These may not be the Caribbean resorts frequented by royalty and A-listers, but budget-conscious island-hoppers will find plenty to appreciate about the Trinidad and Tobago hotels on this list (namely: the rates).
The Magdalena is a laid-back resort that caters to all types of travelers; it's also very affordable, especially compared to the hotels on other Caribbean islands, such as nearby Barbados and St. Lucia. Rooms here are standard for a mid-range Caribbean property -- beds are topped with floral comforters and furniture shows a bit of wear and tear -- but they are very spacious; feature ocean views, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi; and the bathrooms are a highlight, with separate showers and deep soaking tubs. There are numerous dining and drinking options, including a piano bar and a coffee shop, and the free buffet breakfast offers many hot items, including an omelet station.
As a sister property to Grafton Beach Resort, Le Grand Courlan Spa Resort is located on the same resort-heavy beach road along Tobago’s northwestern coast. The 80-room hotel offers excellent views of Stonehaven Bay -- a popular nesting spot for leatherback turtles. A large spa, nearby beach, and spacious, ocean-view pool terrace are nice to have, but the hotel's aging decor and abandoned vibe is underwhelming. Rooms offer a decent list of features, including flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and private balconies or terraces, some with ocean views. With Fort Bennett as the only attraction in the immediate area, travelers looking to explore will need to a rental car. For a larger, resort-like alternative, check rates at Turtle Beach by Rex Resorts, just three minutes away.
Toucan Inn packs plenty of island-inspired charm into a small package. Common areas have a classic, low-key Caribbean design, including bare white walls, open concept spaces, hardwood furniture, and tropical accents. Room decor walks a fine line between likably minimalistic and non-existent (notably absent amenities are a TV, phone, coffeemaker, or free Wi-Fi). The laid-back spot is a 10-minute walk from Crown Point beaches and restaurants, and it offers a clean pool with lovely garden terrace, the popular Bonkers restaurant with all-day dining and nightly live music, and free Wi-Fi in public areas.
Grafton Beach Resort offers many of the same amenities of larger area resorts, but at a more modest scale and with a few flaws. The 78 rooms and common areas have a dated aesthetic (think: brown wicker furniture in the lobby, heavy use of dark wood in the main restaurant, and a muted color palette throughout). The lively beach bar, open-air restaurant, and pool and terrace have lovely views of Stonehaven Bay -- a popular spot for nesting leatherback turtles each spring.
The highlight of the Crown Point Beach Hotel is its prime location on Store Bay Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Tobago. It also offers low rates, which appeals to many guests traveling to the area on a budget. The hotel does have a pool, restaurant, and tennis courts, but some areas of the hotel, such as the tennis courts, are in need of maintenance. All rooms feature small kitchenettes, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi.