The BRIX, Autograph Collection — Hotel in Trinidad

My state began on the 11th of November checked in at about 6:30 and I was pleasantly greeted at the front desk my wonderful Clinic who was concise quick and very explanatory of the hotel which helped me to be able to navigate the floor as much easier. Reaching up to my room unlocking the door and walking in I was pleasantly surprised by the decor and layout the simplistic yet modern touches sliding open the bathroom door I was again very much satisfied Beyond expectations of the layouts and the detail of the bathroom. Laying down on the bed after a long day was very relaxing because of how soft and warm the sheets were, the pillows made me feel like I was sinking into a cloud and quickly made me want to sleep. Awaking next day I went down for breakfast that was inclusive of my package, and sat down with my guests as we enjoyed the buffet style breakfast the menu was well thought and prepared very nice I have no complaints of any of the dishes that were served that morning. Although my guess and I did observe that the young man on The Omelette station that morning I don't know if it was subconsciously or consciously treated guests who he assumed to be foreign differently from local. I do consider myself a foreigner and my guest was local she pointed out the treatment that she received as in the greeting and attention vastly different from what I and others who speak differently received. Then getting our server that morning of the 12th was excellent the young man took great care of us and everybody else that was eating breakfast that morning outside on the patio always coming and checking in very well mannered and was quick and prompt with any requests that were made which we greatly greatly appreciated. After leaving breakfast we went upstairs to our room change and came down to the pool which we were pleasantly surprised was salted it is quite refreshing although the size could have been a little bit bigger we were still able to enjoy our time in the water coming back up to her room preparing and then going for dinner out of the hotel. We came back, and went to sleep the next morning we awoke again for breakfast came down and saw that the menu had changed from the day before which was pleasantly surprised me and good change for our taste but again a problem arose with the person that was on The Omelette station this time there was a lady much more professional but as soon as I arrived I spoke with her and requested that I can have it omelette with all the veggies available and meet she then proceeded to see me that she is busy at the moment but if I can wait a little bit I will be able to receive my order which I very much understood and had no issue some time went by and I got up from my seat after eating some of the other food that I had and I reminded her of my birthday she said she remembered she has not gotten to it as it I said it is understandable and there's no rush I just wanted to remind. Went back to my seat and continued eating talking and laughing for another hour and a half as the time for breakfast was coming to an end with possibly 20 minutes to go she came over to my table looked at me and said that she forgot to make my order and if I still wanted to have the omelet prepared. To which I smile and said it is quite okay I already had breakfast and everything else I don't think I would need the Omelette when it's almost time for me to leave. Now I understand that the workload can be fast pace but completely forgetting an order which you were reminded of and seeing the person right there in front of your face when you turn to your rights is a little difficult for me to understand completely. But again the breakfast menu is excellent and I have no other issues also the server that although she was not quite as prompt as the young man the day before she was also Pleasant. Going back up to the room I packed my belongings and checked out and proceeded to my flight. Overall I would highly recommend anybody stay at your finest establishment both for the aesthetic and the conference including the...

I hate to leave poor reviews, but the Brix deserves one. This place is not ready for primetime.

I visited with a group of my lady pals while on vacation in the 2nd week of July. Our main goal was the rooftop bar and their fabulous cocktails that we had heard so much about. Imagine our disappointment when we arrive at the Brix only to be told that the rooftop was only open for the later half of the week, I believe Wednesday- Sunday. NOT the Monday that we turned up. No problem. They DID have a bar with a patio attached to their restaurant, so we figured the evening wasn't a bust.

Oh how wrong we were.

First, we seated ourselves on the couches adjacent to the bar and were given menus after a few minutes by a very pleasant young woman. So far so good right? WRONG! 2 of the 3 menus were empty. No pages. No food or drink or cocktail selections. Blank. The 1 GOOD menu, was missing the cocktail page.

We ordered 3 drinks, after being told that 1 of the drink we were interested in was a man's drink. What does that even mean? Who says that to a female customer interested in a drink? My sister still ordered the drink and was moat surprised when the pinkish concoction in a martini glass arrived. Sidenote: it wasn't strong enough for a man or a REAL drinker of any sex in my humble opinion. Not that I believe drinks are categorized by gender. When we tried to order some of the ice-creams, they were out of all the local ones. When 1 of our party asked about a cigar menu. There was none. She was told she could go look at the display and decide what she wanted. Ummm....okaaay.

