Radisson Hotel Trinidad

Originally built in 1972 as a Holiday Inn, the Radisson Hotel Trinidad is set in a squat, rectangular building with a rotating rooftop restaurant that looks like a vintage idea of the future. This mishmash of styles says a lot about what to expect at this hotel when it comes to style, and its many owners and waves of renovations have created a blend of architectural and interior designs. Guests pass through a glassy cubic entryway into the modern lobby, with big trapezoid-shaped skylight and private, mahogany wrapped sitting areas. Huge bouquets of exotic flowers are scattered throughout the hotel, reminding everyone that they are, in fact, in the tropics, and not just at any old business hotel. Off the lobby is the bright Parisian Cafe, which is more Starbucks than Left Bank, sitting next to the moody, wood-paneled Maple Bar. There’s a ton of couches, chairs, and plush benches that are often full of guests. Outdoors, a big pool is surrounded by lush gardens and lots of loungers loungers and the perfume from a nearby cananga tree adds to its laid-back serenity. While most guests here are business travelers -- we met a group of oil-rig workers during our most recent visit -- the hotel also receives quite a few tourists and Trinidadian expats. 

The Radisson is located on a busy road in downtown Port of Spain, a few blocks from the port. Nearby, there’s a bank with ATM (four-minute walk) and a grocery store (a 10-minute walk). There’s also an on-site car rental office. The Strip, Port of Spain’s nightlife and culinary hub (located on Ariapita Avenue), is a 15-minute walk or five-minute taxi ride from the hotel. Queens Park Savannah, the world’s second largest roundabout and the heart of Trinidad’s Carnival celebration, is a 10-minute drive from the Radisson. Emperor Valley Zoo and Royal Botanic Gardens are across the park and will take just a bit longer to reach by car. For great panoramic city views with a bit of island history, the British-built Fort George is the island’s first fort and is a 25-minute drive from the hotel. Maracas Beach, famous for its beautiful sand and bake-and-shark stands is about an hour away. Piarco International Airport is a 45-minute drive from the hotel depending on traffic.

Rooms can be a bit of a mixed bag at the Radisson Hotel Trinidad. Overall, they’re big and bright, but some rooms are dated and could use an update. The Standard Rooms have spartan interiors with modern, Art Deco-influenced styling that includes dark wood-veneer furniture, lamps with fluted wood bases, and cushy lounge chairs with zebra patterned pillows in red, orange, or green. Unfortunately, renovations over the years haven't been uniform, and have left some older pieces like bulky TV stands. Just a few pieces of abstract art or still lives hang on the walls. All rooms have iHome iPod docks, 42-inch flat-screen TVs with basic cable, coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi, and safes. Business Class Rooms are the largest, but also the most overdue for an update. Mixed with the modern desks and nightstands are dark leather couches and club chairs with studded brass accents. These rooms also have kitchenettes with mini-fridges and the hotel’s best city views. Bathrooms are generic across the board, with granite countertops, tiled walls and floors, stand-up showers or shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and illuminated beauty mirrors. Toiletries include shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, and bar soap. 

Without a doubt, 360 Revolving Restaurant is the hotel’s top draw. Despite its mixed reviews and dated interior, its has great panoramic city views and a Sunday brunch with live music and live cooking stations. Olympia is the hotel’s ground-floor breakfast and lunch restaurant, serving an American-style buffet and an a la carte menu. It’s an expensive breakfast, but the offerings are impressive. Maple Bar, located next the hotel’s themed Cafe de Paris feels classy, with its dark wood-panel bar, and was reasonably busy with guests throughout our visit. 

The hotel’s big pool has a shallow area for kids and is surrounded by lounge chairs, umbrellas, and lush gardens. A walk-up pool bar is handy for a drink as well. Overlooking the pool, the hotel’s 24-hour gym is stocked with treadmills, elliptical machines, weight machines, and dumbbells. The hotel has more than 13,000-square feet of event space, including the upper floor Calypso Lounge with amazing city views. There’s a business center with computers and free printing, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. 

A concierge can assist in arranging tours and tour guides, though Radisson is also embracing modern technology. The hotel has its own app -- iConcierge -- which has tons of info about the hotel and surrounding area. Parking is free in the hotel’s lot and private garage, and there’s an on-site taxi and car-rental office. Another big plus is the hotel’s generator that seamlessly switches on when the power goes out.