Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The, 4 Star, Magdalena Grand Beach Resort is located on Tobago Plantations Estate, a 750 acre gated community, and offers 178 Deluxe OceanFront Rooms and 22 One and Two Bedroom Suites. All accommodations are Ocean Front with private balconies. This beachfront resort offers an 18-hole PGA Golf Course, its own Dive Center, Spa, and the largest amount of banquet & meeting space on Tobago. Complimentary wireless internet is available throughout the resort.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
Powered by AI
Nestled by the sea, the Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort offers a picturesque location that many guests appreciate, although the beach space can be somewhat restricted for those looking to soak up the sun. The service presents a mixed bag, with some staff members providing prompt attention while others seemingly lack consistency.
While the cleanliness of the resort generally receives high marks, the atmosphere and room decor are often described as dated and in need of a revamp. Amenities, including the pools, are popular but some guests suggest that dining options could be improved and that the resort's overall value is debatable, with opinions split between overpriced and reasonable.
Location
Beachfront
Atmosphere
Outdated
Rooms
Dated
Value
Mixed
Cleanliness
Mixed
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Mixed
Was this helpful?
Tripadvisor is not responsible for this summary or the opinions in it. For more information, please read the traveler reviews and learn more about how the site works.
This hotel is in a beautiful location in the plantations, you drive through the golf course and it’s only 20 mins from the airport ! The main pool was shut when we were there but the two small pools had a bar set up and were very relaxing as you could listen to the waves and watch the kite surfers. The sea is very rough and they do not recommend you swim in it - the hotel is on the Atlantic coast but they provide a shuttle bus to Pidgeon Point Beach which was stunning - you book with reception the day before and collect your packed lunch before you leave. The hotel then load cool boxes with beers and soft drinks for everyone. The Robinson Crusoe pub was good fun lively drinks and delicious food. It also has a pool table and does offer some entertainment for those who want to participate. The Al a carte restaurant was good quality food we had 2 vouchers in our weeks stay to go. The morning buffet restaurant was good, but we didn’t eat there at night. There is also an outside restaurant which had lovely food at lunchtime overlooking the sea. This hotel is tired in places and is currently undergoing some renovation. Our room was large and comfy with a big TV and a balcony overlooking the sea. For what we paid this hotel exceeded our expectations we met some lovely people and were sad to leave !
Read more
Date of stay: February 2025Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
From the moment my kids and I arrived at the hotel, we were welcomed as VIPs yet family. The carpark attendant, reception and all employees we came into contact with, welcomed us warmly. Check in was smooth, the welcome beverages were delectable. We were taken by golfcart to our room. This drive was exciting and gave us a first glimpse of the sprawling beautiful property. The attendant properly briefed us on the room amenities as well as provided directions to all of the facilities. The beautiful satellite pool was mere steps away from our room. As we opened the door, we were greeted by the beautiful well maintained lawns, trees the sea and warm breeze. Dinner service started at 6, the buffet was sumptuous and entertainment was lively. Next morning breakfast buffet was delectable, staff was pleasant and attended to each person lovingly. Since the breakfast was so hearty we didnt need lunch. During check-in, we were informed that the main pool was unavailable due to upgrading works, and were offered a free shuttle visit to the Pigeon Point Heritage Park. We accepted and were thrilled. The shuttle driver was pleasant, gave us a tour of the area as well as a little history of the island. As we arrived at the park, we were given a wrist band and a cabana for us to relax as well as store our belongings, including towels from the hotel. To our surprise and pleasure, a cooler was provided for us with every possible beach drink we could desire, all complements of the hotel. My kids and I went on the boat to the Nylon Pool, Buccoo Reef and for barbecue at No Man's Land. Promptly as scheduled, the shuttle returned us to the hotel where we were once again welcomed as family. On our final day, I enjoyed the sauna while my kids played tennis, after another golfcart ride. There were bikes to ride on the property, a large chess board, kids playpark, gym, pools, bird watching and a golf course to enjoy. However, a professional tournament, the Scarborough Cup was being hosted so we couldnt use the course, but we did enjoy watching the golfers at the holes. Check-out was easy and the staff bade farewell to us and wished us a safe journey home. My family and I will certainly return to the Magdalena over the Easter, as Tobago will be abuzz with community activities. I look forward to staying there again and seeing the wonderful staff once more.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2025
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:Come and visit, you will be pleased
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveler reviews.
