Well as they say, you get what you pay for. This was a relatively cheap place to stay but we found the rooms a bit too basic and small especially the kitchen area (balcony was also tiny). The room really could do with a bit of a face lift as it just felt very stark and unwelcoming. If staying here you would be better off in the 2 bedroom apartment which has a bigger balcony and more room. We stayed at Top River Pearl for a week and would not really recommend staying here for more than a couple of days without having some sort of transport (we were glad when our hire car arrived after 3 days). We just didn't feel there was enough to do especially when its raining non stop. Bring your own towels (as well as beach towels) and sheets, they really did need renewing! The staff were very friendly and helpful though, especially Lisa.

Views when driving to Charlotteville are stunning and the people are very friendly, we said hello to everyone we met. Try Jane's Restaurant right in the middle of the village by the beach, the food was excellent and the best we had in Tobago (lunch and dinner), her Rotti was the best ever!

Pirates Bay is a short walk but up a steep track, then down about 150 steps but is a lovely beach.

We moved on to Castara for the next week and stayed in Castara Retreats (absolutely beautiful) which did not compare to Top River, but then nor did the price!

We spent three days at the Top River Pearl in the heart of the Tobago fishing community of Charlotteville. The units are nicely designed, built and equipped - including a large two bedroom unit as well as one room units with kitchenette and excellent shower/washrooms. We enjoyed the interaction with the community, the short hike to Pirate's Bay beach, and side visits to Speyside and King's Bay. The local beach right in Charlotteville is not up to the standards of other Tobago beaches.The limited food and non-alcohol coffee bar service at Top River Pearl was very good. We lucked out by being there on one of the nights when a special full meal service was provided - which was truly excellent. Sharon and Phebe's restaurant a few blocks away provided very pleasant surroundings for a drink and for dinner - made better when the friendly manageress was on site to counter the rather bored manner of the other staff. Nearby Speyside also offered several good dining choices including the excellent and very reasonable Speyside Inn.