My first time in Tobago and the Hummingbird was fantastic. First impressions when walking into the place was that the photos I’d seen on the web hadn’t done it justice. It really is a handsome hotel. I was on holiday with my girlfriend and we were planning a bit of relaxation and a bit of intrepid adventuring and for our needs the hummingbird suited us perfectly.

We were staying in a superior room which was only a fraction more expensive but offered us a little more space and a larger bed. This isn’t a 5star hotel and it’s not really for those who wish to spend two weeks lying by their hotel pool!! But why would anyone want to travel to one of the most beautiful places in the world to do that!! The rooms are immaculate and well looked after (cleaned and bedding changed daily), they all have very effective air-con, televisions, clean and spacious wash/shower rooms and more importantly a mini bar with drinks at local prices! What more could anyone want.

We would get up early and eat a very good breakfast cooked by Paul (He also cooks incredible dinners when ordered before 4pm that day – Try the Lobster– best I’ve had!- but order it early as Paul needs plenty of time to obtain one and cook it). We’d spend all day making the most of this stunning island (using Paul and Linda’s extensive knowledge of the Island and Island life). Then return home (it really did feel coming home) come late afternoon for a refreshing swim in the hotel pool.

The hotel was fairly empty for our first week so we pretty much had Paul and Linda to ourselves and thoroughly enjoyed their company (and that of Rosco the ever hungry dog and Rainbow the ever noisy but incredibly friendly parrot) during the evenings over several ice cold bottles of carib (local lager) from the small but well stocked hotel bar (The bar is opened by Paul or Linda when required, when it’s not open there’s always your room mini bar!). Come the second week the hotel was full but our hosts seemed to juggle the needs and attentions of the guests brilliantly. I have read one, very rare trip advisor review that criticised their attitude towards some guests compared to others, but from what I could see they were friendly and helpful to those who wished to interact and gave space to those who seemed to wish to be left alone. Considering there is only two of them and they are only human, Paul and Linda were exceptional hosts!

If you’re looking for a luxury stay at a luxury location then be my guest, pay 6 times the amount and stay at a 5star resort in Antigua. As far as I can see anyone who has criticised this hotel or this incredible island has come here with the wrong preconceptions and miss-placed expectations. Know what you want before you book up!!
Tobago is for those who want a stunning and unspoilt island with beautiful, quiet and often deserted beaches, incredible sea-life and an amazing rainforest but this comes coupled with limited tourism and very limited 'luxury' tourist facilities. The Hummingbird is for those who want a perfect base to explore this island and a friendly and relaxing place to come home to at the end of the day.

Thankyou Paul and Linda x

Had a nice few days at the Hummingbird recently - great value hotel and very friendly owners (with a pet parrot, much to the amusement of my wife !!!). We weren't planning to spend much time around the hotel, rather use it as a base to explore the island, and for that it did the trick. No mod cons, hence the price, however comfortable and clean, plus a mini bar in the room selling at local rates - makes a change from the high prices you normally expect for the minibar.... Everything was really relaxed. The pool and setting is nice if you did want to hang around during the day, however it's not really the location to choose if you wanted to stay at the hotel for the whole trip (but of course, why would you when in Tobago !!)

One point to note is that the rooms all open onto the pool area. Recommend paying a few dollars more for more than the basic room to have some privacy either on the upper level, or behind some conveniently placed foliage ! Other than that, no complaints whatsoever.

Excellent location and base for the independent traveller… OK, you can walk to the local beaches but with a car (we rented Lynda’s – good condition estate) within 15 mins drive you can be exploring this tropical paradise for hours without seeing another person.

Our routine may not be typical but for us the Hummingbird was just perfect – breakfast, out by 9:30 walking / sightseeing during the day to return around 4pm for a cooling swim, sit around the clean pool (all rooms face the pool) and get ready for dinner… lots of different restaurants in the area… We found good vegetarian food in 12 different restaurants - varying is price, setting and elegance … although we were running out of options at the end. £25 – 60 for a meal for two including wine… which is the major cost £15 - 20 for a bottle of new world red that would cost £13 or less in UK restaurants. Beer at around £1 or cocktails at £3.50 are a cheaper option.

Linda and Paul (in particular) are experienced hoteliers and from our observation over the two weeks able to perfectly mirror different guests approach and requirements. They are always around somewhere, approachable, friendly and helpful but they will leave you to choose the level of interaction that you want.

The continental breakfast was good value with Paul’s niece Maxine (on a 3 month working holiday) providing a warm Welsh smile and service. We never experienced Paul’s cooking as such but other guests did and seemed to enjoy the experience.

Bottom line: the Hummingbird deserves its status (tripadvisor / Rough Guide) In our opinion it is a small, clean, friendly, well run, good value hotel in a good location (quiet but close to the main commercial centre / airport) with a nice personal touch – very late checkout, farewell hug and free transport to the airport etc… Try it… you will not be disappointed.

I read reviews and decided to trust previous travellers about this hotel. When I spoke to Linda and asked questions, I got such a good feeling that I immediately booked 2 rooms. Hummingbird is a cozy place, rooms were good. If you needed anything, all you had to do was ask. Paul & Linda (and Maxine) seemed to go out of their way to make our stay a positive one. The 4 of us stayed 1 week and were sad to leave since we had so much fun. The other guests were great and we all made a lot of new friends while we were there. 2 families had children and they would all play in the pool together. Paul is a wonderful cook. Some of my best meals in Tobago were at the Hummingbird. I really enjoyed the family atmosphere that let me lay back, chill out and enjoy. I had such a good time. When we had to leave, I was so sad to leave I cried. Thank you, Hummingbird! Love you guys! We'll be back.