Grafton Beach Resort

Grafton Beach Resort offers many of the same amenities of larger area resorts, but in a more modest package and with a few flaws. With just 78 rooms, one restaurant, a single main pool, and an oceanfront bar, the vibe is more intimate than a typical resort, but the bland architecture is reminiscent of the '90s, with little charm and not much style. Think: Brown wicker furniture in the lobby, heavy use of dark wood in the main restaurant, and a muted color palette throughout. There are upkeep issues outside, as well, and though the grounds include flowering bushes, expect to see patchy lawns, cracked pathways, and air-conditioners dripping onto walkways. The social atmosphere offers plenty of variety for families, with a pool and an ocean view pool terrace, plus a lively beachfront bar for adults. Couples on a budget stay here, too. 

The hotel is located on a beach road with few restaurants, shops, or other attractions within immediate walking distance. However, the professional, 18-hole Mount Irvine Bay Golf Course and a handful of dining spots are within a 10-minute drive. For additional dining, entertainment, and activity opportunities, guests will likely need to make the 15-minute drive to downtown Crown Point. The beach here is one of the prime leatherback turtle nesting sights on Tobago. 

The island’s main Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson International Airport is 25 minutes away by car. Like most small- to mid-size Tobago resorts, Grafton Beach Resort does not offer an airport shuttle for guests. Private shuttle transportation is easily available from the airport, however, and is often the most affordable option for larger groups as rates are priced on a per-vehicle basis. For smaller groups, official taxi service is likely the best option as prices are reasonable and set by the Tobagonian government.

The dated aesthetic of the hotel’s common areas carries through to most of its guest rooms. Most seem to contain the original furniture from when the property opened its doors in 1995. Terra cotta or light tile flooring and a heavy use of mid-tone wood furniture that shows a good deal of wear create a bland look that’s tempered just slightly by the brightly painted walls and floral bed runners. Past guests have complained that beds are uncomfortable.

Rooms come in two categories: Standard Deluxe and Suite -- which provide virtually identical amenities in two different floor plans. Standard features include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and a safes capable of accommodating a small laptop or tablet. Wi-Fi isn't available in the rooms. Nice-to-have amenities are limited to a mini-fridge and a furnished private balcony or terrace, some with ocean views. Standard Deluxe rooms offer a single king or two queen beds in a one-room configuration; Suites include a larger floor plan with a separate bedroom and a dedicated living and dining area.

Bathrooms in all room categories are similar in size and amenities. All offer average floor plans with basic materials and fixtures throughout. Fit and finish is uninspired, with standard sinks, a utilitarian shower/tub combo, and faded floor-to-ceiling tile. Suites up the ante slightly with a bidet and a more spacious floor plan. However, all countertops and fixtures show distinct signs of wear -- chips and nicks throughout the wood and notable salt corrosion on metal knobs and faucets. All bathrooms also include a hairdryer and toiletries.

As a small resort, Grafton Beach Resort lacks the traditional amenities common to larger properties, such as a gym, business center, and spa. The pool terrace offers a swim-up bar and lovely bay views, but is somewhat overshadowed by the busy and often crowded public beach.

The main pool is clean and overlooks Stonehaven Bay from a high vantage point at the top of the property. A single ring of lounge chairs surrounds the pool terrace, but a lack of umbrellas provides limited shaded lounge space. Poolside drink service isn't available, though a swim-up pool bar provides a full menu of beer, wine, and cocktails. A dedicated children’s pool is also available in a separate wing of the hotel.

As all Tobago beaches are technically public, the hotel’s attached beach is no different. It’s a wildly popular spot for locals and is frequently bustling with Tobagonians throwing beach parties. Combined with a lack of dedicated lounge chairs for hotel guests, the atmosphere is far less about relaxing and more about partying. Unfortunately, the bay is also well-known for its large, powerful waves which makes swimming and snorkeling difficult even for skilled swimmers. On the plus side, Stonehaven Bay is one of the island’s three best beaches to witness nesting leatherback turtles in the spring (typically March to July).

Wi-Fi is free in the public areas of the hotel. 

The hotel’s main restaurant, Ocean View, is a large, clean space with a bland brown-on-brown wood decor that offers little charm. The restaurant’s vantage point from atop the property offers excellent ocean views, but they’re unfortunately obscured by netting designed to keep the local bird population out. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. The breakfast buffet features a variety of American-style items (pancakes, eggs, and sausage) and local, seafood-centric island favorites. Lunch and dinner menus likewise include a mix of typical fare like hot sandwiches, soups, and salads, plus Tobagonian dishes. Unfortunately, the a la carte menus are frequently limited to just two or three choices.

In addition, Buccaneer’s Beach Bar and Grill provides beachfront drinks and dining immediately across the street from the resort. The atmosphere is raucous -- bordering on obnoxious -- with loud, local dance and soca music playing throughout the day. A split-layout design provides seating and lounging between an outdoor deck and open-air interior, both with excellent views overlooking the beach. The restaurant’s limited menu offers mostly sandwiches and finger foods like burgers, fried fish, or pork sandwiches. A full bar menu including beer, wine, and typical tropical cocktails (margaritas and daiquiris) is also available.