Where to stay in Trinidad

The high-end hotels feature sought-after amenities, like top-class restaurants and excellent pool, gym, business, and conference facilities. In downtown Port of Spain on the waterfront, the Hyatt Regency Trinidad offers views of the Gulf of Paria and an on-site spa. The Radisson, just across the road, boasts a revolving restaurant at the top; while the Courtyard by Marriott, situated just west of Port of Spain, is a draw for business travellers who can pop into MovieTowne next door for a bit of shopping, dining or entertainment. The iconic Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre and classy Kapok boutique hotel both overlook the Queen’s Park Savannah.

Down south in San Fernando, the most salubrious options are Tradewinds, which also has monthly residency options, and the charming Royal Hotel, which is located just around the corner from the entrance to San Fernando Hill. In the east, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Trincity is located just five minutes from the airport, with the mall and a world-class golf course within walking distance. Academic visitors and researchers will appreciate the recent addition of the University Inn at the University of the West Indies’ campus in St Augustine. Out west in Chaguaramas, check out the Crews Inn Hotel & Yachting Centre.

Among the most popular guesthouses, B&Bs, and self-catering options are The Allamanda (Woodbrook); Crosswinds Villa Bed & Breakfast (Santa Cruz); Forty Winks Inn (Port of Spain); Culture Crossroads Inn (St James); and the Coblentz Inn and L’Orchidée Guesthouse (Cascade).

Quieter, greener options exist for nature lovers. If you want to see the stars at night, head to one of the following retreats: Paradise Villas (Paramin); Asa Wright Nature Centre on the Arima-Blanchisseusse Road (north); Hacienda Jacana in Talparo (central); Petrea Place (Pointe-à-Pierre Wildfowl Trust down south); Xanadu Resort in Lopinot (east); Anise Resort & Spa (Sans Souci, northeast); or Acajou, Le Grand Almandier, and Mt Plaisir near Grande Rivière (northeast).

If you’re staying at hotels like the Hyatt, you’ll find an array of opportunities for pampering right on site. You can also find a variety of spa and beauty treatments at The Face & Body Clinic’s four branches (Port of Spain, San Fernando, Chaguanas, and in Tobago).

Prices & availability

Hotel rooms average US$165–260 a night, and guesthouses $75–105. Availability is usually good, except around Carnival and major conferences or events, where prices can increase significantly.

Advertorial: brand voices

Hyatt Regency Trinidad

Hyatt Regency Trinidad (Port of Spain)
623-2222, www.trinidad.hyatt.com
www.facebook.com/hyattregencytrinidad • Twitter/Instagram @HyattTrinidad

Easily one of the most popular hotels in the country — with business travellers as well as local guests — their 428 contemporary designed guestrooms, suites and facilities are being transformed to offer a new and vibrant experience (completion by the second quarter of 2017). With a superior level of service, the Hyatt Regency Trinidad is ideally located in the heart of Port of Spain along the waterfront. This luxury hotel has one of the largest conference facilities in the Caribbean. Other highlights include: several on-site dining options including the lobby bar and lounge with nightly entertainment, a sushi bar, 24-hour Cinnamon deli/patisserie, and the Waterfront restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating; airport transfer and taxi service; meeting and conference spaces; complimentary WiFi in guest rooms and public spaces; on-site spa facilities; rooftop infinity pool and terrace with a poolside grill; 24-hour room service; state-of-the-art fitness facility; foreign exchange services; laundry and dry cleaning; a business center; Regency Club and a robust concierge service (including a personal shopper service).

The infinity pool, overlooking the Gulf of Paria. Courtesy the Hyatt Regency Trinidad

Kapok Hotel

16-18 Cotton Hill, St Clair, Trinidad, West Indies
(t) 1-868-622-5765, (f) 1-868-622-9677
stay@kapokhotel.com

Kapok Hotel is an independent boutique hotel, perfectly located just outside the capital city of Port of Spain in Trinidad, within safe, walking distance to the Queen’s Park Savannah — home to Trinidad’s famous Carnival — along with other major attractions like the Magnificent Seven, the Emperor Valley Zoo and the Botanical Gardens. Kapok features an outdoor pool and fitness center, two restaurants, Tiki Village and KAVA, with five meeting rooms. Guests can earn frequent flyer miles with the American Airlines AAdvantage Travel Awards Program. Complimentary breakfast and WiFi is also included. Best rates guaranteed when you book online with promo code DISCOVER.

A room with a view. Courtesy the Kapok Hotel

Royal Hotel

Royal Hotel has the all charm of a bygone era, with the best conveniences of the modern world. We are known for our warm southern hospitality, an oasis conveniently located within the city of San Fernando. We invite you to relax in any of our 62 spacious rooms equipped with cable TV, air-conditioning, safes, free WiFi along with a complimentary continental breakfast. Visit our Landmark Bar or Pavilion Restaurant for an eclectic mix of local and international cuisine. Our conference and meeting rooms are ideal for hosting business events, cocktail parties and wedding receptions. Hoping to see you soon.

Royal Hotel, San Fernando. Photo courtesy Royal Hotel

Tradewinds Hotel

Situated in the breezy residential area of St Joseph Village, San Fernando, Tradewinds Hotel has been owned and operated by the Laing family since 1990. The 41-room “home away from home” boasts friendly, helpful and courteous staff and an efficient management team. Rooms are spacious and fully equipped with minibar, cable TV, air-conditioning, safes and complimentary WiFi. Other facilities include Offside Sports Bar and Restaurant, Bottles & Bites Sushi Restaurant & Bar, conferencing, mini-mart, gym with state-of-the-art equipment and instructors on site, and swimming pool. Only 800 metres away from Caribbean Cinemas 10/South Park Shopping Plaza. www.tradewindshotel.com

Poolside. Courtesy Tradewinds Hotel

Written by Nazma Muller