I really don't think oe bad hotel and restaurant are enough to make me tell people to avoid an entire island!! We loved our time in Curacao and would return any time.

We were all set for a vacation to Curacao for April, but found the airfare too high to justify the trip. I've read several other comments about the high prices of food and drinks. Since they don't really offer a good selection of AI hotels and don't really want any, it's difficult to get people to travel there.

I have to agree that with one bad hotel/restaurant experience, it's a bit harsh to advise people not to go to Curacao at all. Maybe a little more research prior to traveling would have helped. Did you not have any positive experiences? A full trip report would be much more helpful for people deciding to travel there or not.

We will eventually get to Curacao. Just now is not the right time for us. I hope your future travels will be better.

We also loved Curacao and part of the charm was trying all the great restaurants. Before we left everyone told me how expensive it was and I did not find it to be expensive at all, I thought everything was comparable to what we pay in Philadelphia and reasonable compared to some other islands -- have you been to Bermuda, Bahamas or Barbados lately? We're afraid to go back to them because years ago we were paying $8 - $10 for a drink we can only imagine what it is now! We loved the Curacao Marriott and the european/caribbean charm of the island and will return. We also rented a car and found the driving to be easy.

It's just insane to tell people not to go to Curacao because you had a bad experience at a hotel and restaurant!
We stayed at the Marriott and had a spacious room. The staff was very gracious. We loved swimming in the pool and sunning ourselves on the beautifully landscaped property.
Curacao makes a great choice for a getaway with lots of time to relax and play. We loved the environment of the restaurants and didn't find them anymore expensive than anywhere else.

We have visited 13-14 Caribbean/Bahamian islands including Curacao (3 times-2001-2005)and several othrs 2-4 times over the past 30+ years and could not disagree with you more.
As for food, Grand Cayman dinners of equal or lesser quality are equal or lesser quality are as expensive as are St. Lucia, St. Maartin, Virgin Gorda, St. Barts, etc. The snorkeling at the WEST END is in the top 5 best now in the Caribbean because of the affects of global warming elsewhere. While sightseeing is not a top priority there it is as interesting as Grand Cayman, Bonaire, St Martin, St. Thomas (except for maybe a few hours of shopping), Anguilla, Aruba. etc.. Hotets are not that fancy except for Hura but the rates are not like St. John,Virgin Gorda, St. Barts, Barbados, etc.
The weather overall is more consistently good with less rain than many in Caribbean/Bahamian though summer is a 4-5 degrees a bit warmer and Sept./Oct. can be windy(20-25mph).
It;s a very nice vacation spot.

We loved Curacao! I agree that you can find food for whatever price you want to pay. The small cove beaches are incredible, the people very friendly and helpful, and the snorkeling great. We bought a timeshare at Sea Aquarium and plan on enjoying this island on a regular basis. Renting a car does seem to be essential to enjoy the island to the fullest.

welcome to fodors travel talk. i tried to find anything on fodor's site about the floris hotel and could find nothing. could you post a link to the fodor's info you used?

This is the original poster's first post. Perhaps it's just someone who has a grudge against Cucacao or wants to keep tourists away????

This is the original poster's first and ONLY post. Perhaps it's just someone who has a grudge against Cucacao or wants to keep tourists away????

If the review is true unfortunately having a bad hotel to stay in can influence the view on an entire island. But I don't see what was terrible about the hotel, mosquitoes and roaches are everywhere in hot climates, I've only ever found well equipped kitchenettes in US condos so no surprise there is no dishwashing liquid.

We didn't find Curacao expensive and had many inexpensive meals in Willemstad near a beach (there was a row of trailers serving various local dishes), I don't think AI is necessary in Curacao. The Marriott had inexpensive buffets some nights, about $15-20 each. The concierge at the Marriott was very helpful in recommending inexpensive local eating places and the hotel is lovely.

We also never paid to enter any beach, some do ask for entrance fee but I do not recall it being $15.

Curacao is a planned first destination for us and obviously this "reviewer" has not impacted our plans. A lack of knowledge - or a bad attitude - can often generate one disaster after another...

Apart from that I have looked at the Marriott and other hotels, any recommendations?
Thanks!

I am glad to hear so many of you enjoy Curacao as we do. The only hotel that looked run down (from the outside and lobby ONLY) was the Hilton but there are 5-7 nice places in the $200-$250 (except holidays). The only restaurant we really did not enjoy was the Portofino at the Marriott butt if you search the talk form you will find 7-8 often mentioned very good places for dinner.

