On a 12-hectare estate facing Queen's Park Savannah (with the main Carnival grounds just a short, safe stroll away), this property is Trinidad's largest, most expensive and pre-eminent hotel. Its sweeping grounds, large convention facilities and spacious, well-equipped accommodations make it preferable to the Crowne Plaza. This first-class hotel is well-reputed for its safety in this increasingly crime-ridden city. Some travelers consider it to be the only choice on this hotel-scarce island.
On a steep hill overlooking the city, this recently renovated property has an elaborate upside-down design that makes for long walks from the entrance to the reception area. The lobby is large and functional, but the sit-down registration area, albeit a nice touch, gets overcrowded at checkout time.
The spacious Pool Terrace Garden Restaurant serves all three meals and spreads out onto a large terrace overlooking the sizable pool. It is noted for its Sunday brunch. The main restaurant, La Boucan, was recently upgraded to fine dining, and presumably this will bring a bit more class to what was a mediocre culinary offering. Guests can get snacks from the lobby bar or Cafe Cino, from room service until 11:30 pm, and from their minibars. The hotel is one of the city's most energetic entertainment centers, with the Carnival Bar serving as Port of Spain's sparkplug. DJs and bands play calypso music for an enthusiastic crowd.
The pool bar is a lively spot during the day, especially on weekends, and offers refreshments to guests lounging around one of the island's largest hotel pools. 
A new spa and fitness center overlook the pool area. Other on-site attractions include two lighted tennis courts and an excellent shopping arcade.
The ballroom accommodates up to 1,200 people, and six smaller rooms hold from 12 to 150 delegates each. The business center sees plenty of action, and a new meetings area adds four more meeting rooms and two boardrooms, as well as a dedicated meetings coordinator.
Accommodations boast impressive island views. Phones with voice mail, TVs, twin or queen beds, ample closet space and balconies are standard. Rooms in the main wing are the best choices for their great views of Queen's Park Savannah, and some rooms in the north wing scan the prime 
minister's house. Premium-level suites offer sitting areas with honor bars and greenery, safes, king bedrooms with balconies, and large combination baths with hair dryers and scales. An executive level is open to guests for a fee or to elite members of the frequent-stay program. A keycard-access private lounge serves complimentary breakfast, beverages and evening snacks.
U.S. business travelers dominate until Carnival, when tourists pack the place. Renovations have brought the hotel up to a standard that it deserves as the most popular and well-regarded hotel in the city.