myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

I'm just about to book a 9 night stay at The Toucan and wondered if anyone can help with the decision of B&B v All Incl. We've always gone down the all incl road before but fancied a change this time. However, my husband likes his drinkies so worry we'll tot up a huge bill on drinks alone, before taking food into account. Even if we did go All Incl we would allow money for eating/drinking out, we don't want to be held to ransom. Is it worth paying the All Inc or should we just do B&B? Are there any hidden restrictions on menu/drink items when on All Incl there usually is!

Thanks in advance of any suggestions.

Kayla

hi kayla,
we've been to the toucan inn 3 times now, and going back for next new year. firstly let me say, we're not fans of ai.
in our opinion, it would be a sin to restrict yourself ANYWHERE in the caribbean, be free to enjoy the choices and hospitality of the locals! as for price, you can eat very, very, cheaply, and beer can cost from 50p in the local bars.
the toucan inn is wonderful for our kind of holiday. the breakfasts are fabulous, and will probably see you through the whole day. i think the only negative thing i have to say, is that the menu is very restricted, and could become boring if you were ai.
as for running up a bar bill, simply pay as you go!
no matter what you do, you will have the most fantastic time. if you need more info, just ask.
hope that helps a little,
maz and paul.

Hi Maz and Paul,

Thanks for your reply. We decided to do B&B and have booked it now. We are so looking forward to this holiday as we had to cancel a family trip to St Lucia due to me undergoing medical treatment. This break 9-18 June (weather a concern do you know?)is going to be just the two of us with no kids to please, so we thought Toucan would be perfect. Someone mentioned the garden rooms were bigger and away from Bonkers so we've requested one of these as I'm not sure how much for partying I'll be feeling. Do you know if it's possible to request late check out for extra cost at Toucan? Since it's so cheap to stay there it's worth it not to have to vacate the room early prior to a late UK bound flight.

If I think of anything else I hope you don't mind if I contact you.

Thanks,
Kayla

hiya,
yes, get a garden room if possible, they are a little bigger (so im told), and much more shady. the ones around the pool seem to get the direct sun all day, and it has a lovely relaxed feel in the garden. late check out shouldnt be a problem, we have kept rooms before. i think it was around £20, dont quote me, but well worth it. the other fab thing aboutht the toucan is being so close to the airport, on departure, you can check in, pay the departure tax (both outside events), then just wander back to the toucan for a last beer or three. back to airport just before departure time, pick up duty free,( itsy bitsy shop!) and hop aboard! no gruesome hanging about.
as for the weather, we generally speaking go in june. supposedly the rainy season, but after going at other times, i cant tell the difference! yes you will get rain. short, sharp heavy stuff, that will leave everything steaming, but goes as soon as it comes. enjoy it. its wonderful. especially if, like me, you were caught outside dancing one night, and got soaked! you will not get cold, i promise.
we took our two youngest (15 & 18) last june, and they enjoyed it, but, maybe a bit too laid back for them. its definately a romantic break for mum and dad though!
i have some photos (surprise, surprise) of the toucan, and the WONDERFUL staff. let me know if you want to see them.
i could go on and on and on!.
maz
sorry abouth the smiley in there, pc wont let me change it!

Hi Maz,

Thanks for the reply, we are without any doubt that the Toucan fits the bill perfectly for us. We're so looking forward to visiting Tobago, it's been on our wish list for a long time but we've always taken our kids along on our caribbean holidays previously and thought Tobago to be too quiet. This time it's adult time, so think we've made a good choice. We'd love to see some pics if you have them, how can we see them? Are there places to eat and drink within walking distance of the Toucan or will we need to take taxis everywhere (not that we mind).? We plan to get out and about exploring as well as chilling by the pool, any ideas for trips?

Really appreciate the input thanks, this website is fab!

Kayla and Stu
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Hi Kayla and Stu,

Well all I can say is lucky you!! I wish we were going back to Toucan Inn this year, but I'm afraid it looks like all our money will be going towards a house instead

Going B+B is definitely the right decision, because as I have said before, and Maz has mentioned above, the dinner menu in Bonkers is quite limited. The food is usually of a very high standard, but you would get a bit sick of pot roast chicken every night!!

Where to go locally:

Well we did Taxi a lot of the time, but it is very cheap so not a problem. Within walking distance of Toucan you have The Kariwak, Cafe Iguana, Tamara's in Coco Reef ( a very formal restaurant and our only bad experience on Tobago). These 3 places are only a 10 minute walk away.

If you fancy a 15 - 20 minute walk, or a 2 minute taxi ride, you have: Cafe Coco (our Favourite in crown point), Dillons Seafood Restaurant, Pelican Reef, and there is also a restaurant on the corner at the turn-off for Cafe Coco of which I cannot remember the name, but apparently it is very good too. We were very bold a couple of nights and ordered Pizza from Pizza Boys, we had to pick it up as they did not have a delivery person at the time, I don't know if this is still the case. But we brought it back to Toucan Inn and had it in our room with some Italian Colada's from the bar

If you fancy a trip to Scarborough, about £7 each way in a taxi, then go to The Salsa Kitchen, it was our favouite restaurant of the whole trip. But reserve a table as it is only small and is very popular.

For day trips, tours and Turtle Watching( you are going at the right time!!) contact Harris MacDonald, of Harris Jungle Tours. He is the head Lifeguard on Store Bay, and he also calls around to Toucan Inn a couple of times a week. He is a huge and hilarious man who will be able to grant all your wishes!!

Have a great time, and if you have any more questions just post them here

Joe