We stayed at the Breezes Superclubs in Curacao 6 years ago and loved the island. We went all over with tours and on our own and found it safe and the people very helpful and friendly. We ate out a few times over the 2 weeks we were there inspite of staying at an all inclusive, and found the meals comparable to what we pay at home in Canada. We are returning in Feb. 09 for another 2 week stay at the Breezes and are really looking forward to seeing what has changed...hopefully not too much. I hope that MLWille's write-up doesn't discourage people from going to Curacao as it is a really nice island and we have travelled all over the Caribbean and Mexico for the past 18 years.

Where on Fodor's was this hotel recommended? On this forum? In a guidebook?

Sorry but it's ridiculous to say not to go to an entire island simply because you were not pleased with one hotel and one restaurant.

I'm curious what would you expect a hotel to do to get rid of the mosquitos on your outdoor patio?

Ooops didn't realize this post was an old one.

We went to Curacao 4 years ago and it is one of our favorite islands of the many we have visited. We stayed 4 nights at the Marriot and 4 at Kura Hulanda to experience them both. The architecture, restaurants, shopping, and especially the beach are simply amazing. I would return in a heartbeat. We travel to Mexico and/or the Caribbean 2-3 times per year. I agree with one of the other posts that airfare is very expensive to Curacao right now. I watch it regularly and when it becomes reasonable again, I will book it for a return trip. I love how unique Curacao is!

Moquitos outside in the Caribbean??? A few bugs in the room in the Caribbean??? Oh the madness!! LOL. Geez...most of us here make a few phone calls ahead of our arrival to the islands, and pay extra to make sure there will be NO BUGS during our stay!! You must of missed that in your research...

Oh and no dish soap?? My God, I would of demanded my money back right there, and hopped on the next flight home. Can't even imagine living without my dish soap!! Don't even get me started on the Microwave being too high....how dare they!!!

I can fully understand all of your complaints, and I'm very sorry that even with your extensive research, it didn't work out for you. And Thank you, I will definitely stay WAY clear of Curacao because of the incredible tradgedies you had to suffer through....

Just a comment that this hotel does get some pretty bad reviews, as well as some good ones, on Trip Advisor. Many of the bad reviews are from European travelers.

For what it is worth.

I am back supporting a visit to Curacao. Per my 2 earlier posts for relaxation, good, not terrific beaches, very good snorkeling in the WEST END, 7-8 very good restaurants (I'd pass on Ft. Nassau and Portofino in the Marriott)with prices as hogh as Grand Gayman where it is not easy to find 6-7 equally good restaurants though they have several good ones at comparable prices as do the Barbados, Martinque, etc.
The sightseeing above water is limited but enough pleasures for at least 1 interesting day.
If you sign-up on kayak.com they will track the fares for you for the dates you are interested in going. I have found rates to destination s going down without any reason by 20% and I book it then a week later the higher rate is back.

First & only time posting, enough said...

Everyone's entitled to their opinions, and in my opinion, I also would not return to Curacao.

I visited the island on three different occasions, (each time, giving it another chance), and each time staying at a different place, and consistently, it was (again, in my opinion), horrible.

I found the majority of the people I encountered to be rude and cold, and for me, that is not what I expect when visiting an island that depends so much on tourism.

It's not my mission in life to destroy the reputation of this island, but if someone asks, I'll let them know how 'my' experience was.

Anyone travelling to a destination should do their own investigation, and I honestly hope others enjoy their stay, however, there won't be another one for me.

I loved my trip to Curacao and look forward to a second visit in the near future. The people were charming and it has one of the best towns for the Caribbean.

Scott - you crack me up a good sense of humor is a wonderful thing.

I'd like to visit Curacao, we enjoyed the low rise area of Aruba (hated the high rise area, would never stay there) and think the Curacao is a good fit for us.

Perhaps when the old house we bought is livable we might have enough money for a vacation.

I feel the need to go back to Negril

Eileen -- I'm curious as to how you flew to Curacao from Philly. We've been dying to go there but have not considered it ever since USAir ended their nonstops to Aruba. What airline(s) you use?

Hey guys. I have been to Curacao 3 times and I'm going again in 24 days. If you want a 5 star Hotel it may not be your place. But if you want uncrowded wonderfull beaches, the best scuba/snorkel on the planet then its the place to be. Keep in mind there are many resonable apts. for rent as well as good resorts and dive resorts.
KeyGal you might look at American Airlines out of Miami. I go Lax to Mia to Curacao.
One more tip. It is rude for your waitress to give you your check prior to you asking for it. You will NEVER get it without asking!
This aint LA! take a chill pill and have a great time!
The Grill King is very good in my opinion.

I know this post is a year old, but just wanted to add we are finally going to Curacao. We leave in 4 days and can't wait.

Regarding flight info, we fly Houston to Aruba and then Insel air to Curacao. Otherwise, American is about the only other airline that will get you there and they route through Miami.

