Asa Wright is one of those places all travelling birders hope to visit - with a focus on feeding birds on the verandah throughout the day and rare bird species resident in the grounds. And it lived up to that reputation, although the structure is now fading and would probably not be up to the standards required by many non-birding travellers.
Clean, comfortable but basic cabins are scattered around the main buildings, most involving a short and very humid walk up or downhill.
Perhaps the biggest disappointment were the rather luke warm buffet meals - OK for large groups, but certainly not up to the standard provided by many lodges around the world. Breakfast is simple, and the eggs cooked any style by the open window are good.
But far more importantly are the oilbirds, bellbirds and the endemic motmots in the grounds. If you are a birder then "go" - you will not be disappointed, but don't expect luxury.

If you're expecting a luxury 5-star resort, with deluxe appointments, gourmet dining, and spa treatments, you're going to be disappointed. On the other hand, if you're looking for an "eco-camp" atmosphere with simple and charming accommodations, and with amazing grounds and wildlife, this is for you.

The center is a converted Victorian plantation, although you'll have to look to find the coffee and cocoa trees in the fast encroaching jungle. The main house is mostly dining, offices, and common area today - most of the actual rooms are in duplex cottages scattered around the grounds. The rooms are basic, but clean and functional, with en-suite bathrooms. They have no air conditioning, but good ceiling fans and ventilation. Also no TV or radio - the birds provide your entertainment. I'm told wifi was available in the main house, but I never bothered to check.

Lodging includes 3 meals a day, plus afternoon tea and rum punch. The food is good and plentiful, although not gourmet. Dining is buffet style in a communal hall, where you'll get to chat with all the other people staying there.

The star attraction though is the grounds, and the incredible birds and wildlife found therein. The house has a lovely garden, and an extensive trail system around the large estate. The guides and naturalists are very friendly and knowledgeable. You can easily spend several days just exploring the estate, but for variety the staff can also arrange day trips almost anywhere in Trinidad.

In all this is a very special place, that you'll remember long after your trip.

Asa Wright is incredible spot for the birds and while the main lodge is gorgeous it is quite over-priced and over-staffed. The hotel staff were marginally friendly with the exception of the guides who were wonderful - informative, enthusiastic and happy to assit ensure you understood what incredible place this really is.

Also beware of that the hotel practices some shady practices (excessive mark-up on tours to Caroni for example - nearly twice the cost if you arranged your own driver and tour and even worse charging - unadvertised - for 3 person min on tours as well) which can cause "sticker shock" on check-out.. If you plan to visit these sites it would be advisable to arrange seperately from the hotel or at least insist on getting quote for the full price in advance not get sucked in by the announced per person charge. Perhaps even worse the hotel staff showed no interest in correcting this issue or even expressing concern about the issue. Left quite a bad taste.

Regretably I would have to advise a day trip to the lodge may be the best option not staying here. I so much wanted to be proven wrong.

The Reviews of the Asa Wright Centre are mixed but it all depends on what you are looking for. The accommodation, meals and facilities may not be 5* but the location, ambience and wildlife are. We were lucky to be there in "low" season when it was not too busy. The feel of an old colonial residence was enhanced by sundowners on the veranda and the banging of a gong to summon "one" to meals. The food was simple and all home grown and the company at the meal tables wonderful. We shared our meals with the project director, a Trinidadian with a liking for football and Tottenham in particular, a Trinidadian couple who had lived in England, two Canadians who lived in Houston and an American professor from the University of Micronesia - just imagine the variety of conversation! The staff were very friendly and attentive and we had the most wonderful guide in Mukesh. Oh, and we saw a few birds too!

This is a fantastic chill out location set high in the rainforest run by people with a passion for wildlife and the environment. It does not have the glitz, service or appearance of a top hotel - thank goodness - at least this part of the West Indies is still unspoilt. Yes, it is pricey but just remember that saving and nurturing unique habitat is not cheap - rejoice in the fact that you are helping to conserve something which is irreplaceable.

If you are a serious birdwatcher go there - the variety of species is incredible, if you love wildlife - go there, that is amazing too, if you want to experience life in the slow lane and a feel of life on a plantation - go there, if you are looking for the high life - don't.

This place made a lasting impression on it - give yourself a chance to let it do the same for you.