Writer Seeking Authentic Information

[Steve Wooler]

1) not in the 'formal' sense of large American hotels, etc. If memory serves me correctly, there is always/invariably a 'security' guard (blacktrousers/white shirt) manning the front entrance. As a holiday resort staff wear uniforms, but very much more 'tropical' relaxed uniforms that hotels in more northerly climes.

2) Again, they certainly don't have staff in what I call 'monkey dress', but they do have concierge staff to take bags to/from rooms.

3) It is a full service luxury hotel - but very much more 'relaxed' and comparatively informal when compared to many non-Caribbean luxury hotels.

4) Smoking is no longer allowed in the dining areas and although not required by law over here, most hotels are increasingly introducing the sort of restrictions that most North American/UK visitors have become used to at home.

[M.Wilde]

Thanks Steve. I'm struggling to not compare Atlantis with a Tobago resort -- and finding it difficult. I appreciate you taking the time to add detail (like clothing).

[Steve Wooler]

That's what I figured. I guess the fundamental aim is the same as any luxury hotel in North America (or the UK), but these hotels are holiday destinations. So, whilst they will strive for the standards of the northern hotels (but seldom achieve it on Tobago), they do so in a much more relaxed and informal way. This 'informality' extends across dress and manner. Hotel staff will be polite but friendly - rather than servile.

[M.Wilde]

Favorite breakfast items not to be missed in Tobago?

[Steve Wooler]

Toast with real butter and marmite plus at least two cups of strong Italian coffee.

If you prefer something more local, you could always try chocolate tea (from coffee beans), smoked fish, salt fish and smoked herring with coconut bake floats and vegetables.

Others are sure to add their own favourites.

[Steve Pitts]

This time I have questions more specific to the resort (Coco Reef).

- Do they maintain a doorman service?
- Do they utilize bellhops?
- Are there other such services that one wouldn't typically find at a "much cheaper" venue?
- What's the policy on smoking?

Friends of ours stayed 'all-inclusive' at the Coco Reef last week and we visited a couple of times, just to see how the other half lives.

1.) Doorman service.

There is a drop-down barrier (no gates) for entry and exit at the main entrance lodge (pink and white to match the colour scheme of the C R), with a smartly dressed attendant, as Steve has stated, in black long trousers and white shirt and black tie. We were always greeted with 'Have a good day' or 'enjoy your visit' and an official salute as the barrier was raised by hand.

(This is in contrast to the Tobago Plantations, the security guards are dressed in miltary-style uniforms, shiny belts, bandoleer, peeked caps etc. They are much more official-looking (read intimidating). )

The drive-way then sweeps eligantly towards the hotel, lined with majestic palms and hybiscus and Coleus in profusion.

Under the canopy above the entrance to the main lobby a white 1959 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow (reputedly owned by actor Errol Flynn) usually sits next to a later RR model Silver Spur in magnolia livery.

There is also a meeter and greeter at the tinted sliding plate glass doors to the lobby, who is dressed in black trousers and white tunic. Very friendly and efficient.

3.) Other services not typically available in cheaper venues.
Whilst free internet use and Wifi broadband are available in many budget accomodations, from guest houses to resorts and hotels, I was amused to find that the Coco Reef charge around $TT 20 for 15 minutes WiFi internet use. You have to obtain the internet security access password from reception before attempting to log on. Apparently ''All-inclusive'' doesn't extend to cyberspace at the Coco Reef.

I say I was amused, because I wasn't the one presented with the bill

Hope this adds to the overall picture

Cheers
Steve

[M.Wilde]

Thank you both for your detailed descriptions.

Mr. Pitts, how did you know I referred to the drive up the the hotel as "tree lined"?

[David Watkins]

Steve,you missed out doubles!
David

[Steve Pitts]

Thank you both for your detailed descriptions.

Mr. Pitts, how did you know I referred to the drive up the the hotel as "tree lined"?

More to the point M - how did you know that the drive up to the hotel IS lined by trees?

[M.Wilde]

Photo!

[Steve Wooler]

If nobody else can post something, remind me in early April please M. I am sure I have some shots in my library, but I can't access that until I return to the UK.

[M.Wilde]

No rush Steve...I wouldn't mind perusing your collection though.

[M.Wilde]

Apparently, I am chock-full of questions today. Lucky for me everyone here is so patient!

My first stop's the Store Bay Kiosks:

- What other items might be found at the shops other than food stuffs?
- Can someone give me a general size of one of the kiosks?

Okay, I'm at the Store Bay Craft Market:

- Are the "booths" sectioned off in any way?
- How might the booth operator direct me to the nearest post office where I can send a package overseas?

I've made it to the post office:

- Is there anything I should know that is different from what I'm used to in the States?

Now I'm back at Coca Reef. My rental from Sheppy's arrived before my return.

- Would the concierge inform me, in person, upon my return?
- Might I retrieve the keys to the vehicle from the "front desk"?
- Am I correct in thinking that the steering of the vehicle will be on the right?

[Steve Pitts]

M

Here's a photo (taken several years ago) of the booths.



There are 16 of the octagonally-shaped booths and they are approx. 10ft in diameter and are not sectioned off.
You can walk 360 degrees around each one and each is surrounded by merchandise.
Each booth is numbered e.g BOOTH # 5
The vendors/stall holders are open to striking a bargain, if you haggle rather than paying the first price quoted.
Often you need to ask 'How much' as many items aren't price marked.

As you can see, the craft products on offer range from, Afro-style paitings, carvings (statues and friezes), animal skin drums, jewelry and trinkets, tie-died and batik wraps and sarongs, hats made from leather and brightly coloured cochet wool and T-shirts printed with Tobago-related slogans or, of course, many sport the ubiquitous images of Bob Marley and Rastafari influenced motifs and proclaimations such as 'JAH Come Soon' .

Steve

PS
You're right about the the steering wheel of your rental car.
It will be on the right side

[M.Wilde]

Thank you Steve, I would have gotten that completely wrong. Yes I'm writing fiction, but that doesn't mean the basics have to be inaccurate.