TracyB

Hi, has anyone ever stayed at the Hilton in Port of Spain? We are planning to stay their for the Carnival next year and the reviews are not too good...There are not alot of choices in Port of Spain.

golf_guy

TracyB,

We stayed at the Hilton during Carnival and, believe me, we were in the room so little that the hotel didn't matter. The food at the hotel when we were there ('93) wasn't great, but there was plenty to eat when we went down the hill to Queens Park and wandered the streets playing 'mas and chipping and wining.
The best rooms are down away from the pool, overlooking town, because they are the quietest.
We weren't there. We overlooked the pool, and when we fell into bed around 3 AM, Byron Lee and the Dragonaires were playing for a party around the pool. I had never seen speakers as large as the ones I saw in Port of Spain. The bass was so powerful we literaly bounced around the bed. We gave it up as a lost cause and went to join the party.
From Saturday until Wednesday I think we got about 10 hours sleep. And had the most concentrated fun in our lives.
There are some guest houses and a couple bed and breakfasts in Port of Spain (try Google for these). The Kapok Hotel was pretty good, but I couldn't recommend (what was at that time, and may still be) the Holiday Inn downtown.
Roll with it, and get behind the Big Truck!!!

island_hopping

The Hilton is a decent hotel. The staff is friendly and tries really hard to ensure you have a good stay, but the chain itself has not invested in the hotel in a while. As a result, it appears dated in style and furnishings. Rooms, while large, are just ok. Amenities (pool, restuarants, etc.) are good. The gym is hopeless - tiny and ill equiped. Finally, it's definitely a "city" hotel vs the typical island resort with flowers, beachfront access, etc. That said, it does have a good location near the Savannah and close to other interesting sites.

Final note - you will not be able to sleep during Carnival, as the Hilton is near parade grounds and hosts a huge party of its own. Enjoy.

TracyB

Golfguy, we were in Trinidad about 5 years ago but not for Carnival and we did stay at Kapok..It was really nice..However, right now, the Hilton has better rates for Carnival than the Kapok...I am not worried about sleep, because for some reason, noise does not bother me...But it sure sounds fun..We have a friend that is married to a women from Trinidad and we will be visiting them as well...Last time we visited Trinidad, we spent 1 week in Tobago and 5 nights in Trinidad..This time we are planning just to stay 9 nights in Trinidad..Do you think that is too long??

golf_guy

TracyB,

If part of the 9 nights is Saturday through Wednesday of Carnival, that really means only 4 free days for exploring, going to Maracas Bay for beach fun (and some Basupshut Roti or Shark and Bake at the little stands there on the beach), and a little quality hang-by-the-pool limin' time at the Hilton.
If you get in before Saturday, you should be able to get to a couple of the pan yards to catch final rehearsals of the steel bands before the big event. I don't know when the 'Mas camps close down (all the artistes who will be contending for Calypso King and Queen, Road March, and the other top prozes may be doing their final tuneups in those last few days, too) but you may be able to score some time there.
Personally, I don't think 9 days is too long. Might not even be long enough.
Are there any Trinis out there who can help TracyB?

TracyB

We will be going February 1st (Tuesday) until Februay 10th (Thursday)..The actual Carnival is February 7th and 8th, (Monday and Tuesday)..I am not familiar with the way it works, but I have emailed my friend that lived in Trinidad all of her life to see if we picked the right days...We would probably stay longer, but we are going to India and Nepal for 3 weeks in October prior to Carnival in Feb. so our cash flow will be slim pickins!!
But can you fill me in on just how long Carinval actually is...Thanks

golf_guy

TracyB,

Copy this URL and paste it into your browser's address line, hit enter and see what the schedule of events was for this year's Carnival. You'll see there are lots of things going on from the minute you step off the plane at Piarco until you fall back in your seat on your departing flight:

http://www.visittnt.com/carnival2004...fn=codncof.htm


You'll also note that there are a couple of events poolside at the Hilton.
Elsewhere on the visittnt site you'll find Dos and Don'ts that'll help you survive Carnival.

golf_guy

TracyB,

Bookmark the visittnt site and keep going back during the year and, as the schedule for 2005 firms up, you'll be able to set up your on schedule for while your in Carnival.

TracyB

Hi, thanks, I already looked at that website..Thanks for all your info.