Hyatt Regency Trinidad General manager gives insight into the hotel’s success and this year’s travel trends

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad –  Conveniently situated in the heart of downtown Port of Spain, Hyatt Regency Trinidad is at the center of one of the most dominant business and political destinations in the region. The hotel, managed by Russell George since its opening in 2008, earned its spot on the business meetings map after hosting the Sustainable Tourism Conference as well as United States Vice President Joe Biden this past year. With state-of-the-art equipment, multilingual staff and stunning waterfront views, there is no better place to take care of business.

Below, Mr. George shares some insight on a variety of topics, including factors that make Port of Spain a business capital and recent changes in travel trends.

Q: How does the hotel fit into the tourism offerings in Trinidad?

A: The hotel offers the most expansive meeting space in the English-speaking Caribbean. Located in downtown Port of Spain, we are ideally situated for business travelers and those looking to be near the activity of the city while still providing a resort feel.  Hyatt Regency Trinidad’s flexible event space makes it an ideal venue for meetings and conventions of any size. In addition, we offer state-of-the-art facilities that make it simple for guests to be productive while attending meetings without ever leaving the property. The hotel caters to both the leisure and business traveler with luxurious guest rooms, rooftop pool, spa and four food and beverage outlets located within the hotel.

 Q: This past year, the hotel has hosted major conferences and prominent guests. Why do you think they chose Hyatt Regency Trinidad?

A: As one of the largest conference centers in the Caribbean, Hyatt Regency Trinidad is an unrivaled location for international conferences and events. We offer a number of venue options: the 16,000-square-foot Regency Ballroom, accommodating more than 1,600 guests for a reception or 1,300 guests for a banquet; a 10,000-square-foot multi-purpose facility; seven banquet rooms offering 3,000 square feet of interior space; four meeting rooms ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 square feet; and two executive boardrooms. All meeting spaces feature access to reliable high speed and wireless Internet, individual climate controls and advanced audio/visual capabilities. Our facilities, coupled with the breathtaking views and ideal location, make Hyatt Regency Trinidad the perfect hotel for an event of any size.

Q: A growing trend is business travelers mixing corporate needs with family travel needs. How does Hyatt Regency Trinidad fit into this?

A: We have seen the growing demand for family offerings during business travel; a travel trend the hotel not only accommodates, but encourages to offer a more authentic experience the whole family can enjoy. Travelers looking to participate in leisure-focused activities can take advantage of all of the hotel’s luxury amenities, including the exclusive rooftop infinity pool and bar overlooking the Gulf of Paria, indulgent spa treatments with organic ingredients at Spa Esencia, state-of-the-art equipment at the 24-hour StayFit fitness center as well as a variety of culinary offerings. Guests hungry to explore more of the dual-island nation can catch a quick flight to sister-island Tobago for a day filled with relaxing on a scenic beach, a variety of water sports such as diving, paddleboarding and surfing, or visiting one of the island’s cocoa plantations.

Q: Although Hyatt Regency Trinidad is primarily a business hotel, what offerings appeal to the leisure traveler or the business traveler looking to unwind?

A: With 428 contemporary guestrooms with bamboo flooring, flat-screen TVs and Hyatt Grand Beds, the hotel also offers on-site activities including a full-service spa, rooftop infinity pool and some of Trinidad’s most popular restaurants. To complement the location and meeting space, guests can enjoy high speed wired and wireless internet in all meeting rooms, public areas and guestrooms. Whether here for business or leisure, Hyatt Regency Trinidad offers everything guests will need in order to unwind and relax. Of course, nothing beats the picture perfect views of the Gulf of Paria, which can be enjoyed from most locations on property.

Q: Many travelers are now choosing travel destinations based on gastronomy. How has Hyatt Regency Trinidad responded to this new trend?

A: Whether travelling for business or pleasure, visitors are drawn to Hyatt Regency Trinidad for an exceptional island experience, including our culinary offerings.  Our gastro dream team offers guests the opportunity to experience an international culinary journey without ever leaving the hotel. With four restaurants and lounges, travelers can experience a variety of cuisine options from around the world in between tackling meetings, conventions or a day at the pool. Our Executive Chef Fernando Franco creates custom-designed, flavorful menus to suit even the most discerning palates.