Guest Notes

 

Car Rentals

Car rentals are advisable while staying at Top O’ Tobago. Taxis can also be called and the nearest village of Plymouth is a short fifteen minute walk if people choose. We have a close relationship with a local car rental agency called KCNN Car Rentals.  They have cars, jeeps, and mini-buses available. They can meet other transportation needs as well. They give discounts on long term rentals and are very cordial and dependable. Other good car rental companies include Sheppy’s and Sunbird Holidays are good alternates.

Snorkeling Gear

Snorkels, masks and fins are available for our guests at no cost. Please see the manager who will try to fit you with the proper size. Please take care of these and wash them with fresh water after each use.

Laundry Facilities

On days when the housekeeper is not working, guests are more than welcome to use our washing machine. Providing your own detergent is appreciated. We try hanging clothes out to dry in the hot sun as part of our commitment to Green Globe 21 but there is a dryer available on rainy days as well.

Telephone, Fax and Computer  

Pre-paid cell phones are available for free to guests to make local and international calls. Some cell phones from other countries work in Tobago but not all. Alternatively, guests are welcome to make calls from the villa landline through a “time and charge operator assisted call” which is not expensive. There is a fax machine available if needed and a laptop for emails, internet surfing and documents that is also normally available.

Internet Wireless

Guests will be delighted to know that the villa is equipped with Internet Wireless access. Excellent reception can be received just outside the Cabanas in the patio gazebos at the tables and around the Main House and in the Study. This is an important feature for those wishing to use their laptops to check email and maybe do some work while away from home. Internet Wireless is very useful during conferences as well.

Conference Facilities

Top O’ Tobago is an excellent location for conferences or meetings where a quiet tranquil site is needed for discussion, planning and where confidentiality and anonymity is important. Ideally a meeting of 10 to fifteen can be accommodated. The manager is on hand to work with organizers to provide catering and transport when necessary. There is a white board and flip chart with paper also available for a small rental fee.

Water Potability

Tobago has a very dependable potable water supply. Just down the hill from the Villa there is also the option of drinking water from the source at an underground spring.

Electricity

We use 110v/220v. European visitors are required to use an adaptor to fit the two prong North American style plugs and transformer when using electrical appliances.

Hairdryers, Irons and Ironing Boards, Cribs and Baby High Chair

Each Cabana and the Main House has their own hairdryer. An iron and ironing board are available on request or can be found in the laundry room. There is also a crib / playing pen for a baby and a high chair as well.

Maps and Brochures

There are many maps and information brochures of private and government enterprises available in the Reception area for guests to plan their excursions. The manager and staff are available to offer suggestions and also directions to guests.

Reference books on Trinidad & Tobago

In the Main House there is a large library of novels and reference books on Trinidad and Tobago. These include topics on bird watching, history, marine life, agriculture, the environment and even cookbooks. Guests are welcome to borrow these during their stay but Cabana guests are asked to please check with the Manager if the Main House is occupied.

Currency

The currency used in Trinidad and Tobago is called the “TT dollar”. It is a stable currency and money can only be changed at banks and money exchange at the airport. $USD may be accepted some places but the rate is generally very poor and local people are not usually prepared to cope with foreign currencies. There are many ATM bank machines and many establishments accept VISA/ MasterCard for your convenience.

Approximate Exchange Rates: US $1.00 = TT $6.30  £1.00 = TT $10.50  €1.00 = TT $ 9.70

Climate

Tobago boasts a warm, tropical marine climate, with constant cool breezes from the NE trade winds and year round temperatures ranging from 23 degrees Celsius (73 degrees Fahrenheit) to 32 degrees Celsius (89 degrees Fahrenheit). Dry season is December to June. In June to December weather is mixed between bursts of tropical rain and bright sunshine. Annual average rainfall measures 200 cm (40 in.)

Current and 5-day forecasts and other information about the climate is available on myTobago.info.

Trinidad Hotels for Tobago Connections

For those who arrive in Trinidad late at night and are unable to make a connection to Tobago, there are a few hotels near Trinidad’s Piarco airport, but not a good selection for the value. Keep in mind the transport time from the airport due to traffic and cost does not make the city of Port of Spain a good alternative. If you wish to go into Port of Spain, hotels can be found on the tourism websites or Travelocity, Hotels.com or Expedia.com.

Some hotels can only be booked on the Internet.

  • Belair Hotel -  (868) 669-4014, 669-4771.  An older hotel used as barracks in WWII that is planning renovations and upgrades. Close to the airport. Free shuttle service.
  • Piarco International Hotel Ltd - (868) 669-3030. Email: piarcohotel@mailcity.com Located in Piarco, only 3 minutes from the airport. Often occupied by large groups.
  • Holiday Inn Trincity - (868) 669-6209. New 82-room hotel just 3 minutes from the airport.
  • Asa Wright Nature Centre and Lodge - (868) 667-4655. A 24 room lodge on a 200 acre estate in the lush rain forest of North Trinidad.
  • Triple K Guesthouse - (868) 669-7267. A very basic guesthouse that is cheap but close to the airport, in the village of St. Helena.
  • Airport View Guesthouse - (868) 669-4186.  Another low budget guesthouse located in St. Helena. Transport to and from airport provided.
  • Leo’s Place -  (868) 640-0117. A Bed & Breakfast close to the airport.
  • Airport Inn - (868) 669-8207. Close to the airport in Golden Grove.
  • Pax Guesthouse - (868) 662-4084. A former monastery in the nearby mountains not too far from the airport, is a quiet and peaceful place to stay.
  • Waterville Estate, Santa Cruz  - (868) 676-7057. A friendly family-run Guesthouse set in the peaceful valley of Maraval, Santa Cruz. The O’Farrel family will pick you up and drop you off at the airport. Some distance from the airport.
Directions to Top O' Tobago

It is really very easy to find Top O' Tobago. Ask anyone along the road and they will be happy to give you directions to Arnos Vale. If you get lost, simply call manager Hugh Baker on cell phone 687-0121 for more directions.

Pigeon Point