My 2006 review of Tobago

[Bryn]

First, I must say that this was my third visit to Tobago but the first time we have travelled with our daughter who is 8 months old. Travelling with a baby is definitely a different experience. We had an enjoyable time although we didn't get out and about as much as on previous trips. It was just easier to stay at the resort with the baby. We cooked in most nights and stayed by the pool during most days.

I have to say that we were a bit disappointed this time. We're not in as much of a hurry to go back, unlike previous trips where we didn't want to leave.....I was ready to head home. We noticed that the prices for everything from groceries, restaurants, real estate....everything.....have gone up quite a bit in the past 2 years. The locals are even paying the tourist prices. Restaurants are charging North American prices but without North American service (smiles were few and far between). We found many locals to be negative and unfriendly.....a huge contrast to our last trip. Security has increased in most places and while that is intended to make us feel safer....it also reflects the current security situation and made us feel unsafe and under constant scrutiny. The resort we stayed at was the worst for this. You couldn't take a walk on the grounds without the security guard following you.

I've been a huge fan and defender of Tobago since my first trip in 2001. I feel so sad that I honestly don't feel that way any more. Almost everywhere we went we felt ripped off. Everyone wants something from you for nothing. The service simply sucked most of the time and we're not the demanding sort at all.

As for reviews:

Four Roads Roti is the best Roti I have ever had. Very reasonable prices. Highly recommend.

Dillons is overpriced and very lousy service. Were quoted a price for the lobster and then it miraculously changed when the bill came. Do not recommend. Small portions for the price.

Jemma's is still wonderful. This was our most positive restaurant experience on the island and the service was excellent. We went twice during our stay. Highly recommend.

Sandy Point Beach Club was a big disappointment. Our room was cleaned once during a two week stay and only after we fussed about it. The maids were rude and spent more time chatting on their cell phones than working. I had to remind myself that we're the paying guests on several occassions.

Bryn

[Brian Taylor]

sorry to hear you had not the best of tiimes...and sorry we did not make it to finally meet. must say that when I read the report, I can see you have not been to castara much... still safe to walk the streets here and no security guard in sight.
maybe you'll come to this end next time. we had some families with babies and older kids and they just loved castara, all had a rental car (you want that to move arround with the kids).
hope you don't give up on tobago and have a better time again next time. see you then ?!

STEPH

[Sharon Keeler]

Bryn,

We (Sharon & Donna from Arizona) were at Sandy Point Beach Club the same time as you. So, hey, from the Valley of the Sun! So sorry to hear about your experience in Tobago. On one point, I agree with you about the prices. Restaurants charge more than the North American prices we are used to in the US...and the presentation, creativity and ambience do not warrant it. You can go to a restaurant like La Terrazza, which is exceptional, and pay very moderate prices. Then you go to another restaurant, no where near as polished in service or food quality, and the prices are double. Makes no sense. We, too, prepared more of our meals at the resort.

But, in terms of our visit to Tobago, this was really the only negative. For us, it was paradise. We travelled all over the island and never ran into anyone who was rude or tried to take advantage of us. A simple "no thank you" or "we've already been" seemed to please people.

As far as our stay at the resort, we found it a pleasure, as always. The woman who cleaned our room was excellent and friendly. Wish you had her. The only issue we had was that if they came to clean the room and you weren't ready for them, they sometimes didn't come back later in the day...this happened twice. Cell phones are annoying, aren't they?

My only worries about Tobago have to do with development and what it is going to do to the island and its laid-back attitude. I don't like fancy or sophisticated and hope Tobago is not moving in this direction.

I never did get to the Roti shop...darn.

Hope your weather is not too cold in Candada. It is in the 80s in Phoenix...everyday picture perfect.

Sharon

[Bryn]

So glad to see you here!! We enjoyed meeting you and Donna!! Wish we were in Arizona right now! The weather here is rainy and grey. UGH!

I agree with your concern about the development of Tobago. We had spoken about it over drinks at the bar one night. I'm seeing that the middle class in T&T is disappearing and you have the wealthy and the poor. Much like Jamaica. That scares the crap out of me. You saw what the locals have to do to survive there. Look At Cheryl from the resort. Working two jobs 16 + hours a day. Tony is living on the beach and can't afford an apartment. It's just not right.

Our experience wasn't entirely unpleasant and we will return to Tobago. I re-read my post and thought perhaps I was a bit whiny about it. It was just a different taste than our previous visits. As well, my hubby is a Trini and likes to feel like he's 'going home' and not treated like a tourist. I think he was more bothered by the attitudes than me. He sees the island going backwards and I have to agree in many aspects.

Hope to keep in touch with you gals! My email is [email protected]
Please pop me an email with yours.

Cheers with a cold Carib,

Bryn, Edwin and Rhea