The staff were very helpful, above and beyond the call of duty. I was travelling with my elderly mom who uses a walker and the staff very always ready to assist her without being asked. The room was very spacious and clean. The hotel is relatively new so the facilities are very modern.

As business travellers, we see a lot of hotels in many different countries and I can say that the rooms in the Carlton are the most spacious and luxurious we have stayed in for a LONG TIME. You can easily live and work in the rooms and not feel claustrophobic. The view from my room was great, right out across the Savannah which helped make a 2.5 month stay, a pleasure.

The staff is great, especially those on the front desk and the bell boys, which makes a good first impression. Karen, on the management team, makes you feel as though you are part of the family and nothing is a problem. This is not so much a hotel, as a home away from home.

Sushi on a Wednesday night is a must do. "Rise", the rooftop bar where it is held, is great and has views across the city. A very nice loungey atmosphere on a Wednesday with a DJ and fresh sushi.

There is a small gym on the 2nd floor, nothing incredible, but it has everything you need including free weights and machines. I think they also offer personal training services as well. If you don't like the gym, you have the Savannah on your doorstep or Lady Chancellor hill to run up.

Yes there will be certain shortcomings (that the kitchen lacks consistency at times would be my biggest gripe), but if you are looking for a super friendly hotel, with the best rooms I have seen in a while, in a great location on the Savannah and with a terrific rooftop bar, then I can't recommend the Carlton Savannah enough.

There are some aspects of the Carlton Savannah that I loved, and some that were infuriating. Let's start with the positives though:

- Room is incredibly spacious and well-equipped. It is effectively a studio apartment complete with stovetop, microwave, washer/dryer and sink behind bi-fold doors

- The pool area has sunbeds for those who want sun, as well as cabanas and shaded tables

- The view from the rooftop is awesome - you can see far during the day and the lights of Port of Spain at night

- My early check in was accommodated without question (I thought I might have to stroll the SAvannah for a few hours)

- Bed and pillows were extremely comfortable

The negatives:

- Had some issues with the bathroom - firstly, the toilet would not flush (so pleased I have a habit of checking this out before I use it.,,,) and secondly the shower had lukewarm water at best. Best tip I can give you: you need to press BOTH buttons simultaneously to flush the toilet!

- The kitchenette and laundry are hidden behind bi-folds with chairs placed in front, so if you weren't inquisitive you may never know it's there. The concierge didn't tell me about it when bringing me to my room, and there are no utensils whatsoever. I assume they don't want you to use it....

- The room had a couple of magazines on Trinidad and hotels but no information specific to this hotel. So I did not know what number to call for the front desk, for room service etc - and even if I knew who to call for room service there was no in-room menu so I wouldn't have known what to order

- If you're a smoker (I am) you can smoke anywhere outside, including by the pool. Just don't expect to get an ashtray. You might get a glass, you might get nothing.

- You have to ask for most things: what time will housekeeping be around? Can I please have some glasses in my room? Is there an ice machine? (you get an ice bucket but no clue as to how you could fill it) Can I order room service? What's on the menu? Nothing comes easily....

- Having read other reviews it seems there is a gym in the hotel, but I was not aware of this as their website doesn't indicate so and oh, no hotel information in the room!

- There was a business running out of several rooms on my floor - interesting concept and they had their doors open all day so I felt I was being observed as I came and went

In summary, I had an okay stay here. I loved my room despite the frustrations I felt in trying to have it serviced and equipped. I got very good rates for my stay which helped in forming my overall opinion.

Have not stayed at the Carlton Savannah but tried out the Relish restaurant and have vowed NEVER to return. Firstly drink offerings were non-existent and then the menu choices were much less than advertised. Semi-warm main dish, oil-soaked fries, many items not brought to the table correctly and the worst chocolate mousse ever - it was really a frozen brownie.
No dining napkins available (they were washing) and even trouble to get the bill. An attentive apologetic waitress tried her best, but the service, food and overall ambience were the poorest of any hotel in Trinidad and Tobago.