Shepherd’s Inn

Toucan Inn packs plenty of island-inspired charm into a small package. The minimalist decor in many of the common areas is a classic example of Caribbean design, including bare white walls, open concept spaces, hardwood furniture, and tropical accents like vivid paintings of local people. The open-air Bonkers restaurant is a well-known social scene for Tobagonians who come for the live, local music almost every night of the week. Outside, the grounds are well tended and include rock-lined paths, flowering bushes, and palm trees. While the property is technically kid-friendly, the atmosphere is more low-key and intimate than the area’s many family-friendly resorts. Given the standard double bed in every room, guests are more likely to find vacationing couples here than families on vacation.

The hotel is located on a well-trafficked route that runs parallel to Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson International Airport. While the road receives steady traffic, the hotel’s garden layout is set back from the street to minimize road noise and ensure a relatively quiet atmosphere. Store Bay Beach and many of Crown Point’s numerous restaurants, bars, and other resorts are all within a 10- to 15-minute walk of the property. Pigeon Point is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. 

Like most Tobago budget hotels, the Toucan Inn does not provide an airport shuttle for guests. However, thanks to the hotel’s location and the island’s officially fixed taxi rates, the ride to and from the airport is short and affordable -- it should take less than five minutes. For larger groups, the most cost-effective airport transportation is likely via private shuttle as prices are typically determined on a per-vehicle basis.

Room decor at the Toucan Inn walks a fine line between charming minimalism and non-existent. Most rooms offer wooden furniture and faded floral upholstery, pastel wall art, and some subtle splashes of tropical color in striped curtains. Floors are tiled -- either terra cotta or white. While it’s clear the hotel is angling for a rustic Caribbean feel, the rooms fall just short of charming or inviting.

All rooms are available in one of two categories -- Poolside Cabana or Garden -- and all offer a double bed and identical amenities. The primary difference is the size and location of the room on the property. Garden Rooms are larger and centered near the back of the property around the hotel’s quiet, tropical garden. The Poolside Cabanas offer smaller floor plans but are conveniently situated near the pool terrace and restaurant. Amenities in all rooms are minimal, bordering on ascetic, with only air-conditioning, a digital alarm clock, and a small safe that's large enough for a tablet. Notably absent amenities are a TV, phone, coffeemaker, or free Wi-Fi. The lack of wall insulation also exposes bedrooms to moderate ambient noise from the nearby airport and the island’s many wild roosters who begin crowing daily at dawn. Rooms near Bonkers may also pick up some noise from revelers or music.

Bathrooms are small and feature equally stripped-down amenities and materials. The finish is showing some wear in the wooden fixtures and formica countertops, and floors in some bathrooms -- like the Pool Cabana Room we visited -- need a very deep scrubbing (or a replacement). White tile shower stalls have outdated fixtures and a dollar-store shower curtain. Hairdryers aren't provided and the only toiletry is a single bar of generic soap. 

Toucan Inn offers an ample pool terrace, serene tropical garden, and a poolside restaurant and bar that round out a solid list of features for a two-and-a-half-pearl hotel.

The hotel is serviced by Bonkers restaurant and bar, a popular spot for locals and tourists that offers pricey all-day dining from a menu of traditional Tobagonian food. Like much of the hotel, the decor and architecture are picture-perfect Caribbean, with wood covering nearly every square foot. While no free breakfast is offered, the breakfast menu changes daily and is often unpredictable. The lunch and dinner menus feature local Tobagonian dishes such as roti, Tobago-style sandwiches, and barbecue seafood. The bar serves a full selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, and provides a happening social scene nightly with live local music.

The pool is clean, though somewhat small even for a hotel of this category. A handful of lounge chairs is available, with a shaded pavilion on one side for guests looking to escape the island sun. The pool’s location adjacent to the restaurant and barbecue area creates a combined atmosphere that’s convivial and lively, particular when the hotel is at capacity.

Additional amenities include free off-street parking and free Wi-Fi, however, the latter is only available in the hotel’s common areas.