myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

Post Recreated: Originally posted - 20 January 2003

I've not heard much about the Rex Turtle Beach Resort. We're trying to decide whether our family would be better suited there than the Coco Reef. (2 adults, children ages 6/9) We're leaning towards the Coco Reef as it is where my husband proposed 15 years ago (ahhh!) but seems extremely costly (quoted approx. $450 US/night - no meals) Any suggestions?!

Post Recreated: Originally posted - 20 January 2003

As stated earlier on the forum; we - family of four - had an excellent time last autumn in one of Crown Point Beach Hotel's cabanas. Cost effective, self catering facilities, big garden area, tennis courts, great ocean view and sunsets, close to airport, bicycle-, car rental + restaurants around the corner, and direct access to pleasant Store Bay beach next to Coco Reef's artificial barrier beach. Turtle Beach et.al. a bit 'remote' for staying - Rather get around the island and the other beaches by a full time rented car paid by half of what you save by not using Coco Reef. Enjoy!

Post Recreated: Originally posted - 21 January 2003

Thanks Chris for your comments re: Crown Point. (In 1990) We stayed in one-half of a cabana during our last visit to Tobago and were a bit disappointed. There were no lampshades, it wasn't very clean and the A/C was old and noisy. I don't think I'll be able to convince my husband to return there with the kids. When I had inquired about Rex Turtle Beach via our travel agent, a Trini ex-patriot, her response was, "Oh, that's expensive!" but the web sites keep offering accolades for its family-oriented atmosphere and wonderful meals. (I'm going on a holiday and truly don't want to have to prepare many meals!) I was just wondering if anyone out there has anything more to add about Rex Turtle Beach. We're only escaping to Tobago for a brief 4-night stay and are hoping for "downtime". (My hubby can't wait to golf too - anyone know about the new Hilton golf course?) I love this website... can't wait to let whomever we book with know of its value!! (Being married to an ex-Trini I'm certain we'll be visiting this site for many years to come!!) Thanks for all of the work you do to keep it up-to-date!! Much appreciated in Canada!!

Post Recreated: Originally posted - 12 January 2003

Angela, See comments on Rex Turtle Beach listed on this site ca 29th to 31st December

There is some info on golf (for your hubby) also listed between 29th Oct and 4th Nov on this site. Also try this site http://www.3dgolf.co.uk/darea.asp?a=63 on which there are links to info on the two courses.

Malc C

Post Recreated: Originally posted - 21 January 2003

Thank you Malc C for your response... I was looking for up-to-date information and forgot that December was only a month ago!! I wonder if Nora is still visiting the site as she would have just returned. Anyone have a comment about how clean and up-to-date the rooms are? I also noted the beach comment about how locals will bother you with rubs, etc. Will this truly be a problem or does the Rex have its own section of the beach? I hate to be so anal but we don't get to travel very often!! (with kids it seems so critical)

Post Recreated: Originally posted - 22 January 2003

Hi Angela,

Heath and myself have just got back from Coco Reef 2/1/2003 to 12/1/2003, we also visited Hilton Hotel complex whilst there. Coco reef location very diifcult to beat with great views of the ocean, very safe bathing for kids, rooms very clean and in good order, food good, service hopeless. Hilton on the Atlantic side of the island so more windy and rugged, swimming in pools in Hotel complex but looked nice. Hotel more plush than Coco reef. As an ardent golfer the course looked in very good condition, well kept fairways and good greens. Buggys seem to be the order of the day for transport. Didn't actually play unfortunately!!!!!! If its not too late try Hilton Hotels direct in London who have some golfing packages including rooms with jacuzzi's on the balconies !!!! Could tell you a lot more about Coco reef if you are still interested. Have a good holiday must go as my future wife is waiting with the dinner!!!!!!

Regards
Mike & Heather.

Post Recreated: Originally posted - 22 January 2003

Thank you so much for your response. We have just decided (and booked) with Coco Reef. They were able to lower the rates - it's still more expensive than Turtle Beach but not quite as astronomical!! We're all looking forward to it and yes, we'd love to hear your account from your visit!! We really want beach time so the Hilton didn't seem like a good option but Dennis really wants to try their golf course!

Angela

Post Recreated: Originally posted - 22 January 2003

Hi Angela

Comparing these two hotels is like comparing chalk and cheese. The Turtle Beach is 3-star minus and the Coco Reef 4-star plus (I would call it 5-star). I'm going to have a look at the Turtle Beach in the next day or two and will post a brief report.

Post Recreated: Originally posted - 22 January 2003

Hello again Angela,

If you wanted beach time then we would suggest you could not have picked better than the Coco reef. It has its own white sand beach which is protected by its own break water which makes the swimming very safe indeed for both young and old. If you are even only slightly keen the fish that live in the small bay area are very interesting and quite tame. Masks and fins are available to hire from the dive shop on site. The rooms are very clean but not luxurious and the whole place looks as though it has recently been redecorated. They do not provide tea or coffee making facilities in the rooms but if you particularly request it you will get a kettle and a jar of Maxwell house!!! The two problems we encountered were people reserving sun beds under shade the night before with towels and then not arriving til late afternoon, if at all. The other was the poor service in the restaurant, mainly Tamaras. Slow service and mix up of meals seem quite common during our time there. The grounds are very well kept and the flowers around the whole of the hotel are very beautiful. If you are planning some golf I spoke to a Coco reef guest who had played at both the Hilton course and the older Mount Irvine course. The Irvine course was more mature but the club house facilities were almost non existant!! If you want to get out around the island you would be better with hiring a Jeep than an ordinary car especially if you wanted to get to places like English man's bay etc. The people are very friendly and although you will be approached by locals to try and sell you things they are not aggressive and will leave you alone if you say no. Hope you have a great holiday, if there is anything extra we can help you with just ask.

Regards
Mike & Heath.

Post Recreated: Originally posted - 21 January 2003

Expedia.com has been offering discounted rates on Rex Turtle Beach. they have an arrangement with all Rex Hotels in the Caribbean. You might want to take a look (http://www.expedia.com) and see if there are any special rates for the days you are considering. In general expedia has been offering nights (not all inclusive, but that is available as well) at about $129 US. While this is more than several other options in Tobago, it certainly is less than Coco Reef.