My fiancé and I chose Sandy Point Village to enjoy a romantic weekend holiday get-away on our sister-isle. The website said that the hotel was only 5 minutes walk from the airport so after asking for directions we were pointed in the right direction. Yeah... it could be 5 minutes if we were going at a brisk trot but at normal people speed it’s more like 10. Add luggage and the hot sun to the mix and it’s a VERY long walk.

Our first hiccup happened shortly after our arrival. We were really hungry and after walking for so long in the sun to get to the hotel and not having a car we didn’t want to walk back out to pursue food. So we decided to eat at the Steak & Lobster Grill restaurant on the premises while we were waiting to be checked in. We knew it would be expensive but we decided to splurge and treat ourselves to a nice lunch. The site of the restaurant was lovely, overlooking the sea with very pretty surroundings. The attitude of the waitress/hostess was VERY laissez-faire. They basically indicated that we should sit wherever we wanted but we were the only ones there so we didn’t mind. We decided on the burger which seemed to be the most economical choice, though the menu said it was $20 for the burger alone but with fries & salad $40 (of course this is before 15% VAT and 10% Service Charge) It really didn’t take that long to come but when it did come I very nearly sent it back. The ‘meat’ patty was extremely thin and pale looking (I seriously doubt it was beef, probably some sorta turkey-hybrid that you can get in the grocery for $15 an 8-pack) And I hadn’t tasted anything so horrible in a really long time. I couldn’t even finish it despite being quite hungry. And to boot, when we got the bill it was a whopping TT$150. I have no problem paying good money for food but I have a big problem paying outrageous prices for sub-standard fare. But we paid it and agreed never to eat there again. Perhaps the dinner chef is more talented, I wouldn’t be able to say however.

After ‘lunch’ we went to get checked in. We were only going for to be there for 2 days and we didn’t expect to cook so we requested a pool-
side cabana which we were informed had no kitchenette, just a mini-fridge. I expected this to be perfect for what we needed and it definitely was! The room was lovely! Really really nice. High wooden beams on the ceiling and a bedroom loft! The decor was really nice too, very tropical and clean. The bathroom was a little run-down but there were clean towels and complimentary soaps. Downstairs there was a small sitting area with a sofa, futon and breakfast nook. There was a small fridge with 2 drinking glasses and coffee mugs. Up in the loft held a queen-sized bed, a nice roomy wardrobe and tv. It was PERFECT! My fiancé and I fell in love with it immediately and were quite pleased.

However a little later after we had unpacked we realised that the tv wasn’t working. We had already paid TT$100 deposit to get a remote so that was a problem. So we called the front desk and told them about it. The receptionist said she’d call me back. Within 10 mins she called back to say that the tv was known to give trouble and she would switch us rooms if we liked. Reluctantly we agreed even though we were MUCHO disappointed to leave our lovely loft. In retrospect I really wish we had decided to stay.

The room they moved us to was a garden-side cabana. The decor was just as nice with an upgrade of a king-sized bed facing a wide mirror and a kitchenette but definitely a downgrade from the loft in our opinion. The kitchen was even more run-down than the bathroom. There was a toaster oven but no microwave, a dingy looking sink and no plates or cutlery (so please bring your own) To be frank even if we were planning to cook there was no way we were gonna use that kitchen. But we liked the breakfast counter with stools and there was the same pretty breakfast nook by the windows.

There was the occasional plane coming in to the airport but nothing too disturbing. The remainder of our weekend went smoothly and other than those few hiccups we had a really nice time and thought management was really receptive and accommodating. Overall we thought that the rooms were really well kept and clean with fresh linens and towels. The pool was nice, also it’s pretty close to the beach if you don’t mind a little walking. We’re definitely going back to Sandy Point Village on our next Tobago-holiday.

