Story, photos
ANDRE?ALEXANDER
Built on the site of the Governor's residence over the course of three years of construction, the then 261-room Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre opened its doors in 1962 as the first "upside-down hotel" in the world, where guests enter the lobby and descend to their rooms.
Since its opening 50 years ago, the hotel has been home to many firsts, as well as a number of special events and memorable moments. To celebrate its golden anniversary the hotel hosted a lavish cocktail reception on November 14.
In his address to guests, Leroy Browne, the hotel's recently-appointed general manager, thanked the business community, NGOs, civil society, the government and the hotel's 527 members of staff for their contribution throughout the 50 years of the hotel's success.
Other speakers at the event were Bernard Mitchell, vice-president administration/capital project, e Teck; Stephen Cadiz, Minister of Tourism, and Vasant Bharath, Minister of Trade and Industry. Included among entertainers was the Alternative Quartet.