Le Grand Courlan Feb Holiday

[Ian Mackie]

Having read recent reports I was concerned as to our holiday which was 2 weeks from 3rd Feb. This was our 3rd visit to Tobago. Contrary to the most recent negative report I can advise that the hotel proved excellent in almost every way. Staff, superb, couldnt do enough for us and always with a smile. Superior to anywhere else I have been in Carribean. Rooms, we had sea view and again very good, bed huge and faclilities in the room also very good with first class turn down service in evening. Bathrooms are however tired and do require update as not to quality of bedroom, same can be said for plumbing but worked fine although noisy. Air condtioning is also ok although a little noisybut nothing to get excited over. Pool area first class with ample loungers of high quality (hotel was full over our holiday) Tennis courts, 2, also in superb condition. Gym was very good with up to date equipment. Didnt use Spa but wife did and found it good although staff here not as service conscious as remainder of hotel. You will find it difficult to change pre booked appointments. Food, again for an all inclusive, quite excellent, mostly silver service in the upstairs resaurant with first class entertainment during and after meals. The buffet style in the downstairs resaurant was more informal but we found the food excellent and plentiful, considerably above the standards of say Rex brand hotels. Lunches were always buffet and very good. Wine flowed freely at all meals and again was of a high quality, merlot or sauvignon. Beer first week was not good but pump problem was solved and 2nd week was of consistent good standard.
Beach is very nice, an excellent walk but you have to be cautious of the breakers. One guest did dislocate his shoulder. Beach loungers are probably limited and of much lower quality that those by the pool but this is a public beach and the facilities provided have to be considered in this respect. Beach touts were almost non existant, certainly not a problem and the overall quality of the beach was very good. Absolutely no sewage outfalls, any water coming onto the beach is from fresh water streams. The buccanear bar is however a poor facility and does require pulling down and rebuilding. You will feel comfortable and safe on this beach and indeed on any beach in Tobago
The dive facility is adjacent to the beach, Adventure Eco Divers and I found it very good indeed. I am a divemaster and anyone using this facility can be assured there is a strong focus on safety. Sure they didnt exactly start bang on 9.00am but everything was well organised and I was considerably impressed with their pool training and subsequent tri dives. If you are a non diver and want to give the sport a go you will be managed very safely and have a lot of fun with this facility. Also absolutley no problems between them and hotel.
In booking with this hotel you can therefore be assured ofa first class holiday, value for your money and a generally strong experience.