On our last visit in 2007 there was no Hyatt. There was a Marriott and Hilton in the mid-island area.If it has been open 1 year it has had it;s shake-down and should be nice. We stay at a smaller place on the EAST END. There is a Swiss0french restaurant not far from the Aquarium called LaRusse (spelling slighly off). It is very intimate and the chef/owner is part of the ambience. The food is very good but the price tag in 2007 for a 3 course dinner and several glasses of wine was $130 but worth it. I would say it is almost as good as the Observatory where I paid about $150 with a bottle of wine and 3 courses for 2 people.

The Hyatt has only been open a few months so be prepared for some growing pains. That being said, initial reviews seem to be positive. I believe it is not that far from downtown Willemstad where the majority of restaurants are located. Some years ago, we were disappointed in Bistro le Clochard (great view of the picturesque waterfront though) and the Wine Cellar but agree with Stan about Astrolab Observatory, best meal we had. We really liked the outdoor garden patio. Also enjoyed Jaipur which is also in the Kura Hulanda complex.

I second Jaipur if you like Indian food though I do not like it my wife said it was one of the better Indian dinnes she has had, The Avalon if you eat early (get's a bar scene after 9) is a little more moderately priced and we enjoyed the food.The Chinese restaurant right i that area is awful. The portofino in the Marriott was not very good nor was Ft. Nassau. The 2 Italian restaurants under the Arches were very good but that was 3 years ago.

Thank you all for your responses. We have found a few restaurants not too far which we plan to try and got good reviews. I also plan to eat on site as well. I realize the Hyatt is distant and I know there will be growing pains, as there is in any new resort. Part of its appeal for me is its location, and therefore, quietness. I have been to other resorts when newly opened and expect some minor issues. The reviews for the most part have been very good and Hyatt is usually a nice property. FYI, just discovered that the manager in Curacao is from the Hyatt Grand Cayman and we have met him briefly a few times in the past while staying there. He is a quite good at running a resort. Thanks again.

Our experierence as a generalization is that hotel food can be trumped by local restaurants at equal or less expense. But without a car taxi's on Curacao are fairly expensive.That said, you will miss out on the diversity of many fine and diverse ethnic cooking by eating at the hotel. But you cannot beat it for convenience. The one hotel chain which in almost every case to the above has been the Four Seasons.

Thank you for your input. I do agree about eating at the hotels which is why I am not a fan of all inclusive. I do like to try different places and eat off property. We may very well rent a car for a day or two once we settle in and get a feel for the area. Taking a taxi is expensive but we are not opposed to it when we pick a place that is remote. I am glad to hear though that the property is beautiful. Another part of the appeal for me.

Does anyone know if the Hyatt offers shuttle service to Willemstad? I have heard from other reviews that some hotels that are further away offer such a service. I have emailed the hotel but thought I might check here as well. Thanks.

We are looking at going to Curacao for a week in early December and staying at the new Hyatt. Has anyone been there lately? Is it worth getting the meal plan or is a la carte better. Also is it easy enough to rent a car at the resort for a day or two of touring? Thanks.

I would never recommend a meal plan in Curacao -- too many good restaurants from which to choose! I recommend getting a car for the entire week because as I understand it, the Hyatt is some distance from town and one taxi fare back and forth to a restaurant would probably cover the cost of the car for day. We found the driving there to be easy -- good roads, decent signs, driving on the right as in the U.S. Just don't accidentally fill the tank with diesel -- the gas names are different there and this almost happened to my husband! Also, there are lots of nice beaches to visit and the snorkeling is good. So, unless you don't plan to leave the resort much, a car for the week is definitely worth it.

Yes, allisonjames is right about everything. The Hyatt is quite remotely located, and there are not much restaurants near the Hyatt. Even though the Hyatt´s Shore and Medi restaurants are awesome. So renting a car I think is a must.

Curacao is an awesome island, enjoy it!