Look, you're going to a nature centre and lodge. You're not going to a five-star luxury hotel. And as a nature centre and lodge, Asa Wright is AMAZING. My mom won a trip that included three nights at AWNC, and I was frightened by the reviews here. I'm a picky eater, so the idea of family-style meals was frightening.

Guess what? I was blown away with how wonderful everything was!

We didn't meet a single rude or unfriendly person. The guides are amazingly knowledgeable and well-trained. The staff is all friendly and helpful. The food is, frankly, delicious. There was perhaps one dish I didn't enjoy. And I'm a picky eater, remember?

We saw a lot of people getting wine with their meals, but we drank mostly water, since we were concerned about staying hydrated while hiking in the rainforest. We DID very much enjoy the complimentary rum punches every evening on the veranda, as well as tea at 4. My biggest problem was finding my caffeine of choice, which is Coca-cola. No coffee drinker, me.

The oilbird cave hike was amazing, and even our orientation hike was enjoyable, as Caleb and Elsa (our guides) pointed out various local flora and fauna. We are not primarily bird-watchers, but lovers of all nature. That said, we were there to see the birds, and we were not disappointed. We saw 23 life-list birds in our first two hours on the veranda.

Yes, you do have to be chummy with the other guests, and that can be difficult and rather exhausting for anyone who is a natural introvert. Our solution was to skip dinner one night in favor of eating snacks in our room. You have to purchase any snacks you might want before getting there, since the centre is an hour's drive on a poorly-maintained, windy road. But trust me, the trip and the minor inconveniences are worth it!

The rooms are all clean and rather spartan, but perfectly adequate. You're not there to hang out in your room anyway. You're there to hike the rainforest and spend time on excursions and bird-watching on the veranda. If you're not very interested in nature, stick with a one-night stay. Or better yet, stick with the beaches, and leave the rainforest for those of us who appreciate it.

A must for anyone visiting Trinidad and absolutely essential for anyone keen to see more of Trinidads birds and tropical forests.
Good guided walks through the former plantation and if you stay the night you will get a night hike to see various nocturnal insects and animals.
The rooms are very basic and ours came with a couple of unwanted guests. Take a can of Baygon and give the room a good spray before you go for dinner!
Food is also basic and virtually no choice so be prepared. One night is all you need but not to be missed.

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.