myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

We both think your website is great and very informative and we are planning to go to The Coco Reef Resort in 2006. We are however a little concerned that the hotel is only 5 mins away from the airport and worried about aircraft noise and the hotel's location in relation to the airport. We have been watching a new series here in the UK called `undercover holidays' and virgin holidays quoted a hotel in St Marten in the caribbean being only 5 mins away when in fact it was only 120 yards away from the airport and the couple in question had a ruined holiday although they did get a full refund. We have set our hearts on The Coco Reef Hotel and as it certainly isn't a cheap hotel, so as you have been very honest thoughtout could you let us know the location in relation to the airport.
Like you we would be pleased to only be 5 mins away especially after a long flight but not if it is on the runway so to speak!!!
I would be grateful if can reply on this subject,
Many thanks,
Jane Oxley

Hi Jane

Check out our Coco Reef sub-forum in the Accommodation section. But basically, have no worries - even it was on the end of the runway, which it isn't, you wouldn't need to worry. There are so few flights (about one take off or landing an hour, with only about one or two large jets a day and only one jumbo 747 a week) that even those hotels right next to the airport aren't disturbed unduly.

Have just returned form the Coco Reef DO NOT WORRY ABOUT PLANE NOISE.

If you are flying with excel Airlines - beware.

i always find the turbo-props are noisiest, but it wont affect you at coco-reef

paul

Hi there,

just returned from Tobago, last week Friday.
We had a great time!!!!

During a trip with the CocoMotion, we met an English couple who stayed in the Coco Reef Resort. They were very very pleased with the accommodation. But they did mentioned that there was quite some noise from the airport and the number of planes arriving / departing from Tobago have increased a lot. They said it was a disturbance, but they could live with it when they got used to it after some time.

Hi all,

Well as many know we stayed at the Toucan Inn in May, and it is also classed as being 5 minutes from the Airport. To be honest I cannot remember much plane noise therefore it must not have been any disturbance, I do remember hearing a flight which, I think, arrived every Tuesday from GB and used to stop off in Tobago either en route to Grenada or coming from Grenada. It was the only one which produced noise which was audible.

I honestly believe that plane noise will not be a problem for you in Coco Reef. Arianne's experiences are more recent but I can't imagine there being a huge increase in Air Traffic to Tobago in the space of 6 months.

Have a great time

Joe

Hi Joe

Knowing that area as well as I do, it struck me that these people were the sort who would have complained about Bananquits flying into the restaurant, or it getting light too early in the morning if it hadn't been about aircraft noise.

It would be an untruth to say you can NEVER hear any aircraft noise, but it is silly to suggest that it is a nuisance. I live in one of the quietest, most peaceful rural parts of East Anglia. There isn't an airport within 30 miles. But it's so quiet that I CAN often hear the sound of aircraft passing 20,000 feet above. Maybe that was this couple's problem.

Hi guys,

ofcourse it is highly depending on your own tolerance level whether or not you are disturbed by noise, being it birds, planes, the sea or whatever. I just quoted a couple who recently stayed in Coco Reef and I must say, I didn't find them bores or the complaining kind.

The evening we left Tobago, there were quite some flights going out. I remember seeing Excel, BWIA, Lufthansa and BA ready for take off and there were flights coming in as well. When we were there we noticed that most flights enter / leave Tobago across the Caribean Sea from the direction of Trinidad, and not flying over the island reduces noise tremendiously.

By the way, apart from OAD, also TUI, FOX and I believe also Kras will start selling trips to Tobago. It was even on the Tobago radio that Martinair / Lauda Air start flying from 1st November and there would be a welcome committee on the airport. The flights were already well booked.

I think it is somewhat unfortunate that such a beautiful resort like Coco is situated so near the airport. And to be honest, when we go back, we will not book Coco. There are plenty enough other nice places to stay where you can enjoy in full the beauty and tranquillity of the island.

Hi Arianne

Welcome back and congratulations on your wedding!

Yes, as you say, it is dependent upon your tolerance levels, but I do think these people were being a little "picky". Check the forum here - I've never yet seen anyone mention noise, other than to say it is NOT a problem or nuisance. Their tolerance level must have been exceptionally low (like my own).

Yes, Martinair and Lauda Air start weekly flights next week. However, I have just finished rewriting the Air Travel section of the new myTobago site and this involved considerable research into the traffic (we list and detail every long-haul flight into the island). I have to tell you that Crown Point handles the average weekly load on the airport is only the equivalent of one landing or take off every hour (not counting the few very small private aircraft and similar).

Hi Steve,

thanks for your congrats! We had a great time and our wedding was just as we hoped it would be! We had a lot of good hours of fun during our stay with Marie Dilworth. She told me that you are planning to stay at the Inn on the Bay in January, just a few steps away from her place. If I had known this, I would have given your stroopwafels to Marie instead of Steph. It would have been a lot easier for you.

Ok, I'm sure you are right about the air traffic, noise and all. Still, we wouldn't book Coco - if only because we find it too expensive.

Hi Arianne

I'm not sure who I trust not to eat the stroopwafels more - Steph or Marie. We'll be in Castara before we get down to Rockly Bay, so they're probably in the best place already. Thanks!

I have more faith in Marie....

Glad about that!!!!!

seems like every thread reaches the stroopwaffels topic at some point!
they are etill there! safe and ant-proof packed. If you start talking about them too much I might consider to eat them still....
steph

You're quite right!!

I'v changed my last name...considering future business...