Can I just say that Tim has given you some super advice as I told you in my PM to you. Not sure thats he is right with pricing issue as Virgin give a big disscount in May and when I looked into this year 2003 holiday they were the cheapest and a direct schedule flight.
One other good point about the Rex there is a small village at each end of the mile + long beach so you can walk to supermarket or bar.
The Rex sounds that it will fit your bill and pocket nicely.
In the search type Leather Back Turtle I have a photo post on there.
I posted a lengthy article on my holiday at the Rex Turtle Beach, earlier this year in January/ February, I don't know whether or not you have seen it, but it may help you.
I visited the Arnos Vale Hotel during my holiday. I didn't go in any of the buildings or eat any food there. I just spent a few hours there and used the beach facilities, the pool and the pool bar. At that time, there were very few people about, in fact the place was almost deserted. I found that the beach was very nice bit extremely small and situated in a small bay with headlands on either side, therefore it is not possible to go on 'long' beach walks. The sand on the beach was fine and clean and the snorkelling was very good albeit there was an onshore breeze which made the sea rough for swimming and quite dangerous on either side due to the rocks. The hotel is situated at the bottom of a hill and, from memory, there are no shops, bars or restaurants immediately near to it other than the Watermill. I think that the Arnos Vale is in a lovely setting but you will definately need a hire car for the duration of your stay if you want any flexibility.
I just started reading about your dilemma (I only wish I could have the same one right now). I have just returned from two weeks in Tobago and would absolutely recommend two weeks. My wife and I had originally planned 8 days but due to a serendipitous turn of events we were there 14. 8 days would not have been enough. It was our first time on the island and we had similar concerns. We stayed on week in Crown Point and one week further up the island. If you are going to be there 2 weeks why not try two places? We stayed at the Crown Point Beach Hotel in a cabana and enjoyed it very much. They have self catering, beautiful grounds and stairs leading right down to the beach. From there we were able to walk at night to many wonderful restaurants; Ru-b-Lous, Panache, Kariwak, Pelican Reef, The House of Pancakes (do yourself a favor and eat breakfast there your first morning-and have pancakes-it is a treat) and many others. My wife and I liked Crown Point, certain nights there were things to do and places within walking distance at all times. The Crown Point Hotel grounds were also great for kids, definitely family oriented. The biggest drawback was the attitude of some (not all) of the employees there, indifferent best describes it. I have read many peoples replies about Crown Point being touristy, and it is, but in Tobago, this seems to be relative. I was hassled a little but a "no" did the trick. One of the locals, Martin, whom I bought some necklaces and trinkets from on my first day I ran into on different parts of the island and came home knowing I had made a new friend. He also showed us some great places to go. The Rex Turtle was under going some extensive work so should look great by the time you get there. I believe (as did some others on the island) the influence of myTobago may have had a hand in that, good job Steve! When we go back I will likely stay in Crown Point for a few days and then head further up the island, probably Castara, my personal favorite village. All in all, I don't think you are going to make a wrong decision, we would have enjoyed ourselves no matter where we stayed. As others have said, with a car you have access to anywhere so location is not as crucial. I will be happy to try and answer any questions you may want to ask of me. Steve I will be writing a full report and review of our trip next week sometime. It is the least I can do as myTobage was what decided Tobago for us.
I have always said that it will take 5 years for myTobago to become established and to start to make a real difference on Tobago. We have been going less than two years, but so far this year we have logged more unique visitors to the site than the number of tourists physically landing on the island. After counting re-visits to the site, we’re running at a ratio of 7:1. Just to bore you further, we’ve logged over 206,000 Visitor Sessions this year and served up some 1.1 million web pages.
I simply provide the medium and act as the catalyst. Its all you lovely readers who take the trouble to answer reader’s questions and file reports that make myTobago influential. Yes, businesses on Tobago are now waking up to the fact that they are under the magnifying glass. To be frank, not many resorts could take that sort of scrutiny. The truth is that there are very few “bad” or even “poor” businesses on Tobago – it’s all strictly relative. It would be very easy for those standards to fall as tourism on the island develops. We’re already seeing sharp operators coming in from Trinidad and other places, intent on making a quick buck out of us hapless visitors. My fervent wish, as a visitor of some 40 years standing, is that myTobago can do something to halt that. I’m not trying to play God – I’m just an instrument to remind sharp operators that the public now have a way of keeping them in check. Word spreads rapidly on such a small island. There is no escape from the beady eye and pen (well, finger) of our trusty band of contributors. Good businesses will prosper; bad ones will suffer.
So, Cliff, please don’t forget to post that report – that’s where the influence lies. So, if the Rex Turtle Beach have decided to actually get their finger out and do something they have been promising for years, then thank Ian Smith – it’s wonderful, detailed and balanced reports like his, earlier this year, that make a true difference to people’s attitudes. The important thing is that business owners and managers know and understand that people read and are influenced by visitor comment on myTobago, so its important that visitors let them know by mentioning the site at every opportunity.
So, Marc – you didn’t realise what a wonderful chain of replies you would start, did you? Incidentally, I totally endorse the general views expressed by Cliff, Ian, John and Steve, etc. The Rex has one of the best beaches on the island. Make sure you budget for a car for most, if not all of the holiday, because it would be a shame to be so centrally located and not experience the beautiful beaches further up the coast. Based on everyone’s comment, my tip would be to go to the Rex on a B&B basis and then use the car to try all the great restaurants within easy reach. Believe you me, you’ll be back.