Wish everyone can know and enjoy the amazing staff and facilities here at this resort. I happened to jump in and surprise my mom and sisters as they were here to celebrate our mom. On her 70th birthday. Reservations department were on top their game when I reached out to them 1 month prior. Helping me navigate my options, to my arrival and assistance to video mom’s reaction. Priceless…. They even decorated her bedroom on her arrival with balloons and flowers. The consideration and thoughtfulness that was put into making every step of our arrival and stay pristine, comfortable and memorable… Every staff member we have encountered have been professional, courteous and happy. Ms Pamela in breakfast restaurant, I thank you for going above and beyond. Ms Lisa for using my phone for video and Ms Campbell for all of the details and patience with all my emails …. Some details that most people reading this review would appreciate… The bed was incredibly comfortable, bathroom was spotless! Our bedroom or hotel room was situated a little further than I would’ve liked but nonetheless should I request transportation a gentleman driving a golf cart will pick me up and take me wherever I wanted to go in the resort fantastic addition and service provided. I was offered the welcome drink and because I don’t do anything with excess sugar and I voiced that to Miss Lisa, she said to me what do you want and I said I would love a crisp cold glass of wine and in minutes it was presented. I appreciate those small gestures. The all inclusive package is your best bet and the best deal when staying here at this beautiful resort . The dining room and our dinner dinner was just top-notch hats off to the Chef !
Read more
Date of stay: September 2024Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:Sunblock is needed!. The coastal breeze doesn’t allow you to know when your skin is burning!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Lisa Mohammed, Guest Services / Front Office at Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort
Responded Sep 26, 2024
On behalf of Management and Staff we take this opportunity to thank you for choosing the Madalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort. We appreciate your positive feedback and customer service is our number priority. The team is thrilled that we made your stay so memorable and looking for to welcome you again.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Spent two weeks here, all inclusive. From the first minutes in reception to the last in the restaurant it was just non-stop hassle and problems. The buildings and grounds are lovely and generally well-maintained but the staff are atrocious, across all departments. There seems to be an aversion to providing information, and if you do get some it's usually wrong. A trip was planned and when I arrived at reception at the allotted time I was advised that the time had been changed by 45 minutes and the minibus had departed... no-one had informed me of the time change! Literally every single day there were problems, housekeeping can't remember to leave fresh towels and toilet paper, pool maintenance is very poor and when I reported dangerous practice to two members of senior management nothing happened. The food is generally satisfactory but restaurant staff so incompetent, from speaking so quietly that you don't know what they're saying to asking how was your food.... BEFORE YOU RECEIVE IT!!! Meals became very stressful and you're lucky if you're not asked your room number at least 6 times each meal! In my opinion this hotel is not geared up for European guests, and there were only about 8 couples from the UK there during my stay. Interestingly food quality and breakfast service improved dramatically when all the Caribbean islanders arrived for their Easter holiday.
In summary this could be a lovely hotel but the lack of management, organisation, information and staff training made my stay extremely disappointing and stressful.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
As a local I have stayed at several other hotels in Tobago but this was my first time at Magdelena. Having been there during the oil spill, only the main pool was opened and the beach was not accessible. Yet not compensation or price reduction was offered for the inconvenience. The room was spacious but our shower was smaller than a cruise ship shower, you can barely move around in there. The air conditioning didn’t work very well, the bedding was disappointing with only a thin sheet to cover and the towels are old and dingy. Our ocean view room had a view of grass and a caution fencing. Breakfast was unpleasant, there was never any cold cuts and cheese or yogurt and hot chocolate. These are basic items which I do expect at a hotel like the one. Also when items run out they take forever to replenish them, our party actually opted to go out and purchase breakfast one morning as it was generally stressful to have breakfast at Magdelena. The main pool was clean and the staff there were friendly but drinks prices are extremely exorbitant for cheap rum and mixers in a disposable plastic cup. We paid TTD 120 for a pina colada and a beer. The food service at Robinsons bar was slow but food was good. Overall I would not stay here again especially at the price they offer. Places like crown point hotel or even Tropikist are far better at a lesser price, better beach and food as well as convenience.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Stay somewhere else, but if you must stay here bring your own alcohol.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed here in 2014 and returned in July 2024. The last 10 years have been extremely rough on this resort. The AC wasn’t working at check in and they did not disclose it. We had an estimate that it would be fixed by mid morning the next day which moved to 3pm, but we ended up leaving the next day when it still wasn’t fixed and they still had no estimate of when it would be fixed.
