Opinion Pole

[Suzanne]

I'm going to Tobago for the first time and I'm sooooo excited. All you Tobago veterans can help me greatly by answering one question:

Which side of the island is better to stay on...Atlantic (The Hilton) vs Caribbean (The Mount Irvine)? Beaches, restaurants, nightlife.

Steve gave great insight into the two hotels and I'd like to hear what anyone else that's been to Tobago thinks.

[Dr Stefan Rustscheff]

Hello Suzanne, and welcome to a beautiful Isle! I would say that the main difference between east and west is that the beaches and snorkeling are by far better on the western side. On the other hand, the diving around speyside in the north-east is spectacular. I always go west to Englishman´s bay, but every part of the isle has its supporters.
Best of luck!

Dr Stefan Rustscheff

[David Watkins]

Hi Suzanne,for me definitely the Carubbean side.The sea is generally calmer and the sunsets and moonsets are astounding.
Enjoy your stay in Paradise,David

[Grant Mchattie]

Hi Suzanne,

My wife and I always stay on the Atlantic side. The breeze ( some would say wind, but compared with the west coast of Scotland it is a light zephyr) is stronger there, but this means it stays much fresher and less humid than on the Caribbean side.

You mentioned the Hilton, and the beach there is long and nearly always empty because a lot of the residents take the free shuttle over to Pigeon Point and lie on the beach there.

I think it depends on what you want, but it is all great no matter where you stay.

Have a great time

Grant

[Neil Roberts]

Dear Suzanne,
My favourite bay is the one at Bacolet on the Atlantic side next to the Blue Haven Hotel; in my opinion, it's the most attractive spot on the island. However, the surf generally made it of little use for proper swimming when we visited. After that, it has to be the caribbean side, Castara possibly, or perhaps Batteaux Bay on the Atlantic side, or perhaps.............

One way or the other, I'm sure you'll find a favourite of your own.

Kind regards,

Neil Roberts.

[Bryn]

Hi Suzanne,

Great to see another Canadian on the board!

Hmmmm....the BIG decision! I prefer to stay on the Atlantic side but play on the Caribbean side. The Atlantic is breezier which not only keeps the air refreshingly cooler, but also keeps the mosquitos away. The later is wonderful, as there's nothing worse than spending your vacation scratching

When we went last year we stayed in a rental villa at the Plantations. It was wonderful and we had an excellent time. We are going again in March and I just can't wait! If you'd like to chat further please feel free to email. [email protected]

Cheers!
Bryn

[Suzanne]

Hi Again Everyone

I think the vibe I'm getting is that it's all good in Tobago! The beach and sunsets are the draw on the Caribbean side while the cooling breeze is a bonus to escape the humidity (and mosquitoes) on the Atlantic side. I think it now comes down to the Hotels. As I said in an earlier post, I am inclined to stay at the Hilton because it's livelier than the Mount Irvine and the Hilton also offers shuttles to Pigeon Point. But I'm not ruling Mount Irvine out because I'm in a wheelchair and would benefit from their larger rooms and calmer ocean to swim in. Hmmm, anyone prefer on hotel over the other?

I'm sooooo excited!

Thanks for the replies everyone

Suzanne

[Grant Mchattie]

Hi Suzanne,

We have stayed at the Hilton several times over the past few years and are booked for October again.

We have had no problems on any of the stays and would recommend it to anyone. The surf might be a bit higher than on the Caribbean side, but there are 3 pools - one main and two satellite pools. There is full wheelchair access to the main pool and if my memory serves me, there is only one small step from the ramp to the pool deck around the satellite pools.

Hope this helps

Grant