Starfish Tobago

The hotel offers a quintessential Caribbean escape, with its signature feature being its direct beachfront access and the unique opportunity to witness leatherback turtles laying eggs on the shore. This makes it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and couples seeking a tranquil, picturesque setting. While not a luxury resort, it provides a charming and relaxed atmosphere, appealing to value-seeking travelers and families looking for an authentic island experience. Guests consistently highlight the beautiful pool area and the convenience of the all-inclusive package, which contributes to a hassle-free holiday. Many appreciate the hotel's laid-back, "real Caribbean" vibe, offering a genuine taste of the island. To enhance your stay, consider engaging with the highly recommended local tour guides found directly on the beach for personalized excursions, and be prepared for the hotel to become significantly busier with local visitors during weekends, which can impact dining and pool areas.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a large and well-maintained pool that consistently receives praise for its cleanliness and inviting atmosphere, often boasting a swim-up bar for guest convenience. However, guests frequently note a shortage of sunbeds and shade around the pool and beach areas, with many of the existing ones showing signs of age or being broken. While air conditioning in rooms is generally effective, Wi-Fi connectivity is a significant point of concern, often being non-existent in guest rooms and only spotty in public areas like the lobby. The absence of an elevator can pose a challenge for guests with luggage or mobility issues, particularly for rooms on upper levels. For those seeking activity, water sports such as kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling are available, though some guests report equipment needing upgrades or services being intermittently closed. Evening entertainment is offered, but its consistency and duration can vary.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest rooms are frequently described as tired and dated, indicating a need for refurbishment, yet many guests find them to be adequately clean and spacious. The beds are generally reported as comfortable, ensuring a restful sleep. However, the bathrooms are a common source of complaint, often noted for being old, small, and featuring slippery bathtubs or mould issues, with some experiencing poor water pressure or a lack of toiletries and towels. In-room amenities like televisions are often outdated with poor signal or non-functional remotes, and fridges are typically only stocked upon arrival, not daily. While air conditioning usually functions well, some guests report noise from units or the surrounding environment, including cockerels and weekend crowds. Housekeeping service receives mixed feedback, with some praising daily cleaning while others note inconsistencies in towel replacement or general tidiness.

Dining & Food Quality
The all-inclusive dining experience receives mixed feedback. While many find the food tasty and of good quality, common criticisms include a repetitive menu and dishes often running out, especially during peak times or weekends. The main restaurant operates on a buffet system where food is served by staff, leading to long queues and perceived portion control. Breakfast is generally well-regarded, with a popular egg station, though fresh fruit, bread, and yogurt options can be limited. Lunch at the D'Bay Grill is consistently praised for its quality and variety, offering items like chicken, burgers, and wraps, often becoming the preferred dining spot despite occasional slow service or closures. Dinner in the main restaurant is frequently cited for its limited choices, lack of heat, and quick depletion of popular items, with vegetarian options notably scarce. Drinks, particularly cocktails, are often enjoyed, but guests frequently experience long waits at the bar due to understaffing, and some report specific beverages running out. Restaurant opening times are also a frequent source of frustration, often being delayed.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's beachfront location is consistently highlighted as its strongest asset, offering guests direct and easy access to a beautiful, expansive sandy beach. Many rooms provide stunning sea views, allowing guests to step directly from their accommodation onto the sand. While the immediate surroundings are tranquil and offer a sense of seclusion, the hotel is somewhat isolated from major attractions, shops, and other dining options. This means that exploring the island beyond the hotel premises typically requires arranging taxi services, as there are no significant points of interest within easy walking distance. Guests note that while the hotel provides parking, it is often described as an open, unsecured area that can become muddy, and spaces may be limited. Despite the need for transportation to venture out, the hotel's prime beach position remains a major draw for those seeking a peaceful coastal retreat.

Staff & Service
Feedback on the hotel's staff and service is notably mixed. Many guests commend the friendly staff, highlighting their helpfulness and attentiveness, particularly in specific areas like the D'Bay Grill or the breakfast egg station. These positive interactions often contribute significantly to a pleasant stay. However, a considerable number of reviews also report instances of unprofessional or grumpy staff, especially at the main restaurant and reception, leading to frustrating experiences. The check-in process is a frequent point of criticism, often characterized by long waits, disorganization, and rooms not being ready at the advertised time. Guests also note slow bar service due to understaffing, and issues with food running out or inconsistent housekeeping, such as a lack of towel replenishment. While some guests praise approachable management, others express disappointment with a perceived lack of responsiveness to concerns.

Additional Information
A unique and highly praised aspect of the hotel is its location as a prime spot for leatherback turtle nesting, with guests often having the incredible opportunity to witness these events firsthand, sometimes even during dinner. Local beach vendors and tour guides are readily available on the shore, offering personalized excursions and island tours that many guests find to be excellent value and more authentic than hotel-arranged options. However, guests should be aware that the hotel experiences a significant increase in visitors, particularly from Trinidad, during weekends, which can lead to busier facilities and a more lively atmosphere. The hotel's overall appearance is frequently described as tired or dated, with some guests noting that website photos do not accurately reflect its current condition. Additionally, the presence of stray dogs and cockerels on the grounds and beach is mentioned, and guests are advised that walkways can become slippery when wet. A strict dress code is enforced for evening meals.