Take it from a real local!
When I read the entry NOT TO GO TO CURACAO by some disappointed Curacao visitors I could not resist sending a reply:
As a real islander girl (born & raised on Curacao, speak 4 languages fluently, educated in Holland and graduated from a reputable University in NYC where I also worked and volunteered in numerous soup kitchens for the homeless for 5 years!) I know that most of our American visitors have the wrong perception of Curacao. They think our island should have the “typical” Caribbean Island things like: -must have long sandy stretched beach (we are very proud of our 37 small natural beaches), must have the friendliest & best service 24/7 etc, etc. But do not forget that we are also hard working human beings who are doing our utmost best to improve our product Curacao. Most Americans do not realize that our tourism industry has never been the island’s first source of income (refinery & financial services), meaning that the tourism sector is pretty “new” to us, and saying that “we’re not there yet!” This however should not be an excuse for our people to be rude or give lousy service, but please consider our background before judging us. Please help us by giving us positive criticism and have some patience. Try speaking some “Papiamentu” words like: “Bon Dia” (good morning) or “Dushi” (sweetheart) and I can guarantee you that our locals will love it and that you will see that our people are beautiful inside & out. In the mean time I suggest that all Americans should come to Curacao and experience our REAL DIFFERENT Dushi Curacao at least once in their lifetime!

Ayo! (good-bye!)

It's been 3 years since the original hater post, I dont even know how I ended up on this post here, but as an island girl I just HAD to create an account and comment, cause I just hate to see people judge my island like this.

Like my islandergirl there said; Tourism wasn't our priority like other caribbean islands until the last few years, that's the reason why we dont have numerous big hotel chains and fast food restaurants here, which is exactly what makes us unique, and I seriously hope it stays like this! That's why we may appear underdeveloped...

I really think it's funny that tourists choose a tropical destination and find it weird when a mosquito bites them? I mean seriously, its about 80-90 degrees all year long, what do u expect? It's like going to the beach and getting mad at the sand for getting stuck in between your toes, like seriously!? And I promise, Curacao is NOT the only island that has a roach or two.

So let me just say, if your looking for luxery and 5star pampering, then Curacao may not the experience for you. So, if you're looking for a different experience (hence: Curacao's slogan: 'The Curacao Difference'; and a favorite word to describe us is: "Authenticity")then you should really visit.

I'm not going to go about all the reasons why you sould visit, but I'll suggest taking a few photo tours or doing your own research, this is a just few things on top of my head that we have to offer:

Google them:
Curacao Tugboat, Mushroom Forrest, Blue Room, Hato Caves, Ostrich Farm, Dolphin Academy (here you get to meet our dolphins in the OPEN SEA - not your regular aquarium), 7 boka park, HandelsKade (Curacao Trademark), The Christoffel Park, and I could go on but won't..



Other things to think about:

*Substation Curaçao is the world's first deep water submarine, specially designed for tourists and researchers, capable of descending to an extraordinary depth of 1000 feet = YES! we GOT it!

*SXC will found the first spaceport in the Caribbean (and South America) on Curaçao, YES! we are getting this one as well!

So really, we are not "just" another island in the Caribbean!

I have been to your lovely island twice! I love it.

There are always cranky inexperienced travlers - I never heed their warnings or advice.

We just went 2 months ago!

I liked your old little airport though - the new one is like every other airport aroudn the world!

Wonderful people!!!

Islangirl: thanks for listing many of the attractions. With the new Hyatt and several other 4 and 5 star hotels and many 4 star and 2-3 5 star dining establishments plus almost consistent good weather to say nothing of the good to very good snorkeling on the WEST END why would someone not want to go. I have had some less than average dinners on Grand Cayman and St. Martin for instance and paid $50++/person.That's not to say that there are not "dog" restaurants with overpriced menus everywhere especially in NYC.

OP is a first timer grudge poster who did not do research

now blaming the island fodors everyone but himself.

Aruba is wonderful warm waters out of the storm belt my fav

aruba.hyatt.com my favPalm Eagle Beach outstanding

cntraveler.com GREAT recent article on the wonder of the

"Blue Sky" ABC isles...

qwo - did you notice the OP left their considered (snicker ) opinion in '08 and never came back?

