How to have a rum old time in Port-of-Spain

So you are heading all the way to Port of Spain, capital of Trinidad, maybe to try some rums, or perhaps to enjoy the riotous annual carnival. 

A lot of people - some of whom should know better - will tell you the Trinidad Hilton is the place to stay. It isn't. 

There's nothing wrong with it, other than the fact its a little tired. But the fact is it is perched on a hill overlooking Port of Spain and unless you want to do a whole lot of walking, which isn't recommended at night, then you'll be getting to know a lot of the local taxi drivers.

Trinidad may not be your classical Caribbean beauty. with a few exceptions it is more your working-class hero, but its many cultures – African, Indian, South American, British and Spanish – have melded to create a unique vibe. Even if neighboring Tobago has the better beaches. 

Trinidad is gritty and real - but if you do want a holiday feel then the Hyatt Regency on the waterfront (pictured) is a modern and sleek beast with a great pool and deck; the ideal base from which to sample the many bars and cafes on Ariapita Avenue. This is the hotel that should be recommended to you.

The Hilton overlooks the city and the green expanse of the Queen’s Park Savannah. It's a good place to get away from it all; a standard resort. But why would you travel all that way to get away from it all?