Our tour of Trinidad began and ended at the Kapok Hotel in the capital, Port of Spain. Originally conceived as a family restaurant in 1964, the 10-storey hotel now has 94 rooms, two restaurants and conference facilities.
ON ARRIVAL
After a long day of travelling, we quickly checked in and were soon in the bar enjoying nightcaps which we signed for. We were in PJs and brushing our teeth, when the receptionist phoned to explain that without an imprint of our credit card, we couldn’t sign. She keenly offered to visit our room bearing the card machine, but we insisted we would present it the following day as the only place we were going was to bed.
OUR ROOMS
Room 495 on the fourth floor was relatively large with a comfortable king-size bed with two pillows each and bedside tables with lights and charging points. It was well equipped with a desk and chair, easy chair and coffee table, TV, safe, iron and ironing board, an empty fridge with complimentary bottled water and tea and coffee making facilities. There was air conditioning which we didn’t need at night, complimentary efficient WiFi, and plenty of plug points.
The bathroom was a one-person at a time affair, and as there was a step up into the shower, the bathroom never flooded despite powerful hot water. The lighting was good, and there was a shaving mirror and hair dryer, sufficient towel hooks and complimentary toiletries.
The pleasant balcony had two chairs and a table, and we enjoyed sitting out in the morning and early evening when green parrots flew in and out of the nearby trees, squawking loudly.
On return, we were allocated room 797 which although similar to the first, had a corner location which provided windows on two sides, and a shower over the bath. We requested a complimentary late check-out of 2pm and received an additional hour, which was helpful.
EATING AND DRINKING
The 9th-floor restaurant, Tiki Village, provided panoramic views and served breakfast and an Asian menu for lunch and dinner (Wednesday to Sunday).
BREAKFAST
Our package included a self-service breakfast from 6:30am to 10am, and we usually ate early when it was quiet.
There were two types of juice, yoghurt, fresh fruit, and a variety of cereals or porridge. Cold offerings included a platter of ham and cheese with tomato and cucumber.
The hot options changed daily. We enjoyed traditional offerings such as a circular bread known as fried bake, corn bread, plantain, and fried herring or saltfish buljol, both spicy dishes of flaked fish mixed with tomatoes, onions, and peppers. Other delicious dishes were saltfish accra, moreish small balls of battered saltfish, and choka, roasted tomatoes or pumpkin mashed with hot peppers and herbs. By comparison, the more European style selections of scrambled eggs, French toast and pancakes, pork and chicken sausages with bacon, sounded and tasted a little boring.
Coconut buns and banana muffins provided a Caribbean vibe, although toast and jam were also available. Coffee and tea were served by courteous and efficient young ladies, who were consistently available to provide refills and clear plates.
DINNER
As there were no restaurants within walking distance, we used Tiki Village three times. Appetisers of fried squid and prawn wontons provided light snacks after lunches out but on our final night, we wanted a more substantial meal. After spring rolls, we shared Cantonese Chow Mein with prawns, pork, and chicken. The portion was large, and it would be easy to over order. Although there was no dessert menu, several options were offered, and I chose chocolate ice cream.
The cheapest bottle of wine was around £40, and so we stuck with a more traditional Caribbean drink of White Oak rum with an Angostura Lemon Lime and Bitters drink, known locally as LLB.
KAVA
The more informal, ground-floor Kava had indoor and outdoor seating, but as the latter was on a busy main road, we sat inside. The European menu included burgers, pastas, salads, steaks and excellent pizza, although chicken samosa were also delicious.
Menu prices were akin to those in London, but with the addition of a mandatory 10% service charge and 12% tax.
FACILITIES
The hotel had a good-sized pool for a city-centre hotel with ample loungers and outdoor seating on a terrace. There was also a small shop selling snacks, beers, and soft drinks. In-room spa treatments were available, with a one-hour massage costing around £90.
LOCATION
Although there were no restaurants nearby, the hotel was within walking distance of the Emperor Valley Zoo, Botanical Gardens, Queen’s Park Savannah, and ‘Magnificent Seven’, a group of historic mansions.
PAYMENTS
Having paid our bill by card in the local currency, a further deduction, this time in US$, was deducted after we left. Despite several attempts to resolve whilst in the country, I found the hotel staff unhelpful and unsympathetic. Eventually this was resolved with my credit card company on return, but it was not clear as to why the duplication had occurred and it rather marred what had been an otherwise enjoyable place.