When I stayed at Sandy Point Hotel in 2005, I was very young but I do remember some things about the stay which might influence your decision to go there.
I've been reading the other reviews for this hotel and the first thing I would like to say is that the pool is very clean. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it - it even has a slide! Don't expect breakfast before about 9:15am because nobody in Tobago gets up before then. The view out to the ocean is amazing, and the bar/restaurant is right next to it so you can have a lovely view while you're eating. While my family was staying there, there was a party by the pool which gave out free punch and it was a good way to socialise with the other people staying. My sister, then 8 years old, started talking to a little german girl at the party and they are still friends today!
The rooms are fine; nothing special really. I did once find an upturned dead cockroach on the floor in the morning but the cleaners came early and swept it up. It's only to be expected, as Tobago has a very hot climate and there are lots of different insects living all over the island. Ihad the shock of my life when i saw a lizard crawling up my wall but there's nothing to be afraid of - they are very timid and wont hurt you if you go near them.
I hope my review of this hotel will help you decide whether to vidit it or not, for all in all I would reccommend it to a friend if they were visiting the island. I am going back in a few weeks time and so I hope that quality of the hotel is just like what it was three years ago!

I was looking for someplace to crash, chill, relax after the hectic pace of Trinidad and Carnival. It has been a very stressful year with serious illnesses and death in the family, I needed to reflect. Sandy Point Village provided me with that opportunity. After much debate I choose the oceanfront room instead of the room with a kitchen and I'm glad I did. Waves glorious waves were at my doorstep morning , noon and night. Crashing waves that I could see from my bed. Waves that I went to sleep and woke up to everyday. And the stars multiple and close in the sky. The patio light didnot work my 1st 3 nights and I had quite a show of shooting stars and celestial glory. Unfortunately the lights came back on and I had to unscrew my bulb to try to recapture that beauty. (Give me the choice of light or no light).
There was a small, rocky patch of beach next door at Sandy Beach if you wanted to get your feet wet. There also was a jettison that you could fish off of or just feel the breeze and spray around you. Sandy Beach has a beach bar and evening activity if you need to socialize. The nightclub at Sandy Village was closed my entire 11 day stay.

I walked the short distance to Story Bay everyday which took me about 20-30 minutes due to disabilities. I made many stops on the way, a small corner store for water, a small fort parklike area and a slightly larger supermarket which should take care of your everyday needs. I also stopped at Crown Point Hotel where one of the receptionists were gratious enough to let me use their computer. Note to self, don't stay anyplace that does not have internet, fax access. I was allowed to check out their property which was beautiful and had access to Story beach. The guest I spoke were repeaters and enjoyed their stay . Only one complained about the rules (something I hate as well) and the rudeness of the service people. Another negative, you coud not hear the waves at all....moving on. I bought my souvenirs from the shop on their grounds as well. I met some interesting people on my walk and had a beautiful calabash bowl made personally for me.

At the beach there is a variety of foods to choose from, an easy vibe. I always rented a chair from Dimples on the beach who was as cute as his name. There were a lot of waves at the beach but not as many as in front of my room. The people were friendly and you were not hassled like in Jamaica, these people took holiday seriously.

I did the glassbottom boat ride and did some snorkeling and went to Pidgeon Beach where the waves are a lot calmer. but I was content in my own neck of the woods, just chilling.

Unfortunately all was not peaches and cream. First my encounter with the weekend evening shift receptionist. She wore the formfitting pink uniform ( at least I thought it was a uniform as I saw her in it 3x's), cute but mean. I had the misfortune of requesting a remote from her. She asked if I had left a deposit, (which i didn't know about) and them informed me there weren't anymore. She kind of shrugged and said, "Oh well". I was so taken back I staggered back to my room and vowed never to ask her anything else again. Unfortunely I did have to speak to her again and received the same attitude. Tobago, beautiful place trying to build up there tourist trade, will definely have to start with the service people because the one I've had contact don't know that they are SERVICE people and take advantage of and abuse their position.

There are no bell person at the desk, you have to lug your luggage about yourself and Sandy Point is NOT handicap accessible. There are a lot of stairs and few railings to assist you.