Magdalena is unbelievably overpriced for what it is today. The room smelled, the entire facility is poorly maintained, stains in toilets, everything is rusting, fading and/or falling apart, mediocre breakfast.
The pool area is still nice but you’re given towel cards and you have to go to the lobby to get towels (they weren’t ready when we went) and if you don’t return them to the lobby, you’re fined $40 US. This is the opposite of luxury and relaxation to have to go get towels - only one per guest so you can’t use one on the chair and another to dry your skin. After spending so much money to stay at this place, this practice seems beyond absurd. In contrast, 4 star resorts usually have towel huts at the pool, and people grab them and return them or leave them on pool chairs and workers collect them. We’ve gone to many nice resorts over the years and have never seen anything like it. The service was good for the most part. The only complaint was knowing that the AC wasn’t working and not disclosing it at check-in. But I truly feel bad for them working at what was once the best hotel on the island and is now a huge disappointment. Lots of complaints among the other guests I spoke to also (apart from the non-working AC which is a deal breaker for me).
Please do not let the 4-star hotel class mislead you. The hotel class is based on location, size and the fact that there is a nice pool and a beach (swimming is not allowed there so it’s just for the view). It does not reflect the condition of the rooms and quality of service you should expect.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed 5 days at this resort. This hotel is truly beautiful and clean. Housekeeping will clean your room daily and give fresh towels although will not change your sheets. The food is excellent, although the service is horrendous. One hour to be served lunch or dinner minimum. Servers are poorly trained to say the least. The first 2 days the hotel had air conditioning issues. It was extremely hot in the room I thought I might pass out. The maintenance staff was very helpful, professional and concerned. The hotel has promised to refund one day stay thru Expedia. We will see. This is not a hotel to lay on the beach or enter the ocean although the pool and outdoor area is beautiful and the pool is heated. The ocean waves are rough and the water is full of seaweed. I waited one hour and 10 min for a drink during lunch and finally cancelled it. 20 min later while we were getting ready to leave here comes the drink I ordered. I told the server that I cancelled the drink 20 minutes ago. She apologized and told me she was taking it off the bill and told me to just keep the drink. Within minutes out comes the supervisor Pamela in a huff and told us we ordered the drink so we have to pay for it. I explained to her that I waited over an hour before I cancelled it 20 minutes ago. She then grab the drink and off she went. Extremely unprofessional! Amazing that she is a supervisor! The staff at the pool bar were very friendly and attentive.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:The pool is beautiful and heated. The food is amazing. All inclusive package is a must. The beach...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We've been lucky enough to have been to the Caribbean a number of times on holiday, but wanted to try a different island. We saw a very good deal on "Secret Escapes" for Tobago and the Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort. The deal also included to 2 free rounds of Golf!
We obviously went at the end of the wet season and there was a lot more wind and rain than other islands we've been to at this time of year, but that's not Tobago's fault. It was a very nice hotel/resort although being off-peak it was quite quiet, meaning that not everything advertised was open. There was limited choice for lunch and only one Bar open until 3pm when "Crusoe's" then opened. The Piano Bar never opened in the whole time we were there and the outside Grill was only open for a couple of days at the end of our stay. Not always a full choice of menu or drinks as they had run out.
The pool is lovely and only 1m deep all over, so ideal for just bobbing about. However, even with fewer guests there were not enough loungers and parasols around the pool for everyone. Several parasols were broken too.
The beach sadly was unwelcoming. Wet season storms in the Atlantic had caused masses of driftwood and other detritus to wash up. A breakwater of sorts had been created from boulders placed in the sea to calm the beach from the Atlantic waves, but there was virtually no beach furniture to encourage a visit or dip in the sea. The only loungers we saw were broken or had seen better days and most seemed to have been dumped.
Our room was fine, although the balcony faced NE so we got virtually no sun all day. Bathroom was a bit "tired" (cracked wash basin and loo seat), and the "hot" water could have been hotter. I had to boil a kettle to have a shave.
The Golf course was challenging and our deal gave us a free golf buggy although I had to hire clubs (US$37.00). Would be enjoyed by most golfers I would think.
The staff were always very polite, but could appear a bit unhappy until you broke the ice and got a smile out of them! Special mentions to: Kerline at the poolside bar, who could be relied upon for a good laugh! Amoyah in Crusoe's bar and Diamond in Pembois buffet at breakfast and lunch.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Its such a shame that I'm giving these guys 2 stars as they have had to deal with a lot of issues over the last few months and they do try hard. If i was to give 5 stars, it would be to Pamela, Latisha, and Diamond Katie. They were fantastic.
