Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre

Housed in an office-like building on the site of what was once the 19th-century Government House, much of the hotel currently struggles with transitional decor that blends traditional furniture with nearly-contemporary finishes and accessories. Subtle Art Deco touches in the entryway and Terrace Garden Restaurant provide unique points of visual interest. However, most of the hotel common areas feature uninspiring architecture reminiscent of '70s- and '80s-era chain hotels. Multi-colored swirl-pattern carpets and low ceilings look tired and a small rock garden near the blue-carpeted stairs could use some attention. The atmosphere is quiet and reserved, with a slightly upmarket vibe that feels business-like and impersonal. 

With an expansive pool deck, two large restaurants, and a sizable lobby with a bar, the hotel offers ample room for guests to socialize. The large lobby opens to a spacious outdoor terrace with panoramic views of Port of Spain. Many of the guests are business travelers, but families and couples stay here as well. 

Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre is situated on or near several well-traveled roads that run through Port of Spain. Queen’s Park Savannah and the Royal Botanic Gardens are around five minutes away on foot, while the Emperor Valley Zoo is a 15-minute walk from the hotel. However, Fort George and many of the city’s other popular tourist attractions will require a car or taxi ride to visit. Downtown will take 10 minutes to reach by car, and Fort George is a 15-minute drive. Maracas Bay, a popular scenic beach on Trinidad's north shore, is a 45-minute drive from the hotel.

Piarco International Airport is at least 45 minutes away by car, however, the required drive time can double or triple in inclement weather as the downtown area is prone to flooding. Official taxi service is readily available between the hotel and airport and rates are fixed by the federal government. Tourists should always be cautious of private cab drivers and agree on a fixed fare in advance. Like most area hotels, Hilton Trinidad does not offer a dedicated airport shuttle. However, private shuttle transfer to and from the airport is often a more affordable option for larger groups.

Unlike much of the hotel’s dated decor, the rooms feature contemporary furniture, finishes, and accessories. The monochromatic color scheme is bright, with beige walls, ceilings, and carpeting all surrounding dark brown desks, chairs, and the excellent beds that are typical of the Hilton chain. Wall art and accents like subtly patterned upholstered headboards give the rooms a bit of charm. The look and feel is clean and warm, but distinctly corporate at the same time. 

Standard amenities in all rooms include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and private balconies with views of the Northern Range mountains or Queen’s Park Savannah. Free bottled water and a coffeemaker are provided. Most room categories -- including entry-level guest rooms, Executive Rooms, and Accessible Rooms -- offer similar modern furnishings and a 350-square foot floor plans (33 square meters), so they are fairly spacious. Executive Suites and the Presidential Suite up the ante with two private balconies, and the latter offers 1,800 square feet (167 square meters) of living space with a full kitchen, and separate living and dining areas. All suites also have exclusive access to an Executive Lounge that serves free breakfast and an evening cocktail hour.

The average-size bathrooms in all room categories are modern. Generous use of brown and beige tile and marble on the floor, walls, and countertops lends a clean, up-to-date feel. Most bathrooms offer a glass-enclosed shower. A hairdryer and Peter Thomas Roth brand bath products are provided. Executive Suites have two full bathrooms, and a whirlpool tub is provided in the Presidential Suite.

The hotel’s sleek, flagship restaurant, Luce Sushi Bar & Lounge, is open only for dinner. A seafood-centric menu of appetizers, ceviche, desserts, and of course sushi is on offer. An outdoor terrace offers upscale al fresco dining overlooking the Northern Range Mountains and Queen’s Park Savannah.

Pool Terrace Garden -- the hotel’s second and primary restaurant -- offers additional indoor and al fresco dining in a more relaxed atmosphere close to the pool. The all-day dining menu includes a breakfast buffet (for a fee), as well as lunch, dinner, and 24-hour room service. The breakfast buffet and a la carte menus offer an expansive list of hot and cold items, including cereal, cafe con leche, pastries, breads, local juices (like pineapple and passion fruit) and hot foods (like yucca, frittata, sausage, and eggs). Lunch and dinner selections include a mix of Western favorites and local delicacies. Guests in suites are served a free breakfast in the Executive Lounge. They can also attend the free cocktail reception in the same space.

The open-concept lobby hall combines the hotel’s reception area, business center, lobby restaurant/bar, and a dedicated lounge that all serve as a combined social space with live piano music. The space opens to a large outdoor terrace with full cocktail and food service. With a hillside location atop one of the city’s highest vantage points, the terrace offers sweeping -- and arguably the best -- views of downtown Port of Spain.

For a city center property, Hilton Trinidad offers a solid list of resort-like amenities in a non-resort atmosphere. A clean, spacious pool area surrounded by a well-maintained garden is the centerpiece of the hotel. Umbrellas and tall tropical trees on all sides offer a decent amount of shaded lounge space throughout the day. The nearby Gazebo Pool Bar serves beer, wine, frozen cocktails, and a full liquor menu to a handful of stools and the entire outdoor pool deck.

The modern fitness center offers Precor cardio equipment and pulley-style strength-training equipment. The hotel also has a small business area with desktop computers. The full list of nice-to-have amenities is rounded out with free Wi-Fi property-wide, a mostly English-speaking staff, and free self-parking in a secure, private lot.