saejohnny

ok - first trip to curacao.... what can someone recommend as far as hotels? I've looked at the Plaza hotel or trupial Inn.... any suggestions?

KVR

The most recommended hotel is the Marriott. There is also a Hilton but it gets mixed reviews.

We went in May for our first trip and chose the Lions Dive due to location. Within walking distance to Mambo Beach and the Sea Aquarium. There is a bus stop just down the road to take you in town. We booked an oceanview room and got a comp upgrade to a 2 bedroom apartment. Very nice. Like staying in a friend's condo. We ate most our meals at one of the 3 resturants on property. We found the food to be good. We also took the free shuttle they offered to the grocery store and bought stuff for breakfast and lunch to make in the apartment. The beach is nice and we were lucky enough to go at a good time so the hotel wasn't crowded.

If your interested we have our pictures posted at:

http://community.webshots.com/user/kvrlvn

There's 2 books. One of the trip and one of our dive at the Sea Aquarium.

StanKase

The Marriott is the all-activity hotel but is also one of the more expensive. It has an attractive pool area (though it can be a little crowded in-season) nice rooms-especially ocean view you do not need ocean front-and some snorkeling. the beach is only o.k. and a bit rocky in spots and their signature restaurant, Portofino based upon 2 dinners is not very good though the lunch meals around the bar and at the pool were good. It also is 25-30 minutes by car from the WEST END were there are a series of bays with very good snorkeling along the boulders that form each bay. The beaches during the week when school is in-session for the locals are generally quiet and clean. If you go at Beach #1 just at Klein Knip look for a sign Captain Good Life-He will take you out in his power boat snorkeling to 3 different spots leaving you for a set time,tell him 35-40 minutes and he will be back promptly, and on to another spot. He was charging $16US back in 2007 for 2 1/2-3 hours but bring a blow-up vest you can rent from your hotel. He has some but not a full supply. The Sea Aquarium is a combined Hotel/Time share and if you can get it the prices are more reasonable (1/3rd less than Marriott) and if you get a suite it will have a full kitchen, king bedroom and another bedroom for 2 more guests. The kitchen isd convenient to make breakfast and some lunches. It has a nice beach, a small pool but for 35 units it is more than adequate and the furnishings are always kept in good condition and the staff though small is very friendly. The little restaurant is not very good. The big negative is it is at the EAST END and awauy from from the towns by 20 minutes, the Marriott by 30 minutes and the WEST END for snorkeling is 50-55 minutes away. If you go there put "on request" a second or third floor suite facing the ocean. They are no more than the side units but the views are lovely.We visited the Hilton and it looked run down inside and out though we did not see any sleeping rooms. hope some of this helps.

Knowing

We love the Marriott.
My other recommendation in regards to the island are to take one day to stroll around Willemstad, and another day to visit Boka Tabla on the west side of the island. The views are breathtaking as it has those jagged cliffs and glittering sand.

BlueSwimmer

We loved the Kura Hulanda beach and dive operation, and thought the dive site right there was the best on the island. The resort itself is beautiful and peaceful, but out of the way if you want nightlife and being near Willemstad. If you just want a relaxing getaway and daily diving that can't be beat, this is a great location.