Going to Tobago next week - advice needed please!!

Teresa Brinkworth · Post by **Teresa Brinkworth** » Wed Mar 17, 2004 10:50 am

Before I start I just need to say - WHAT A FANTASTIC WEBSITE!! I found it by pure luck and boy am I glad that I did.

We are off next Friday (I CANNOT WAIT) and staying for 2 weeks at Le Grand Courlan. Really hope the hotel lives up to our expectations and have read some recent reviews which sound very good. Have also read various other topics but would really appreciate advice that anyone can give me on the following:

1. Is it better to take US Dollars or Sterling Travellers Check/money?

2. Does anyone know the dress code for dinner at LGC as I have read conflicting reports and don't want to turn up in my tiara and diamonds only to be met with the rest of the guests in shorts and tshirts! Also is it definitely long sleeves and collared shirts for men?

3. We're flying with BWIA (hope we get one of the newer planes!) and changing in Port of Spain - how long is the flight from there to Tobago?

4. Does LGC provide irons - well a girls got to look her best you know!?

5. If we hire a car, how long should we rent it for? We would like to see the island by ourselves as opposed to organised excursions but don't want to waste money by hiring it for too long and then not using it.

Well, I think that's all but knowing me I will remember something else that I meant to ask just after I submit this so keep your eyes peeled for more questions and thanks to anyone that replies.

Teresa

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Wed Mar 17, 2004 11:24 am

Hi Teresa

Thanks for your kind words.

You’re in for a treat. We enjoyed four days at Le Grand Courlan last month. Sadly our full review will not be published before you leave, but let me tell you – you will LOVE it. It came as a big, big surprise to us – maybe we had too made preconceptions, but it kicked those out in a big way. It could well become our favourite luxury hotel on the island. Anyway, in answer to your questions:

1. I would take sterling. There’s no point paying exchange rates twice – from sterling to US, then US to TT. See our Banking & Currency article for more details on the subject.

2. Dress code is smart casual in both the formal dining restaurant (The Pinnacles) and in the more casual bistro restaurant (Caribbean Bistro). Shorts and tshirts are a big NO, but equally, long sleeves and ties are rare.

3. 20 minutes.

4. You’ve caused a big argument between Jill and I. We’ve gone over our notes and can’t find mention of irons, but I’m sure there was an ironing board and iron in our room. I must check. If not, I’m sure the hotel will make one available. Why not email them at [email protected] and ask?

5. How long is a piece of string? Your best bet is to go out on an island tour with someone like Yes Tourism a day or two after you arrive. That will give you an overview of the island and help you get your bearings. They can then arrange a hire car for you for two or three days, before a break for chilling out at the hotel, then have another few days with a car.

Have fun and ENJOY!

CliffordTC · Post by **CliffordTC** » Wed Mar 17, 2004 12:48 pm

Hi Teresa,

My wife and I followed Steve's advice about booking an island tour while on our honeymoon in November. It was good advice (thanks again Steve), we booked through Yes Tourism and thoroughly enjoyed it. We did the tour on our second day and were then able to plan what day to rent a car as well the days to revisit different parts of the island. Be warned though, when in Tobago, if you begin to catch the flavor of the island your days will rarily turn out the way you thought they would at the start. Which is why we can't wait to get back. Enjoy and Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Cliff

EllieMarlow · Post by **EllieMarlow** » Wed Mar 17, 2004 1:41 pm

Hi Teresa,

We stayed at LGC back in October, and were very impressed! Steve's already answered most of your questions, so I'll try not to blather on too much, but I'd agree with the comments on what to wear for dinner. As for the iron, I definitely remember an iron and ironing board being in the room.
We hired a car for 4 days, and wished we'd had longer. There are so many beautiful beaches and litlle hidey holes that you want to explore, the 4 days just wasn't enough. Excellent idea of Steve's though, of hiring a car over 2 periods.

Have a fantastic time (I'm so jealous)
Ellie

AndyHarries · Post by **AndyHarries** » Wed Mar 17, 2004 1:49 pm

Just to let you know that some good friends of mine are off to Tobago, to LGC tomorrow. It would be really good fun if you spotted them, if you said hello and said that you were a friend of mine (Rachel Harries)! They are easy to spot - he is a big bloke with silver-grey hair, most often in a ponytail and she is petite and blonde. Andy and Kate are their names.

Just an idea!

You'll have an amazing time... five weeks to go for us!

Have fun,

Rachel

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Wed Mar 17, 2004 2:47 pm

Thank you, Ellie. The ironing board was standing in a little gap on the right-hand side of the main wardrobe, with the iron on a shelf above. I knew I was not as "confused" as Jill said. I've won the bet. Tee, hee! She now has to run twice around Long Melford Green, in the altogether. Should make us popular with our new neighbours, having just moved here.

Teresa Brinkworth · Post by **Teresa Brinkworth** » Wed Mar 17, 2004 3:09 pm

Thank you one and all for replying to my SOS!!

Steve - have read various replies from you on other topics and you certainly know your stuff, ta very much!

So many people going on holiday have no idea what they're missing by not having a website dedicated to that particular country and having a steady supply of help and advice coming from people who know it well. I know things like whether they have irons available may seem trivial to many but when you overpack like I always do then any small amount of space that you can save is very, very important.

Rachel - if I spot your friends then I will be sure to say hi, no problem!

I do not doubt for one minute that we will have a fantastic time - haven't been away for over 2 years due to starting my own business and before that we were very seasoned travellers being fortunate enough to take 3-4 holidays a year so this is very gratefully received and obviously we want to make it as enjoyable as possible. Just received our tickets today and found out we're stopping in Antigua before POS and then onto Tobago so it may be a nightmarishly long journey but hey, who cares - I've 2 weeks of virtually nothing to concern me except whether I should have another pina colada or not!!

Thanks once again all. See you in a few weeks, bronzed, weighing a few extra pounds (no doubt) and very chilled!!

Teresa