FERGUS Style Tobago

The Fergus Tobago has a distinctive facade clad in rustic, earthenware-style tiles, but what's behind them is very much your generic, charmless seventies-era hotel. Stepping inside, the lobby is semi-updated, with low-profile seating, crisp, white walls, and potted palms against a backdrop of mirrored pillars and checkered marble floors. Little natural light makes the space a bit gloomy despite canary-yellow walls. The property comprises two "wings," one of nine floors and the other five, both of which overlook the street or the pool terrace -- meaning much of the property lies in the shade until noon. Brits on package deals make up the bulk of guests, with a mix of families and couples. It's particularly popular with vacationing groups who take advantage of the all-inclusive plan. A bachelorette party was in full swing at the pool on our visit, so be prepared for the possibility of boozy celebrations. Off-season clientele drifts more toward older couples. 

The hotel is located in the neighborhood of Torrenova, an area with hotels, bars, and eateries clustered on a small peninsula that overlooks Palmanova on one side and Magaluf on the other. During the day, the area is relaxed and mostly peaceful, and sandy Son Matias Beach is just one minute away on foot. By the evening, things can liven up, though not as raucously as in Magaluf proper. For those seeking some of the island's most boisterous partying, Magaluf's main strip of bars and clubs is less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel. More family-oriented fun can be found at Katmandu Park, also a 10-minute walk. There's also less wild nightlife and plenty of dining in Palmanova, a short stroll away. Nearby buses run into Palma, with its gothic Cathedral and lovely Old Town, about a 30-minute ride away. It's roughly the same amount of time to drive to Palma de Mallorca Airport. 

The hotel's standard guest rooms have decor that's stuck in the last century -- dated generic furniture, lumpy-texture walls, and sun-faded artworks. Despite a few scuffs and signs of wear, however, rooms are generally tidy and well-maintained. Sliding doors open to balconies with patio-style seating and sea views, with some upper floors offering lovely panoramas of the bay. 

In-room amenities are basic -- many have old-style tube TVs  (slowly being replaced with flat-screens) and key-locked safes (for a fee), though tea- and coffee-making facilities were added in 2017. There's no in-room Wi-Fi, though some lower-floors can pick up the free signal around reception. Bathrooms are functional, with shower/tub combos (and clingy curtains), thin towels, and sachet toiletries; missing grouting, poorly patched repairs, and tired fixtures were common. Some past guests have noted that lower-floor units can be prone to noisy street life.

The hotel is centered around the rear garden, which features a freeform pool, separate splash pool for kids, and an upper-level sun terrace. Even during summer, however, the area is mostly in the shade, so most guests opt for the beach in the morning. A poolside bar is open for drinks and snacks, where long lines are common, and some past guests here in peak season have complained that there aren't enough loungers. Daily animation and activities usually involves morning classes (yoga, pilates, etc.) followed by ping-pong and darts, and afternoon cocktail demonstrations. Evening entertainment is mostly bingo, with twice-weekly live shows during summer months.

The hotel's full-service buffet restaurant is the only on-site dining option, and all-inclusive options are available. Breakfast offers cooked-to-order eggs, and lunch and dinner menus feature grilled meat and fish, as well as occasional Spanish favorites, such as paella. Self-service beer and wine is available to all-inclusive guests. Most agree that food quality, while not outstanding, is more than adequate for the level of hotel. Free Wi-Fi is available around the lobby and bar areas, while on-site parking is available for a fee.