myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

Hello, everyone. We spent a couple of weeks in Tobago last September and, guess what, we've just decided to return this July for another 14-night vacation, although we had a scare with hurricane Ivan last year. We'll be back to Ocean Point where we had a nice week last time around, but we also plan to spend some time in Charlotteville, and at the former Old Donkey Cart in Bacolet, too. To say we're looking forward to it would be a major understatement. How different is the weather in early July compared to September? Not much, I guess. I just hope we'll avoid a hurricane this time. Now we know which things we have to avoid or give a pass (there aren't many anyway), and we also plan to try diving, which we have never done. A hike in the rainforest doesn't sound like a bad idea, either. And we'll also check the waterfalls. Restaurants we'll definitely be back to: Mot-Mot, La Belle Creole, Shore Things, Ru-B Lou's, Lynnette's at Ocean Point. The good people at the I85 bar right next to the Cat and Fiddle should expect our visit for a beer or seven too. We'll swim at Pirate's Bay, Englishman's Bay, Bloody Bay, Store Bay. We'll go to Sunday School twice - hey, even my fantasy basketball team is called "Sunday School" since September. We'll dance to Soca, Calypso, reggae. We'll taste callalloo - mmmm! We'll buy this and that from the vendors at the Sunday School. We'll attend the local parties on Friday night. We'll listen to the sounds of the birds and the frogs. We'll even go to Wednesday's talent contest, which was such fun (we won some prizes too). Above all, we'll mingle with the locals, always smiling and always trying to adjust their lingo and accent in order to be understood by us. Somebody hold me, I'm almost off to the airport...

Hi Nikos

You can't be unlucky twice, so given the rarity of hurricanes in Tobago, I think you're bound to be safe this year. As you say, there will be little difference between the weather in July and September.

I've heard reasonable reports of the penthouse suite at the Half Moon Blue but very dissapointing reports of all other accommodation there.

Disappointing reports?!? Now that's a surprise. We have booked the Junior Penthouse suite (not the Superior Penthouse Loft). I hope that's the nice one. We've also booked the Top River Pearl in Charlotteville, nothing but good reports on this one in the Internet.

Sorry Nikos - you might be dissapointed unless you go for the Superior Penthouse loft. I had had three or four email reports saying that the rooms were in desperate need of refurbishment, then spoke to two different couples who had stayed at the Half Moon Blue while we were on the island. Both couples said they would not return and one said they would be filing a formal complaint with their tour operator. Neither had seen the Superior Penthouse Loft, but both said they had "heard" that it was the only good room - information which tallied with other reports I'd received.

These are terrible news. I might have to cancel. The rooms are a bit pricey, too.

Hi Nikos

I'm truly sorry. It is always difficult for me in these situations. I have no wish to harm the Half Moon Blue, but having received so many reports, I would be defeating the site's purpose not to pass it on. I would welcome the views of any readers who are familiar with the property and call advise us from their personal experience, because I confess that I have not viewed the rooms myself. Hold off for a few days to see if any of our readers can add comment.

Steve, that's what you and other readers have written about the Half Moon Blue a few months ago. It doesn't look too discouraging but it certainly wasn't too encouraging either.

http://www.mytobago.info/forum/viewtopi ... f+moon+bay

If anyone has any knowledge of the current situation in the hotel, please let me know. I'd hate to make any hasty decisions. We visited the place in September, but only for dinner. It looked quite alright, but you can't judge until you see the rooms, I guess.

Hi Nikos

You will notice that I wrote that in October 2003. Yes, the Half Moon Blue is a pleasant little property, which is all I say, but since then I've received a total of 5-6 negative reports.

Oops again; I thought the review was from October 2004, not 2003. I'm having second thoughts now. My alternative choice was Kariwak Village. Any thoughts on that?

Hi Nikos

It wasn't a review - just a brief comment. Anyway, not to worry.

The Kariwak gets constantly good comment. Check their sub-forum in the Accommodation section. It would certainly be a safer choice.

Thank you, Steve. Actually I'd hate to change my plans, but I'd also hate to pay a large sum for a room that's not really worth it. Old Donkey is almost more expensive than the Hilton. Again, if anyone has knowledge of the current situation at the Old Donkey (Half Moonu Blue), please post.