Starfish Tobago

Disappointing Stay – Ended Our Trip Early We booked a 3-night stay at Starfish Resort Tobago in November for a child’s birthday weekend, arriving on Saturday and planning to leave on Tuesday. Unfortunately, the experience fell far below expectations. On arrival, the 4-foot pool was dark green and completely unusable. Staff assured us it was being treated and would be fixed by Sunday, but by the next morning the water looked exactly the same. Even while they were vacuuming the pool, there was no visible improvement. Most of the staff we interacted with had a terrible attitude and honestly should not be in customer-facing roles, with the exception of two ladies who were genuinely pleasant and helpful. By Sunday morning—after already losing one day—we made the decision to leave the resort. We informed Reception and asked about a refund for the remaining two nights. They advised that they usually don’t give refunds but we could “take it up with accounts.” We left anyway and moved to Tropikist, which ended up being the best decision of the trip. Other issues added to the frustration including the WiFi in our room didn’t work, and maintenance confirmed the access point in that area was down. On a positive note, the little food we did have was not bad, and the long beachfront is fantastic. We also contacted the agency we booked through, only to receive the same response: no refund. Overall, this stay was extremely disappointing, especially for a child’s birthday getaway. We will never return and strongly encourage anyone else to reconsider booking this resort!

This was our third visit to this lovely hotel. Location wise, you won't find anything better on the island. The sea was warm, the beach practically empty - proper Robinson Crusoe stuff. Don't be put off if you heard about the shark attack a few years ago. That was a one off, and the reason being that they had excavated the beach further up and unearthed hundreds of turtle eggs (grr) and they washed into the sea. That's the only reason the shark ventured anywhere near, all the locals confirmed it was unheard of. Also the friendliest dogs ever live on that beach, we befriended them and I really miss them! So if you happen to not quite finish your burger at lunchtime, don't forget about them ;o) We had a turtle view room, in the furthest building (3) and we loved it. Would sit out on our balcony and just watch the sun setting. The room was spacious, cleaned every day and the bed was comfy. Also the air con worked brilliantly. Reception staff can't do enough for you, they booked restaurants, taxi's and even sorted out a hire car for us. If you get the chance, do book a hire car and you can drive around the whole island in a day. Be mindful though that the roads are a little pot holed and if you drive up to Castara they roads are quite narrow with lots of hairpin bends. Not for the faint hearted, but well worth it to visit some of the other amazing beaches (Bloody Bay, Englishman's Bay etc.). And it's cheap too, we paid about £20 a day. You can drive to Blue Water restaurant, and sit and watch the humming birds to your heart's content. The bar staff are all really lovely, a special shout out to Gabriel, Christoph, Mitch and Raul. They make great cocktails and are really friendly. Only one bar, but you get served super quick. My most favourite part is the vendors on the beach. You have Bago Blacks with his little wooden shack selling windchimes, bracelets, ashtrays etc. Also a special shout out to Scouty who played some great tunes in the evenings and to Timoti who always had a smile for everyone. These guys make the whole experience so authentic, they are charming, funny and really interesting to talk to. The only downside, which I say every time, is the food for me. Breakfast is amazing. But lunch and dinner not so good for me personally, it's definitely tailored more to local Tobago cuisine (and of course, so it should). Also the airport is very small, so be prepared to wait a while to get your luggage (although a new airport is being opened next year). One thing I would say is if you book via BA, do not book their airport transfer! I paid £100 for that. I could have got it for £10 each way if I'd just booked a local taxi. We will be back again next year Starfish!

Starfish is the best value for money. Whilst the hotel is a little dated,the rooms were clean,the food was very good. I had fresh fish everyday. The staff were very helpful...what makes this special is it's location...a big deserted beach ..just wonderful.Derek Sandy is the best ...a lovely genuine guy that will make your stay even better. He can not go enough for you. Will take you anywhere you wish,he knows the island and the island knows him. I booked to return with my other son for march next year. If you want five star,then go a pay five star. Starfish is just great value for a Tobago experience.

Another great holiday at Starfish. A shout out to the pool guys … Robbie and Tereun who kept the pool clean every day and worked so hard. Also I need to mention the manager Mr Jerome …. My friend had a fall on last day and he and Robbie pool guy couldn’t have been more helpful. Also as we had trouble at airport re my friends fall again Mr Jerome was so kind and helpful.. he is such an asset to the hotel. All the staff were friendly.. Rooms overlook the sea .. I can’t wait to go back again

Having just come back from 2 weeks at this hotel it is not one we would return to unless it is pulled down and rebuilt. The location is fantastic but buildings that are over 30 years old and not properly maintained let it down. The rooms are dated and need a refresh and proper clean. The dust behind the bed was disgusting. New bathrooms and beds wouldn't go amiss either. Knocking it down and starting again would be ideal and Mr J, the manager, agrees with this. He also says at best it is only a 3*. Mealtimes were difficult. The restaurant opened late every day for breakfast and dinner. This led to a huge influx of people when it did open causing chaos whilst getting food, which when the locals are staying is served to you like you're still at school. We've never stayed anywhere where you have to grab your dessert before your starter. When the hotel was quieter during the week you could serve yourself. The variety was ok. Food was always lukewarm, mainly because it is put in the heated tray way before the restaurant opened. The cats and dogs are annoying at meal times not helped by guests who feed them despite there being signs not to. The bar staff always seemed to disappear and you had to wait ages to get a drink. The water in the bar was always empty in the morning. The staff were OK. A few were very friendly and helpful but the majority were grumpy. I'm not sure they like working there. You can't help yourself to tra and coffee and the pots it is served in need a good clean. The beach was fab, except for the local tour operators/vendors which bother you but just say you're hiring a car and they eventually go away. Dogs also roam the beach and the cats poo everywhere. Overall I would go back to Tobago but not this hotel! This is the worst carribean hotel we've stayed in out of 7 islands.

Excellent vacation staff very friendly and very helpful during our stay would recommend this resort to anyone . Rooms are well looked after and the cleaning staff do a excellent job at keeping them that way