I ate in the dining room, which is above my room, twice. Once at lunch where the waitress was pleasant and helpful enough (found vinegar for my fries) and then overcharged me for my meal. (didn't go back) Dinner was OK Staff again very helpful, view to die for, slow service, my 1st and 2nd choice where not available. Dinner was OK. The dining room was always busy.

My main complaint is the bed. I had a Kingsized bed of rocks. A single mattress on a wooden plank. I woke up the after the 1st night unable to walk!!! I had to use the cushion from the chairs in the room to cushion my behind. Hampton Inn you are not. If I had one of the loungers from next door I would havebeen better of sleeping on that. Complaints fell on deaf ears and since I didnot want to be known as the complaining guest I endured. ADD A MATTRESS SANDY POINT.

Overall the waves made up for the little glitches I ran across and I would return (with an air mattress) just to hear the waves again.

We booked our holiday only 6 weeks before we went and were really worried when we read the reviews on this site and others especially those about the airport noise but it really wasn't a problem . We stayed from 19th November - 3rd December and had a poolside apartment

Pluses
The people = if you are out walking everyone speaks and says hello or good evening and if they are selling stuff and you say no, they wish you a nice day and move on it was so nice to re ceive such good manners everywhere.
Good Food =We didn't have a bad meal the entire time we were there, this goes for the whole island too. If you get up to Speyside you really must try Jemma's Retaurant.
Quiet Pool Area= We were often the only ones by the pool and we saw it cleaned every day.
Lovely little beach = The beach area is shared with the Beach Club next door but was never crowded and you can use their beach bar for cocktails.
Friendly Staff= Most of the staff in the hotel and restaurant were friendly and liked to have a joke with the customers.
BIG JOHNSONS DIVE SHOP is right next door and gives special rates for hotel guests. We are keen holiday divers so having Dion's place next door was ideal for us. Dion is a smashing bloke and good dive master .
Good location= If you get tired of the hotel restaurant try Syps just outside it looks empty but the food is good and reasonable. There are loads of restaurants in the Crown Point area most of them pretty good so you can't get bored with the food. Store Bay Beach is within walking distance and has lots going on and good facilities including changing rooms and loos but loads of food outlets and a bar as well as stalls selling handycrafts, keepsakes and beach wear.
There is a minibus to Pidgeon Point every day and although this gets busy you can still find some shade and a bit of peace and quiet and the facilities here are clean and well arranged and more good food and good service from the little bars on the beach. This is also the best place to get on the glass bottomed boats as there is a jetty unlike Store Bay.

Minuses
The approach to the hotel could do with a makeover, it looks a bit rough. The receptionist at the hotel is a bit miserable but I don't think she understands what is said to her half the time. The head waitress also takes her job a bit seriously and can be hard work but by the end of our holiday both of them were smiling and asking about our day.
The rooms do need updating there were wardrobe doors missing and the bathroom needed a refit.
There was no equipment to make a hot drink in our room, so it was lucky we had taken a travel kettle and mugs.
The sleeping platforms creak and you can hear your neighbours very clearly upstairs. The towels and bedlinen are not very good quality and because they use bluing in the wash look grey and washed out.
The pool bar wasn't open, there is no waiter service and you are no allowed to take your own drink or food out by the pool, so a trek to the restaurant is necessary if you want a drink.
The Deep night club is located in the basement of the main block and is open very late Friday's and Saturday's.

Outside the Hotel
The Pelican Restaurant was rubbish the service was really poor the food was being sent to the wrong tables and the only time we got any attention from the waitress other than taking our order was when it was time to pay.

Do go to Sunday School the steel band is good and the dancing is great especially the old guys getting the female tourists up for a twirl. Don't eat before you go, there are loads of food outlets set up fro the event which we didn't know about.

Do hire a car and see the other towns and the rain forest, the hire rates are pretty much the same in Crown Point so hiring from the hotel or the shop at the end of the road is as good as any.

Do go diving or snorkeling the reefs are really good and the numbers and varieties of fish, turtles etc pretty amazing.

We had one of those holidays where we felt that we had been away for ages and came back really relaxed.