I have visted both Coco Reef and the Tobago Hilton a few times , last visit being in June this year, but I have not stayed at either. I am planning a surprise weekend "getaway" to Tobago for my fiance's birthday(and our anniversary as a couple) and I have narrowed it down to these two hotels.
I am leaning towards Coco Reef (even though Hilton's rates are slightly cheaper) but I would like to get some feedback from anyone who has been to both and comparisons of pros and cons. I prefer the Hilton's rooms and pool but it is a bit out of the way and I really want to have dinner at Cafe Coco. Also, I am not too sure how I feel about Coco Reef's "man made" beach, however I really love everything else about the hotel and with both rates breakfast is included.
What I am looking for is that romantic ambience,that extra sepcial touch that would be perfect for celebrating a birthday /anniversary as well. Any comments will be well appreciated!
p.s. does anyone have the spa rate for massages at Coco Reef ? If you do you can PM me the information, thanks!
Coco Reef versus Tobago Hilton....thoughts please
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Steve Wooler
- myTobago Editor & Chief Anorak
- Posts: 4856
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HI Syndy
Although I’ve never stayed at the Hilton, I’ve visited it many times and used most of its public facilities. There’s no contest for me personally. The Hilton has all the glossy bells and whistles, but for me is totally lacking in atmosphere and personality. I could never describe it as “romantic”. Like you, I would rate the Hilton rooms and pool(s) as better than the Coco Reef and the catering at the Hilton can be brilliant (although quality is variable), but …..
I have no information on the cost of spa treatment at the Coco Reef, but why don't you just email ( [email protected] ) them and ask?
p.s. Thanks for your great review of the Kariwak.
Although I’ve never stayed at the Hilton, I’ve visited it many times and used most of its public facilities. There’s no contest for me personally. The Hilton has all the glossy bells and whistles, but for me is totally lacking in atmosphere and personality. I could never describe it as “romantic”. Like you, I would rate the Hilton rooms and pool(s) as better than the Coco Reef and the catering at the Hilton can be brilliant (although quality is variable), but …..
I have no information on the cost of spa treatment at the Coco Reef, but why don't you just email ( [email protected] ) them and ask?
p.s. Thanks for your great review of the Kariwak.
Steve Wooler
myTobago.info - the definitive Visitor Guide to Tobago
myTobago.info - the definitive Visitor Guide to Tobago
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Miranda Lubbock
Dear Syndy,
I have not stayed at the Hilton, but have stayed at Coco Reef so I am probaby biased. All I would say is, that talking to other people, what Steve said is correct. The rooms and pool are nicer at the Hilton (but I hardly ever saw anyone in the Coco Reef pool, because the sea is so much nicer at the latter. And that is one of the big differences. You can't swim easily in the sea at the Hilton because apparently there is always a howling gale and the sea can be quite rough. So even if you swim in the pool and not the sea, you will still have the wind to contend with. If you want to stay in a corporate whizzy place, then the Hilton is for you. If you want friendly (on the whole) service with an individual touch, a gorgeous beach (the sand came from Guyana but I honestly wouldn't have known one way or the other) and the clearest, calmest sea with lovely fish closer to the action, then Coco Reef is for you. We found the food excellent on the whole (you would expect one or two disappointments over a two week holiday eating every meal there) and made friends with some of the staff - in fact we loved it so much that we have booked to return next January! Enjoy whichever one you choose ...
Miranda Lubbock
I have not stayed at the Hilton, but have stayed at Coco Reef so I am probaby biased. All I would say is, that talking to other people, what Steve said is correct. The rooms and pool are nicer at the Hilton (but I hardly ever saw anyone in the Coco Reef pool, because the sea is so much nicer at the latter. And that is one of the big differences. You can't swim easily in the sea at the Hilton because apparently there is always a howling gale and the sea can be quite rough. So even if you swim in the pool and not the sea, you will still have the wind to contend with. If you want to stay in a corporate whizzy place, then the Hilton is for you. If you want friendly (on the whole) service with an individual touch, a gorgeous beach (the sand came from Guyana but I honestly wouldn't have known one way or the other) and the clearest, calmest sea with lovely fish closer to the action, then Coco Reef is for you. We found the food excellent on the whole (you would expect one or two disappointments over a two week holiday eating every meal there) and made friends with some of the staff - in fact we loved it so much that we have booked to return next January! Enjoy whichever one you choose ...
Miranda Lubbock
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Helen
Just a word about the Hilton - I thought it was brilliant - especially in this low season. It meant that the pool was really quiet, the beach was lovely for sunset walks and the sea was usually fine for swimming in. Although I didn't want to - I hate sand!!!! The only time you saw big waves was on a stormy day, when you wouldn't have been swimming anywhere. If your visit is soon, I would seriously think about it for a romantic break, as it is so quiet that you can always find somewhere secluded for you both. It is no remotely Hiltonesque either, in that it's a lovely building.
The masseur is also better here than at Coco Reef (according to a fellow holiday maker who tried both) and the "posh" restaurant (the Coral Reef) seems now to be included in the all-inclusive price so that's a real perk.
Just thought another side would be useful...we certainly found it very romantic.
The masseur is also better here than at Coco Reef (according to a fellow holiday maker who tried both) and the "posh" restaurant (the Coral Reef) seems now to be included in the all-inclusive price so that's a real perk.
Just thought another side would be useful...we certainly found it very romantic.
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Sue Mills
confirm coral reef restaurant is part of the all inclusive (anything on the menu + house wines/fizz)
Also found the cocktails to be far stronger at the Hilton (v coco reef)- and you can book a room with your own private jacuzzi........now that IS romantic.
also as one other guest pointed out - where else can you LEARN to play golf on a PGA championship course!
That said to go out anywhere from the Hilton you need a car/taxi...
Also found the cocktails to be far stronger at the Hilton (v coco reef)- and you can book a room with your own private jacuzzi........now that IS romantic.
also as one other guest pointed out - where else can you LEARN to play golf on a PGA championship course!
That said to go out anywhere from the Hilton you need a car/taxi...
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Corrin Buxton
We have just returned from two lovely weeks staying at Coco Reef - The food was excellent, the atmosphere very friendly and the staff very attentive. We too visited the Hilton for a look round and agree totally with Steve - lacked atmosphere and far too big and spread out. The sea also looked very rough and I can confirm that it did seem a lot windier than Coco Reef.
In my opinion, I would rather be taken on a romantic break to Coco Reef than The Hilton.
P.S The massages started at about $50
In my opinion, I would rather be taken on a romantic break to Coco Reef than The Hilton.
P.S The massages started at about $50