Guest User
January 2, 2024
TLDR: Go to Tropikist or any other hotel for a better way to start your day. Kariwak is no longer a good option as its service is slow and, worst of all, rude. Read on for more detail… Been to Kariwak many times over the years. The place is still the same in regards to location, rooms and dinner - all lovely. Unfortunately - I have to say it’s VERY MUCH let down by the terribly delayed breakfast service. I’m used to a more casual service in Tobago, but this was too much. First morning, it took over 40m to get (instant) coffee and over a full hour to get food (note: I’m not talking about hot food, the first plate is fruit). We weren’t the only ones. A couple near our table (a lady and her elderly mum) had been waiting even longer. But sometimes this happens, and I gave it a pass. Slightly annoying not one person said sorry. Second morning was even worse. My partner went earlier to grab a table and to put the order in (9:20) and I got there at 9:30, by which time the table still wasn’t set and she was sitting at an empty table. Not even water. Which after 20 mins of waiting (9:40), I went to get myself. After asking a few times, the table was set at 10:00. Still no coffee or anything for 50m. Jonathan was at least polite. But another lady working there was just rude. Think the manager even came out and didn’t really mind. Think that’s the most frustrating thing I’ve 10:15 -fruit and coffee came out. 55m after my wife got a table. 10:50 - hot food comes out. 11.00 - is when they expected us to checkout. Told them we can’t eat in just 10m and that we will leave at 11:30. Even worse than the slow service was the rudeness of the waitstaff, Jonathan and LaToya in particular. When questioned about the slowness of service, he stated that breakfast started at 7.30, so we should have been out earlier, and expect a wait at 9.30, for eggs. We are utterly disappointed at not only the slowness of service but the rudeness of the staff on this visit. Suffice to say, we will not be returning. Also, glad we found this out now as we are planning a wedding celebration in Tobago and was looking to send 50 of our guests there. Obviously not going to happen and will book Tropikist instead. The manager (an old gentleman) actually came out half way during the poor service and asked us how was breakfast. I thought this was another customer like us so I told them honestly it was very poor and we haven’t eaten yet. He then disappeared. After our 2hr breakfast and checking out, I asked to speak to him again, knowing he was the manager, but LaToya told us he’s too busy. I asked her if he’d prefer to hear my customer feedback in person or online and she said he’s too busy. So that’s why I’m posting here. The one bright point in service was Maisha, who was professional, an active communicator and talented at hospitality. Unfortunately, she is one of one. Stay somewhere else, for your own happiness.