Last edited by Steve Wooler on Fri Dec 05, 2003 8:45 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Steve Wooler myTobago.info - the definitive Visitor Guide to Tobago
I'd really consider Cliff's idea of spending a week each in two places. If your girlfriend is keen on the Kariwak, but not sure because of the prices, then I would totally recommend the Toucan Inn. The food there is not great for veggies, but the Kariwak is a 5 minute walk down the road, and personally I think it has some of the best food on the island. There are quite a few good restaurants and eateries down in Crown Point, and nowhere takes very long to walk to. The beach is about 10 minute walk max from the Toucan aswell.
The hotel itself has about 20 rooms, situated around a tree filled courtyard so it feels quite private; Good choices for breakfast, even for veggies; and the staff there are really friendly, and always smiling. Only drawback is the size of the pool, but if you prefer to be always on the beach I guess this wouldn't matter. Despite being close to the airport (about 10 min. walk) you cannot hear a thing. We only heard the planes coming in when we were practically at the beach, but funny thing is, when you're ON the beach you can't hear them then.
We stayed at a much 'posher' hotel for the first week, but much preferred the laid back, relaxed atmosphere of the Toucan.
Don't even think about not hiring a car, it's essential to see the utter beauty of the island, and the views that suddenly pop up as you turn yet another corner are staggering! Go for the two weeks, and you'll live off the memories for the next few years. Only got for one week and you'll regret it forever!
Have a wonderful time,
Ellie
The Rex is looking fave at the moment. Virgin are offering £600 off for the Rex (per couple), I just need to decide about all inclusive now.
Maybe B&B is the trick, then we can eat in if we want or go out.
Car a must, a week at least (I'll look in the appropriate place for the best tip re booking that) I want to see all of Tobago (well, all I can fit in within 14 days!).
Nothing like getting all this info before hand, and I would never have known that the Rex is being given a lick of paint without this place.
Here's another reason to avoid Crown Point... "Tobago -Commencing mid February 2003 the airport terminal is to be extended. Most of the work will be done at night to minimise disruption to passengers. It is thought the project will last approximately 18 months."
I would recommend against all-inclusive for a few reasons. First I spent about US $750 on food and drinks and other things while there. I think that is about 440 pounds if I am converting correctly, so you can do much better on your own. We went out to dinner every nite and were in no way trying to budget for food. We did not eat breakfast out the first 7 days as we enjoyed self-catering and enjoyed breakfast on our porch overlooking the water. We did eat lunch out everyday. Last, and I think most importantly is this;if you eat at the same place you are staying everyday for every meal you will get out to the island much less than otherwise and be tied to a meal schedule. When we were in Tobago our biggest decision each day was where we would have dinner and that was great. Each nite we not only had a new culinary experience, we had the opportunity to meet and experience a variety of people and places we would have otherwise missed. Plus lunches and dinners at many of the local shops and neighborhood stands were a wonderful experience. For us part of the excitement of going to Tobago was to see and explore a place different than where we were from and a big part of that was the different cuisines and the adventures we had discovering some of them.
"Having spent the first two weeks of October 2003 here, if you have not booked yet avoid it until next year! The hotel is having minor work done in Nov 03 to get through the winter, before closing in May 04 for a much needed major refurbishment."
Haven't heard anything officially, but your post has prompted me to write to the Rex Turtle Beach asking for an update on their plans. I'd like to open a "News" topic which would remain at the top of the Rex Turtle Beach forum keeping everyone updated on the latest news if there is going to be any closures or disruptive work.
Steve Wooler myTobago.info - the definitive Visitor Guide to Tobago
They were told late that the Rex TB is being "renovated" between November 2nd and December 12th.
They suspect May 2004 will be free from works but in this instance they was not informed "timely" by the Hotel. They moved people. If I end up in a similar situation, I will be moved. Sounds like the only logical step doesn't it? Until I asked "where did you move people to"...
"The Rex Grenadian or the Rex Turtle Grenada".
Er, "What if I don't want to go to Grenada?"
"you can pick somewhere else in the brochure or lose your deposit".
It seems this happened because they was informed late and the rest of the island was "full".
So, here's hoping and bye-bye relaxed excited build up and hello nervous building work watching!
I was at the Le grand in October/November and yes the Rex had just closed down and the work was commencing. The guests from that hotel were now occupying the Grand. When i was there, the rumours were abound that the work was going to be completed by the end of 2003.
You could contact the Le Grand and see if they know of how building work is coming along, as they seemed to be having most of the rex guests, they may have a good idea of when things will return to normal.
Rex Turtle Beach as of 15th December was still very much being renovated. The rooves were being worked on as we passed. Would suggest it will be on going for a shortwhile yet
regards
James
I'm due to stay at Rex Turtle Beach on the 1st Jan '04 so was as concerned as anyone with regard the building of a new swimming pool and refurb.
I sent a mail direct to Rex Resorts in London expressing these concerns and asking whether I would be staying at the Rex with 'work in progress' with the associated workmen and tools. I had this reply yesterday (18th Dec '03 @ 16:00Hrs):
Quote: "I am glad to say that all renovations at the Turtle Beach are complete and the new swimming pool is looking fantastic with its swim up bar and Jacuzzi."
(Romoved name for privacy)
Sales Support Manager
MRI / Rex Resorts
9 Galena Road
Hammersmith
London
W6 0LT
United Kingdom
Just had a thought though - I will try to get up there today or tomorrow armed with my digital camera to see if the builders etc have miraculously vanished in the last few days - I am sure Steve won't mind posting a couple of pics (assuming I can't figure out how to do it in this forum) - I will see if I can get one of the pool too, assuming security doesn't arrest me and force me to become a badly paid (and even more badly trained) hairy assed builder!
