Good points:

-pool was nice, though chilly
-room was lovely
-hotel was really nice, and very clean
-food was good
-tobago is a gorgeous place

Bad points:

-water was so rough & waves were so big at all times that swimming was near impossible. we had to taxi to other beaches.
-staff (except for one wonderful woman at the front desk) were surly, rude, and annoyed by our presence
-no hot water in our room for two days
-had to ask repeatedly for towels and other things that they only gave us one of (there were two of us)
-not centrally located, so be prepared to taxi everywhere

I have stayed at this hotel during the Trinidad Carnival season for a few days in 2006, 2007 and 2008. It is a beautiful hotel! The grounds are well kept. It is one of the more exepnsive hotels on the island but it is worth it. Used to be a Hilton but it was bought out by VHL.

Room: I have always stayed in a one bedroom suite. It has two full bathrooms and a pull-out sofa. They will give you a cot as well if you want to accommodate an extra person. There is a private jacuzzi on the patio which is pretty cool. The room is pretty clean as well. The water pressure in the shower is ok but not as strong as I would like. It's nice to keep the sliding door slightly open at night to feel the cool breeze and hear the waves hitting the shore. Very peaceful.

Entertainment: On Wednesday nights they have Karaoke in the Robinson Crusoe Pub. After being here three years in a row, unfortunately it is the same ole' thing. The songs have not changed a bit at all. We try to make the best of it though and the people who run the Karaoke are fun. They really encourage people to get out there and sing. They are in need of updated songs! They also have happy hours and meet-n-greets in the lobby lounge as well. Sometimes local vendors will set up tables and sell handmade crafts, jewelry, soaps, souvenirs etc.

Food: The food is pretty good. Breakfast ends too early (10:00 AM) and this doesn't really allow people to sleep in. The food at Tradewinds is good as well. This is an outdoor restaurant. One problem is that sometimes it is so windy (from the ocean) that your drink glasses will fall over etc. Breakfast and dinner at the Plantation Room is buffet style but it is hot and fresh with a good variety.

Beach: Although this hotel is located directly on the beach, it is not suitable for swimming. It is very rough. You may see a brave soul or two venture in for a few minutes but you simply can't enjoy the water. I have ventured in as well but only for five minutes. The hotel provides a shuttle to Pigeon Point and that is definitely worth the trip. They say it's a free shuttle but there is a small fee to gain access to the beach. There are no watersports at this hotel even though the website advertises that.

Pools: The main pool is absolutely gorgeous!! Plently of space for people to lounge around under umbrellas and there is a swim-up bar as well. Drinks are pretty good. Sometimes a dj will play the latest soca tunes. There is a smaller pool that a lot of people don't know exists and it is nice to relax at that one as well. Go find that pool if you want to get away from the main pool.

Atmosphere: The guests at this hotel pretty much keep to themselves. You will see families with small children as well as couples and groups of friendswho want to relax after Carnival.

Biggest complaint: Some of the staff are not friendly at all! They act as though you are bothering them and they are not very engaging at all. Kimmy however is one of the managers and she gets kudos for being friendly and attentive. She acknowledges that they need to work on customer service.

Future stay: Apparently this hotel is undergoing renovations or something and they will not reopen until April 2009. Therefore I will not be able to stay during Carnival 2009. Also they are still undergoing major management issues so no one really knows the future yet. However, I will certainly be back once they get it together.

Despite a few problems, this hotel is an excellent choice. It is definitely a MUST to check out!

We enjoyed our stay here it is a beautiful property. The hotel was previously a Hilton Hotel and was recently sold to VHL. They began painting and making repairs upon our stay during the end of July 2008. The hotel is located on the Atlantic side of the Island so the wind comes over the ocean. The lobby and one of the restaurants is not air conditioned, but it was so breezy we were comfortable.

The staff was very quick to help us to correct a couple of problems in our room. They quickly sent someone out to correct the problems and then they followed up with a phone call. The food is good, the bedrooms were comfortable and nicely decorated, all with a beach view. The shower was incredible. I love a great strong shower. The only thing we were unhappy about is the beach. It is very windy and the waves are so strong it is not a good place to swim. Luckily, the hotel offers shuttles to Pidgeon Point Beach which is spectacular and should not be missed.

Denise
Miami, Florida

We stayed at the Hilton in October 2005. I was 4 months pregnant and it would be our last holiday for a couple of years.

The Hilton is a fantastic hotel, beautiful surroundings, the staff are really friendly and helpful.

My Husband and I have travelled most of the Caribbean, and I felt Tobago to be one of the best islands to go.

The Hilton offers fantastic food, the room was clean and tidy. We were really looked after.

You always say that you would go back to the placed that you just visited, but you never do, but the Hilton in Tobago I would have no hesitation in returning.

Worth every penny!