I still would love to visit even if Curacao is now becoming over run with tourists

Unfortunately we're still working on the old house which is a serious Money Pit

We went to Curacao the 1st week of April 2008 and it was fabulous. Stayed at Breezes all-inclusive resort, but spent much of our time exploring the entire island. We loved it and will return. The fact they aren't overly "touristy" is so refreshing. We felt completely safe and the natives were very friendly. The best day we spent was when we rented a car for a day and drove a complete loop of the entire island. One day was just barely enough to stop and see so many things--two days would have been better though. Be sure to ask for an island map highlighting all these unique places. One side of the island, where Breezes resort is, has very calm waters and the other side where Boka Pistol is has rocky shores and wild waves. Talk about the best of both worlds! Best places we visited were:

Christoffel Park & Boka Pistol (Most amazing thing I ever saw! A keyhole like rock formation that the waves came rolling into and with a crash they hit and the air exploded like a pistol and sprayed water everywhere. Beautiful at sunset. We didn't see anyone there the 2-3 hours we visited it.

Aloe Vera Farm: Be sure to buy a bottle of aloe vera drink. Tasted like sprite in a way, but not sugary-sweet and really energized us for the day. Wished I could buy it in the states. Aloe vera plants are HUGE there. Very cool.

Old Plantations: Many old plantations and they are beautiful. We hit up quite a few on the loop that day. Love the wonderful pastel colors. We also found some old lighthouses and military bunkers to explore. They were cool.

Cemeteries: For those who have never experienced above the ground cemeteries it was rather interesting to view the cemeteries. They are also pastel colors. Not a grim place at all. A few of the small towns were cool. Stopped for ice cream and watched the locals fishing in boats in a cove.

Flamingos: We found some flamingos (prime flamingo area is on map) and some private beaches to eat lunch and enjoy each other's company .

Diving: Husband dove nearly every day and found the diving exceptional. Dive shop is within walking distance of Breezes and were great.

Snorkeling: We both snorkeled at Breezes and other secluded beaches and coves.

Marine/Aquarium: Was interesting. Loved the turtles and close up views of the flamingos there. Not a very big place, but worth the visit. It was the only place we paid to visit during our stay there.

Willemstad: I ventured out on my own to shop for the day. Easy & cheap to take "taxi" van. Willemstad is short drive from Breezes Resort. Prices were fine. Ate lunch. Bought a HUGE hammock ($20.00US), which we still enjoy & a few trinkets. They have the coolest bridge to get between the two halves of Willemstad (East/West I think?). AWESOME architecture, history and culture. Study up on it before you go and learn why they painted everything in pastel colors. Found street vendors very friendly. Wonderful memories. Outdoor vegetable market was great as well.

Weather was gorgeous--not too cool, hot or humid. A couple showers at night or early AM, but burned right off. Warm wind on your face all the time (trade winds). No hurricane worries as you are out of the belt. Felt very safe and secure in or out of the resort. Passed through only one area that looked it might not be good to get out at--we didn't. Few places where old cars or junk is piled up, but overall very pleasant.

It is very apparent the natives are kind, hard working people who don't have many of the luxuries Americans do, but they are happy and friendly. Was able to speak to just about anyone because most knew several languages very well. No language barriers. English, Dutch, French, Spanish and a mix of those is spoken fluently by everyone we met--VERY IMPRESSED WITH THAT!

Breezes Resort was great. Nice, clean and spacious rooms. Great maid service and security. Food was buffet or you could make reservations at some of the other restaurants there, grab lunch and beverages/alcohol at the beach and pool side shacks. White sandy beaches and lots of water sports. EVERYTHING IS INCLUDED, except spa, gift shop/duty free items, scuba dive certification and a couple other sports. You can even get the midnight munchies and grab sandwiches, etc. at the front desk. Food was very good. No problems at all. They also had several different types of entertainment most evenings that was very well done.

I really can't say enough about the resort. It wasn't overcrowded, always plenty of room to play or relax.

Only one word of advice: When you refill the fuel in the rental car--if you can't read the language on the fuel pumps be sure to ask. We put diesel in a gas engine rental car. In the US diesel pumps are green and won't fit in an unleaded gas tank--but not in Curacao! Luckily their mechanic labor is cheap & we were only charged 50 bucks to fix.

I am probably the most overprotective mama bear there is, but would feel fine letting my teenage children roam on their own at the resort and in most areas of Curacao as well. That's saying a lot!!

Visit Curacao and you won't be disappointed. It really is a treasure. The warm, aqua blue waters, sunsets and general atmosphere made for the most romantic vacation we have ever taken.

islandergirl... If you want to help touristm to Curacao, it would be better to start a new post and give your information with a positive spin.

By adding it on to this old post (from 2008) it only brings the negative title up to the top of the forum again. best, suze

I really do not know where exactly you guys are from. But it is totally ridiculous to give negative travel advice towards Curacao like that. I had multiple bad experiences in Miami with either bad hotels and disgusting restaurants. In Amsterdam i had multiple bad experiences with hotels. But still I am not giving bad advice like that for these places. I think negative people like you wouldn't be able to have a good time anywhere. You are to negative!!