Ann's Villa

The one bright spot was that being so unhappy with the villa pushed us to get out and see the sights each day. The rest of our stay was the worst we've had while visiting Tobago, and I'd tell people to spend their money elsewhere. We accepted a discount after the owner apologized the next morning, but I'm still wondering where it went. When my friend's mum checked her card statement, the only reduction was $100TT, equivalent to US$14.76. The booking price had been US$50 a night, then quickly became US$150 a night because the owner charged per person. Other guests left after one night without paying extra. We would've left too if we'd known another place to go. We were visiting with my best friend's family. We had booked online and paid part of the cost, but when we arrived there was no sign to guide us, and GPS took us to a run-down-looking building in the middle of nowhere. We went to reception anyway. Inside, the paint was peeling, it smelled musty, ceiling tiles were missing, and black mold was visible in the gaps. It felt more and more like a horror movie as we went farther in. The owner's daughter, who was filling in, said her mother ran the villa but wasn't available and hadn't left word that we were coming. She eventually took us to the villa, up what felt like 72 Rocky-style stone steps. It was a mess and didn't look as if it had been cleaned in a long time. There were cobwebs and dirt on the counters, musty furniture, plant debris on the beds with no bedding, dirt falling from the ceiling, and more black mold. We waited while the owner's daughter cleaned a little. My friend's mum helped because the woman looked exhausted and we were tired and wanted to lie down. Roaches and little bugs still turned up afterward. The carpets were old and badly laid. There were no shower mats, and we had to ask several times for one, a curtain, and soap. The curtain was cheap, and the amount of soap seemed more suited to a family of field mice. Dirty windows had gaps that let wind blow dust inside, possibly explaining some of the debris. In the bathroom, a sock was stuffed into a hole in the wall. My friend tried to shower despite everything, but the towels were stained and dirty, and she spotted worm-like creatures in the shower along with the black mold. Every room had uncomfortable single beds, so we had an uncomfortable night too. At first, we realized straight away we weren't getting our money's worth. For what we spent, we could have stayed at the Hilton. The view may have been the one thing to draw us out, but I wouldn't stay here again.

The apartment was neat, right above Bacolet bay, about a 30-second walk if you're quick. Ann was always friendly and helpful, and I had a fantastic time with her and her beautiful Ann's Villa (1994). She even showed me the details of Tobagonian cooking, which often brought me into contact with nice local friends. I really hope to come back soon. Kind regards to Collin as well. Matthijs

The host was pleasant, amiable, and friendly. The accommodation was great, within walking distance of Scarborough, and there's beach access across the road.

A clean apartment in a quiet place, though there's no luxury.