEV) was one of them (1 week) and we had expected it to be the highlight of our vacation. In some respects, it was, but some aspects of it were the lowest-rated of our four rentals.

The things we liked: well-organised property owner with very helpful vacation planning information; friendly and engaging property manager (Jason); privacy on the 1-acre site; tranquil views; steady hilltop breezes; relaxing in the gazebo; eating meals on the verandah; cooling in the pool; watching the birds and wildlife (agoutis).

Our disappointment was the condition of the property, which was evident on arrival. We started to draft this review with a list of things in need of “TLC” (the phrase used by the last two writers in the guest book). However, it is easier to say that nearly everything we used or looked at would have benefited from some attention. Each item on its own could be readily overlooked, but the totality of it was disappointing … and we almost injured ourselves the first time we tried to sit on the living room couch. Also making a poor first impression was the bathroom sinks, microwave and stove had not been cleaned after the last guests.

We believe the rental rate was fairly set compared to the other three properties at which we stayed, so PEV’s rate does include a modest discount for the condition of the property. And out of curiosity while staying at PEV, we visited the other nearby rental properties that we had originally considered before choosing PEV. In hindsight we concluded that PEV was still the optimal choice for us in this area.

So in summary, we cautiously recommend this property for a relaxing, private, quiet stay amid beautiful scenery and close to our favourite Tobago beach, Englishman’s Bay. Just be aware of the property’s condition.