We have just returned from a great 2 weeks in Tobago, but this was due to our 'northern friends' at the hotel, not the hotel. On arrival we were just given the all inclusive bands and a key to the room. No introduction or welcome drink which most similar places would do. The rooms, as with the whole place are looking very tired and in urgent need of refurbishment, although the aircon was very good. The room telephones didn't work, and very surprisingly there was no drinking water in our room until we had been there 3 days-can be purchased in the poorly stocked shop. There was a crack in our bath, which luckily also had a shower. The rooms are large, but you never felt they were particularly clean due to the age. The food arrangements are very varied, depending on how the staff feel. Although meal times are given to you on arrival, these can sometimes be late (25mins) starting, especially breakfast. There is a varied choice for breakfast but in the main restaurant lunch and dinner revolves around chicken, fish, rice, lamb, and curry. Deserts are usually small cakes or similar. Only once were we offered ice cream, and we would have expected a selection of fruit at lunch and dinner. Burgers and toasted sandwiches are available at the D Bay grill at lunch. Sometimes they did run out of deserts, as the bar did with syrups for cocktails. Apart from Sheryl at the D Bay and the 'pool guy', the staff generally are not interested and will shrug their shoulders if you complain. A typical example is one Monday night we turned up for the managers cocktail party to be told it was not on as there was no manager in the hotel, not that they seemed bothered. Jacuzzi wasn't working, entertainment was only for an hour and half or so, and water sports were limited. The beach is very sandy, but so is the sea bed so snorkelling is better away from the hotel. The hotel is really more geared up for locals at weekends. The headline claim on the Starfish Tobago website is anything but correct. Probably the worst service we have experienced for many years in the UK or overseas.
Where do I begin to praise the Bacolet Beach Club? It was my first visit there, but it most certainly won't be my last! A friend had visited earlier this year, and she was so excited about what it had to offer, she asked if I wanted to go back there with her. I'm now hooked too, and can't wait for my next stay. From the moment we were collected from the airport by Thessa Marie Samuya, (who is in charge of much of the every day running of the hotel) to the time we left, nothing was too much trouble. I was impressed by the cleanliness of the rooms, and the friendliness of the staff. Everyone had a smile and a genuine desire to make certain we enjoyed ourselves. That is, whether we were on the premises, or going out to any of the locations. I was keen to buy some Toboggan chocolate, and Ricky, one of the very helpful staff members, was delighted to drive us to a place where the chocolate was made on the premises. I was so happy, and he just beamed because he knew it meant a lot to me to be able to go there. The restaurant was small and intimate, which I liked. I don't like feeling like I'm queuing up for a school dinner in a canteen, so this was lovely! Although the menu didn't change in the two weeks we were there, there was plenty to choose from, so it was fun deciding how much of the menu to explore. The meals were nicely presented, and we were served at our table for lunch and dinner. Breakfast was self-service. There were few things that had supplement add-ons, and even the lobster was next to nothing when added to our bill. Fully Inclusive was definitely a good choice, because all the delicious cocktails were included. There were a lot of steps to take you down to the private beach, but there was a handrail, and if I can manage (I'm in my 70s) then anyone can! The beach was clean, and there was a beach bar at the foot of the steps, so when once down there, one could stay all day if desired. All the girls in the restaurant were warm and friendly. I cant remember all their names, but there was Donna, Bella, Megan and I think Shenesca, but I may have got that spelling wrong! Anyway, they all worked hard to create a great atmosphere and to serve good food. If only I could think of everyone else's names! There were two swimming pools for anyone not keen on the sea, and those were kept spotlessly clean and hygienic too. My room had the most amazing views across the bay, and at the end of each afternoon, before getting ready for dinner, I enjoyed sitting on my balcony and reading my book. The loungers were very nice quality, and easy to sink into. The cleaners made certain the room was left beautifully each day, and if we bumped into each other, there was always a beaming smile and an exchange of a few warm words. Each week there was a welcome BBQ on the beach, and music played to add to the atmosphere. There was also entertainment in the sister hotel across the road. As for Gloria and Reinhold, the owners of the Bacolet Beach Club, well, the