The Magdalena is tired and in need of attention and or investment. The once impressive glass facade is filthy, as is all of the glass around the hotel. The general feel is of a bodged repair. I would advise footwear on the decking around the pool, there are screws proud of the surface by by 5mm at least in places. These could easily cause a nasty injury to your feet. The decorating in general looks like its been done by a 5 year old, especially around the pool.
I am a regular tourist, and I have traveled to many all inclusive establishments around the world. I have never before had to sign for every single drink and, or meal like I have at the Magdalena. Although the hotel say that this is for their internal accounting, I get the feeling that they do not trust their staff. Immediately this did not put me at ease.
During our stay, we met two cats. Both clearly need veterinary treatment. After speaking to many members of staff it became clear that they rely on the good will of tourists at the dinner table. The hotel will not take any responsibility for these cats. One of my last trips was to the Creta Maris, Crete. These guys have got it sorted when it comes to all inclusive. They also have staff dedicated to the welfare of all animals and wildlife on site. There are feeding stations for cats and regular visits from veterinary professionals. They have taken on the moral and social responsibility that a good a decent business should. Sadly the Magdalena is not that responsible.
On the day of departure, we had to check out by 12pm. That seemed pretty standard. Our transfer was at 4pm. When we ordered a drink at the bar we were told that we had to pay after check out. That in my opinion is not standard. It felt like a final F You. I paid thousands of pounds to be a guest at this establishment only to be left with a sour taste in my mouth.
I love Tobago and I would visit again but there's no way I would stay at the Magdalena.
Read more
Date of stay: May 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This Hotel is set in a very beautiful place it is surrounded by a beautiful golf Course. It sits right on the beach, and our room was only 20 to 30 metres from the ocean. Unfortunately the beach had been devastated by an oil spillage and the complete bay and surrounding area was contaminated with oil. Areas around the pool area were contaminated with oil and the pool was being protected by a netted framework to prevent oil contamination. Also the smell of the oil was a constant element around the complex especially around the pool area. This was a major part of our holiday no longer available to us, we love beach holidays, walking and swimming in and by the ocean. The hotel was offering a shuttle bus to a alternative beach which was 30 min away, you had to stay all day due to the bus picking you at 10:00 and pick you up at 17:00. You also had to pay for entry and use of the beach equipment beds and umbrellas. Unfortunately this hotel is very tried in places all around the hotel needs to be refurbished, in some cases the problems can be a health and safety issue Slip tape on the stairs missing, broken sunbeds, air conditioning units leaking causing one of the guests slipping and hitting her head. Due to the oil spillage one of the restaurant was closed, this put pressure on the availability of eating options. There was a weekly schedule produced to show guests what restaurants were available, you had to book al la carte restaurants but they were limited in their availability and the schedule would change on a daily basis. The food in the main buffet restaurant was very inconsistent, mainly dishes were lukewarm warm and some of the meat especially the chicken dishes over cooked. They ran out of many dishes, porridge at breakfast, butter and jam, and bacon, the lunches would vary from a buffet or al la carte again ordering from the menu the dishes could be excellent or poor quality for the same dish across the week. The inconsistency of the good quality and the service
Read more
Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We visited in September no sign of oil had a fabulous holiday. Beach did have some seaweed but it didn’t worry us as we found the pools were adequate and we were overlooking the bay so best of both worlds. The golf course was fantastic.
We loved every minute even the humidity.
Accrington, United Kingdom2,865 contributions678 helpful votes
I loved the Magdalena Grand however it is a long way from the hotel to the main road, albeit through very attractive grounds. I took a short walk in the grounds once.The only shuttle the hotel provides is to Pigeon Point once a day. To go further you would need to take a taxi, which are very expensive. To go further afield I did rent a car for two days and this was a good decision. If you would like details of the company I used (they collected me from the hotel and brought me back) please send me a private message.
I hope you have a great time. Please read my review. I totally challenged so many of the negative reviews of the place. People really have to remember they are in the West Indies and not a cosmopolitan capital. Embrace that and you will have the best time
There are more places to choose from in the Lowlands area.
PRICE RANGE
$217 - $344 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
vhl tobago golf hotel lowlands, vhl tobago golf and spa resort
LOCATION
CaribbeanTrinidad and TobagoTobagoLowlands
NUMBER OF ROOMS
144
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.