Hilton Trinidad Hotel Review is part of the Rum Rum Caribbean Castaway Trip Report.
Getting There: Download TT Rideshare App. Local cabs are far too expensive.
I booked the Hilton Trinidad last minute for carnival (see How to Book Trinidad’s Carnival Last Second for Free*). I am lucky that I did. Without the help of the hotel, I would’ve been on the sidelines instead of partying in the street.
Front Desk Saves My Trip
After stopping for food at the restaurants right outside POS airport (see The Best Airport Food), I arrived at the Hilton Trinidad. I asked the front desk how I could get a costume for the next two days. The woman looked at me in shock when I said I had come without securing one in advance. She passed me to her colleague who instructed me to run downstairs to the conference rooms as there may be vendors still selling some. I went down and found nothing but empty boxes. I felt nauseous and wondered if my last-minute luck had finally run out. I went back to the front desk and said there was nothing. She came around the desk and took me to another part of the hotel. Again, we found nothing. I began to rationalize that I could still have fun even if I didn’t have a costume. Back at the front desk, the woman was on her phone making calls to random people. She found one group that was still selling tickets to Juve, the early morning party. She wrote down the address. She then directed me to a website where people resell costumes and spoke on the phone to multiple prospective sellers. We finally contacted one who would come to the hotel and drop off the ‘costume’ and bracelets. Somehow, someway, everything worked out and I have her to thank for it.
Hotel Itself
The hotel is a vast, secure compound. It hosts a party the Sunday before carnival, but I recommend skipping it and saving your energy for the two days ahead.
Lounge
The lounge served a greater purpose than providing free food and drinks. It’s where I met many experienced carnivalers who were equally amazed that I had come to Trinidad with no costume and were mesmerized that I had come by myself. I learned many tips and tricks from them which are in my guide: Last Minute Trinidad Carnival Guide! Everything You Need to Know And Stuff You Will Figure Out On Your Own!. 
Room
If you’re in the room, you’re doing something wrong. 
Shower
Bless housekeeping for having to clean the bathrooms following the paint massacre that is Juve.
View
Everything looks calm from up atop the Hilton.
Late Checkout?
I wasn’t supposed to check out late. I was supposed to come back from Juve, take a quick nap, and get back to the festivities. Instead, I slept through my alarm and woke up well past 11AM. I thank the hotel for letting me sleep, but I wish they would’ve woken me up. I had the same sick feeling that I was missing out until I rejoined the revelers in the street.
Overall
If you can find availability, stay at the Hilton Trinidad during carnival. They made the best experience of my life possible.
Hilton Trinidad Hotel Review is part of the Rum Rum Caribbean Castaway Trip Report.
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