The 4th member of our party arrived and ordered an LLB. We had decided by then to take our night out to another location. When it was time to settle up and we flagged down our waitress for the bill, she had not charged us for the LLB. She would have to ring up a separate check for that. At this point, I tried to pay with my foreign debit card AND credit card. Both declined. Now, I don't vacation while broke, so I knew then the problem wasn't mine. But I said nothing even when a second machine was tried and failed. At this point another friend tried to pay with her local card. Also declined. Time for the THIRD machine. This one finally worked.

Only one thing left to do so we can escape the Brix. Pay cash for the LLB. Easy enough task right? Nope. Our waitress had disappeared again I had to go to the bar to ask to pay. I thought this would be no problem since I was paying cash. At a bar. WRONG. I was told by the male bartender that I needed to wait for my waitress. 5-10 minutes later she comes back, takes a look and my $100 in the check folder and has to ask the SAME DUDE WHO TOLD ME TO WAIT FOR HER if he had change for the $100. He did not. 😳 She looked at me. I looked at her. She looked at me. We both looked at the $100 bill. I said, "Well I don't have anything smaller than $100." She kept looking at me like a deer in headlights.

She apologized then and informed me that they would be instituting a cashless system in the future. Um... I hope that system doesn't include the 2 machines that decline perfectly good debit and credit cards. Perhaps the BRIX should consider some kind of bitcoin system.

Fortunately someone in our group had $20 cash so we could pay and get the hell out of the BRIX.

FINAL VERDICT:

Drinks were ok, certainly not worth the aggravation.

Service people and management could use a lot more training. Obviously someone is dropping the ball on prep work and customer service.

As long as they're STILL using a cash system, there should probably be enough cash on hand to give...

This is a beautiful property, I visited for Independence day with my cousin. The hotel room was beautiful and well cleaned. There was an adjoining room, and we were able to hear those guests, so try to request a room that is not adjoining. My first breakfast our server Antonio introduced me to a grapefruit mimosa which I named my Trini Sunrise (while I watched the beautiful sky from our table). Absolutely delightful, he was so kind and thoughtful. The options for breakfast were plentiful with many varieties. Dinner in the restaurant was just as delicious. The kitchen truly is a unified system. We didn't wait long for starters, apps or the entree. Throughout the day we would have drinks at the bar made by Sherwin who is full of the brightest energy. An amazing Bartender which made me feel at home as I do in NYC. He has the most detailed information and insights to share about traveling which I do often. I was very happy to have met him. We joined many over the holiday in their secured rooftop lounge area. Our server Jonathan absolutely wowed us as he had all the pricing memorized. We ordered some snacks, shots and a bottle of wine for our evening. The Dj didn't play many Trini hits which was a bit disappointing, but we had a great time regardless. On actual Independence Day during the evening a friend picked us up and took us for some events and drinks. When we returned the restaurant was closed but I found Tracey near the kitchen and let her know I was famished. Tracey checked to see what could still be prepared for me and I was able to have a delicious pasta dinner. Forever grateful to her excellent support. During our stay while sitting on the bench in the driveway on the property we met an elderly taxi driver called Junior Lewis - his business card says CTRM (Call The Right Man aka drummer for Tito Puente). He told us that he offers taxi services at The BRIX hotel and has the permission of the property to offer his services. We booked him for a ride to the airport in the evening. The hotel is not even 30 minutes from the airport. When I arrived at the airport, he told me the ride was 550 TT ($80USD). I asked why so expensive he said because he charged a fee for late night rides (my flight was at 4:45 am). People I know that travel to Trinidad often tell me the ride during normal hours should have not been more than $35 USD. I was heartbroken that my fantastically magical trip ended in this way. What is worse is that this man has authorization from The BRIX to take advantage of tourists. I just want fellow travelers to be safe and always confirm/book transport directly with the front desk. This man Junior Lewis (CTRM Taxi) robbed me, and he was regularly standing at the hotel doors chatting with employees and giving guests his card. I want future visitors to Trinidad to be safe and aware that Trickidadians are preying on tourists at the...