We've just returned from a 2 week trip to Tobago and stayed at the Grafton Beach. From reading Trip Advisor comments we were fearing the worst. Oh how wrong can one be? There is absolutely nothing wrong with the Grafton Beach hotel. Granted, it's a little shabby and could be done with a lick of paint around the pool area but the ocean view rooms were worth every penny and it was a fabulously relaxing holiday.

Tobago is an extremely laid back island and nothing happens immediately. If you go expecting 5 star, then book and pay for a 5 star experience. The food in Neptune's was outstanding. Sandra is worth her weight in gold. The odd night we ate in the main restaurant was fine. There was nothing wrong with any meals.

Unfortunately the beach bar was closed due to a storm - but that's hardly the hotel management's fault. It should be open by end of May so you can get sandwiches and burgers there instead of the buffet style lunches.

Highlights of the trip included a visit to Pidgeon Point - you can't visit this island without spending some time at this idyllic beach. Also, we highly recommend Ellis's Island Tour. Ask him for Keino - he's a wealth of information, and we sampled all different fruits from trees all around the island.

I wouldn't say the diving is so exciting but it's nice to see some fish and snorkel on the odd day or two. It's not full of tropical brightly coloured fish but there is an abundance of species out there to see. Even a "friendly" stingray or two. If you're really lucky then ensure you squeeze in a trip to Turtle bay to see a leatherback turtle lay her eggs.

The sister hotel "Grand Courlan" is more "modern" in its decor but it lacks in atmosphere compared to the Grafton. The pool area is small and everyone made friends very quickly from ages 20-90.

If you're looking for a holiday that is totally relaxing and laid back, then this is the place for you.

I too was a little worried about other reveiws of this hotel, when we arrived we were greeted by friendly staff, i found all staff were friendly and polite, the room had an excellent view and was clean and tidy the housekeeper came every day, the food was good and the bar service was also good had no problems getting towels for the pool, it is the perfect place to relax and do nothing just enjoy the peace and quiet, we took tour of the island through the rain forest, also saw turtles laying there eggs upon the beach, went to pidgeon point lovely beach, a glass bottom boat ride, and to a night club we also went up to coco reef hotel which i thought wasnt as efficent as the graffton hotel

Having read lots of reviews before we went to the Grafton I was worried aout what to expect. On arrival we were met by friendly staff and shown to our room. This was a good size and very clean, we also had a lovely view of the gardens and sea from our balcony. The room had a TV, fridge, safe, air conditioning and a balcony with table and 2 chairs.

The 2 restaurants were clean and most staff friendly. The food was good, sometimes lots of choice other times not much choice but all was hot. The Neptune restaurant over the pool is fantastic and Sandra the chef is very friendly. Service at the main bar was sometimes slow but great cocktails are served. The pool bar was mostly closed,

The pool is of a good size and nice and clean. There are lots of sun loungers around the pool and although some of the cushions were grubby they were comfy. There are also umbrellas to provide some much needed shade.

There was entertainment every night which was of good quality, although if staying for 2 weeks you see the same entertainment. As the entertainment is in the lobby/main bar area it encouraged people to talk and we made some great friends while staying here.

The games room is dated but has a pool table, darts, football table and air hockey. A good place to hide away from any rain showers.

Overall we had a great 2 weeks at the Grafton and would definetly go there again.

Hotel is badly run and very average. Staff were surly or Philippino and weren't too good at English. Food was basic but OK. Maintenance on hotel was very poor e.g. pool light floating on electrical wires for two days until i complained.
Gym facilities although offered next door were always locked off and useage discouraged.
Bar staff weere very thin on the ground and the drinks were the cheapest possible.
Hotel managers were truly awful and useless to the point of rude. I will never go back and advise other travellors to stay well clear!