Mt Plaisir is incredible! This beautiful eco-lodge is full of character and what an experience watching the leatherbacks!

All beds have mosquito nets (which is definitely necessary!). Our balcony faced the ocean and we spotted a couple of leatherback turtles from our balcony!! Listening the the sound of the waves crash as if it was on our doorstep was amazing.

Because this is an eco-lodge, yes it's not going to be 5 star luxury, but you can't get closer to nature than staying here and still feel comfortable!

Beautiful clean sheets, lovely bathroom. And best view out of all the hotels.
As a guest you do NOT need to pre-buy your permit to see the turtles, you can just buy it on the day. Note that foreigners will pay extra for their permits.

I highly recommend this hotel over any other if you are going to Grand Rivere to watch the leatherbacks turtles. I had a fantastic stay and would definitely go back again and recommend to my friends.

Note: Some people have mentioned in their review that they saw bugs etc and said the place was disgusting. I just want to mentioned that all our beds were clean with no bed bugs. I saw ONE bug, but being so close to nature and the only source of light in the area its only natural to attract them. The hotel is NOT unclean, it's just very naturey.

We originally went to this hotel for dinner and to see the turtles necking and hatching on the beach behind this resort. Dinner wasn't good and that was a bit disappointing. The turtle experience is worth going for. The location of the hotel made it a good idea to spend the night. The price was $160 US and that seemed a bit steep given the quality of the room and the sleep we got. There were no locks on the doors, we had to provide our own toiletries and towels, a pack of dogs on the beach - who I believe belonged to the hotel owner - barked all night. The rooms have a deck that overlooks the beach where you can see the turtles hatching and heading out to sea at first light. Just be prepared to also see the vultures and dogs feeding on the baby turtles and the beach littered with shells and carcasses. I guess that's the cycle of life, but it might tough to explain to young children.

A star system for a resort or hotel is always tricky because there are as many types of places to stay as they are different types of travellers. We are not all looking for the same thing. The same applies to an appreciation of your holiday. That is why for me, the most important part of Tripadvisor is the comments you can read about the places to stay and the experience that they provide. After reading few comments, you know if this is the right pace for you.
I picked Mt. Plaisir Estate in Trinidad mainly to see the Leatherback turtles nesting on the Grande Riviere beach. In that regard, this is surely one of the best places in the world (that’s what the National Geographic magazine said last year). When I arrived at the hotel, 4 giant turtles were less than 50 feet from the dining room. I had a unique and wonderful nature trip staying at Mt. Plaisir. So if you talk about the perfect location this is surely a 5-star. If you want to experience a different Trinidad experience, isolation, nature, great beach and friendly people, you will find it there. The area is surrounded by great forests, a freshwater river and the birding is excellent around.
I probably got one of the nicest room around (in the new building) and I really enjoy it as it gives me a perfect view on the long deserted beach. You do not get the fancy modern features like cable TV, wi-fi internet (you need to go in the dining room), but still the room had a good ceiling fan and AC unit if you travel in the hottest months. So there is no phone in your room, no TV or swimming pool at the Estate, so why give it a 5?
You do not travel there to get the things that you have back home. You stay there for the experience and great wilderness at the only beach resort in Trinidad. In addition to this, Piero, the property manager, is making sure that you are enjoying your stay and runs this place with dedication.

Mt. Plaisir is a MUST for any trip to Trinidad. The new rooms are spectacular with a gorgeous beach front deck and view. The service was excellent, and the meals were delicious. We found everyone to be warm and friendly. Absolutely the best place to view leatherback turtles. The local guides were very knowledgeable. The place is so beautiful and serene. The whole experience nourished the soul.