Checked In: The Brix, Autograph Collection – Trinidad

Hey Friends!

I had an unexpected work trip to Trinidad this month and well, I fell in love with the hotel they chose for us. This was also my first time visiting the island which is known for its famous Carnival and the birthplace of steel pan. The twin island nation of Trinidad and Tobago is located in the southern end of the Caribbean chain. The organizers of this workshop took care of all our arrangements including our accommodation which was The Brix, Autograph Collection. Upon research I found out that this hotel forms part of the Marriott brand.

Autograph Collection is a group of independent upper-upscale to luxury hotels within the Marriott International portfolio

Length of Stay: 4 Nights

Location

The Brix is located on 2-4 Coblentz Ave, Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. Given I’m new to Trinidad, I’m not sure if to refer to this as a central spot, but it was within good distance to a few spots I checked out (will list below) and also others which were mapped. The drive from the airport took us about 30-35 minutes.

Checking In/Out

We (my colleague and I, as well as other participants) got to the hotel around 4:30 p.m. and was greeted by the meeting organizer as well as the hotel staff. The check in process was seamless as we only had to fill out some missing information and sign for the rooms. We also received a welcome drink which was absolutely refreshing after the trip to get there. After everyone was signed in we got briefed about the hotel including meal times and various amenities included. Check out was just as swift whereby I only had to return my key card.

Room Tour

If you know me, you know I already checked out the rooms online prior to visiting. All of them looked great and I was really hoping for a view. Unfortunately, I was on the fourth floor which didn’t provide me with such, as the hotel is angled against a hill/slope. Nonetheless, the room was extremely spacious and well enjoyed. Given the pictures on the site and the room I was in, I’m not quite sure of the classification, but I do believe it was the Brix King.

My favourite part of the room was definitely the bathroom. I don’t know what it is with me and bathrooms, but it’s usually the first thing I look for in a hotel room. I mean, I can bring myself to sleep on just about anything, but the bathroom, has to be at a certain level. It ticked all the boxes for me, from great lighting, modern sink/faucet, standing shower; everything was well designed.

A part from my love for the bathroom, the bed was extremely comfortable and paired perfectly with the blackout curtains, I definitely slept in on Saturday. The room also came with your usual iron and ironing board, safe, laundry bag, flat-screen TV, coffee maker, refrigerator, sofa, desk and chair. My only downside was the lighting in the room itself, I felt it was a little dull even with the curtains open. There were only two bedside lamps, and a standing lamp in the corner by the seating area. I also couldn’t figure out the a/c and getting it to a suitable temperature. Other than that it was a good room.

Hotel Amenities/Services

Dining

Included in our stay was complimentary breakfast and because we were a part of a workshop we also received lunch. The hotel’s main restaurant is the Exchange restaurant which all meals are served, including breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is also the rooftop bar and lounge, and a merchant’s grab and go for quick bites.

I’m kinda known to be a picky eater, so kept within my comfort zone when choosing what to eat. Breakfast and lunch were done as buffet style; for breakfast I stuck with eggs, sausage/bacon and pancake, but they also had local options. For lunch I tried a bit of everything and it was pretty good. I never had dinner at the restaurant, but opted for a burger from their lounge, and I wish I didn’t get full so quick because it was so good! I would have also went up to the rooftop, but my experience wasn’t the greatest. The drink was way too strong and the tapas menu was really limited. I opted for calamari and unfortunately it was way too dry for my liking. At the merchant’s grab and go, I had an enjoyable latte and croissant as well as an oreo cheesecake.

Rates

As mentioned earlier, everything was arranged for us therefore I’m not sure of the rate. Upon research, I found out it’s a 4-star hotel so bare that in mind. For a random search in the month of January, their lowest rate is $170 USD per night. If you are a member of Marriott Bonvoy the price is a bit lower.

More information on their website.

Hotel Experience

Overall I really enjoyed the ambiance of this hotel. The workers were really friendly, helpful and showed good customer service skills. The decor from the lobby, to the conference room, to the actual room was simple yet elegant. Trinidad knows how to do Christmas as most places had a much more extravagant set up than you’d see here in Antigua. You definitely felt the Christmas spirit as you walked through the front door.

Located Nearby

• Queen’s Hall (Performing Arts Theater)
• Royal Botanic Gardens
• Queen’s Park Savannah
• National Museum & Art Gallery
• Emperor Valley Zoo
• Fort George (15 mins drive)
• Paramin Lookout (30 mins drive)
• Maracas Beach (35 mins drive)

Unit our next adventure,