Self-catering apartments in Tobago near Scarborough, ideal for longer stays on a budget.
Johnson's Suites and Apartments offers self-catering accommodation in Scarborough, Tobago's capital and main port town, within walking distance of the ferry terminal that handles inter-island service to Port of Spain. The location in Scarborough is practical rather than scenic — the town is a working port and commercial centre rather than a resort — but it provides access to infrastructure that Crown Point and Speyside cannot match: a daily fish market, fresh produce market, banking and ATM facilities, government services, pharmacies, and a comprehensive bus and taxi network covering most of the island.
Units are studio and one-bedroom apartments with kitchenette equipment including a two-burner hob, mini-fridge, and basic cooking utensils. This setup suits travellers on extended stays who prefer to shop locally and prepare their own food, reducing daily costs significantly relative to eating in restaurant-serviced areas. Air conditioning and ceiling fans keep rooms cool, and on-site parking is available — a practical consideration given Scarborough's limited street parking. Weekly rate discounts make the property increasingly competitive for stays of seven nights or longer.
Scarborough's covered market — most active on Friday and Saturday mornings — is one of Tobago's best sources of fresh produce, ground provisions, and spices at prices well below Crown Point levels. The fish market adjacent to the ferry terminal supplies same-day catch. These markets combined with the kitchenette units make Johnson's a natural choice for independent travellers who want to engage with local food culture rather than consuming resort menus throughout their stay.
Fort King George, Tobago's best-preserved colonial fortification with a museum covering the island's French and British colonial history, is approximately 1 kilometre uphill from the ferry terminal and worth the walk for the panoramic views over Scarborough Bay. The adjacent Botanical Gardens are maintained with a range of tropical plantings. For beach access, the nearest swimming spots from Scarborough are at Little Rockly Bay (about 1 kilometre from town) and, for higher-quality stretches, Mount Irvine and Crown Point (15–20 kilometres west), both accessible by maxi-taxi.
Amenities
- Kitchenette
- WiFi
- Parking
- Fan/AC
Location
Scarborough, Tobago
11.1830, -60.7320 View on map
Highlights
- Walking distance to Scarborough ferry terminal for inter-island connections to Port of Spain — useful for day trips or as a transit base
- Kitchenette-equipped units with weekly rate discounts, making it one of Tobago's most cost-effective options for extended stays
- Access to Scarborough's working fish and produce markets at prices significantly below those in the island's tourist areas
Tips for visiting
- Visit Scarborough market on Saturday morning before 9 am for the widest selection of fresh produce and the most active vendor atmosphere
- The ferry to Port of Spain departs from the terminal a short walk away; book tickets in advance during peak season (December–January) and Carnival period
- Fort King George is a 20-minute uphill walk from the property and worth the effort for views over Scarborough Bay and the colonial history exhibits in the museum