Myra

We have just returned from Curacao and would highly recommend it. It has a different flavor than most islands in that it doesn't have to depend on tourism to survive. It has it's own economy. We stayed in the Marriott, also highly recommended. we visited some of the other hotels and this was the BEST. It has it's own beach, clean and the staff was friendly and helpful. Elvis will remember what you drink and have it ready for you. I have some resturant suggestions and things to do. If you would like them give me a quick e-mail and I will gladly help. Good scuber diving and snorkeling, however, not many other water sports available. Stay out of town when the cruise ships arrive!

Brenda

Myra: <BR> <BR>Myself and one of my friends are thinking about going to Curacao the last week of April. We are in our late thirties. Basically, a vacation we want is being able to sunbath during the day and have a drink or two and a nice dinner at night and do some shopping. Do you think this a good spot. Especially how was the hotel you stayed at? Any help would be appreciated.

Cheryl

Hi, I was wondering what the sand was like on the beach? I had heard somewhere that it was a little rocky. Also could you please tell me some of the prices for food at the hotel. Thanks.

Anon

If you have never been to the Caribbean before and chose Curacao as your first stop, you would probably think it was pretty nice. If you have been to several Caribbean islands, it probably won't measure up. It didn't for us.

Gail

Anon- what's your favorite??

Anon

Almost all of them except Curacao. LOL Seriously, I like St. Croix, Grand Cayman, Bonaire, Turks, BVI, Grenadines, Cozumel. There are so many that are nicer than C.

sue

Anon, <BR> <BR>I have been all over the caribbean except for the ABC islands and I have yet to find an island that there was something I didn't like about it(especially since I don't have to cook, clean, wash or work). I am going to Curacao this summer for ten days and am looking forward to it. I research all of my destinations before hand and Curacao seems to have most of the things I like on vacation (culture, snorkeling, beaches, food and drink). <BR> <BR>Aruba is too commercialized and "popular" and Bonaire is too small and dive-oriented, but we may take a day trip over to Bonaire. So, Curacao seemed to be the place I should pick. <BR> <BR>I've been to St. Kitts, Nevis, Cozumel, St.Maarten, St. Thomas,Puerto Rico, Martinique, Antigua, Barbadoes, St. Lucia, Roatan, Jamaica, Caymans, Bahamas and St. John. My favorites are the quieter islands of St Kitts/Nevis and Roatan. I can't wait to see the arid beauty and Dutch charm of the island of Curacao! Next is a charter sail of the BVI's!

Anon

I see you haven't been to that many islands yet so it may be hard for you to compare. Enjoy your trip. I never said you wouldn't I just said it isn't as nice as some of the other Caribbean islands. Different strokes and all that...

Debi

We just returned from Curacao as well. We were there 25 Feb - 5 March. We also stayed at the Marriott. It was really nice. We loved Curacao. It's a quiet island. The beach was nice - in fact, there are many nice beaches on Curacao. We were quite surprised, actually. If you like to scuba - definitely go to Porto Marie! We got certified for Scuba there. Lots of fun. The main town on Curacao (Willemstad) is very attractive. It has your typical caribbean shopping. We also spent 2 days in Bonaire. The Washington National Park on Bonaire was great - we got to feed iguanas!! They also had the most amazing little birds that would beg food from you - very cool. We were a bit disappointed in the flamingo sanctuary. There were flamingos there - but not alot (I guess we were expecting thousands to fly up to us, oh well). Bonaire was very dive oriented. We stayed at the Plaza Resort which was nice - huge room, very European type hotel (if you ever go to the European forum - follow the washcloth questions). The beach there was good for snorkeling. Fish were very cool. We also spent about a day in Aruba - after spending time in Curacao, we really didn't like it so much. Anyway, we will probably go back to Curacao. Everyone was very nice and it was very laid back.

gail

My husband and I are going to Curacao in two weeks, staying at the Marriot. Any suggestions for dining, side trips, etc. Would appreciate any ideas shared. <BR> <BR>Thanks so much.

Erica

Gail, <BR> <BR>My husband and I are going to Curacao in May. Would you please either post a trip report or email it to me privately? <BR>Myra was kind enough to tell me about her trip and it sounds like a lot of fun. Enjoy yourselves! <BR> <BR>Erica

Debs

Gail & Erica-Recommend Fort Nassau restuarant-don't mind that it's near the oil refinery, but rather concentrate on the stellar food and service. For something more casual, in downtown Willemstad, the Grille King in Waterfort Arches also had great food and a teriffic view of the crashing waves of the Caribbean. If you're in the area of what used to be the Princess Beach Hotel, check out a place called the Garden of Eaten (it was only open for dinner, and even then the place looked closed-maybe cause it's set back from the main road). The food is yummy-and definitely save room for dessert. Continuing on down the road is the Mambo Beach area (shops, restaurants, etc), and just a few minutes from there is the SeAquarium, which shouldn't be missed. <BR> <BR>Curacao is somewhat rough around the edges in comparison to other, more tourist-oriented islands, but we enjoyed it for what it didn't offer-long expanses of beaches-with hotel after hotel built upon them, and lots of Americanized fast food outlets, for starters. Have fun !

John Raymond

For those who have stayed at the Marriott I have a question. I will be going there in a couple of weeks (using Marriott Rewards points) and I wanted to know if I can purchase a meal plan. If so how much does it cost? I did this last summer at the Rennaissance in Ocho Rios and its definately worth it. Every thing was inlcluded, food, drinks, non motorized water sports etc. Is it the same at the Curacao Marriott? Thanks. Please feel free toe-mail response.

Gerry Brennen

John, we've been to the Marriott in Curacao twice. In reference to purchasing a meal plan, the answer is NO. Curacao is not like Jamaica where almost all the hotels and resorts offer (require) the "all inclusive" plan. There is only 1 A.I. resort in Curacao. <BR> <BR>Gerry

john Raymond

Gerry, Thanks for the info. BTW, Jamaica has some great non all inlcusive hotels.

Erica

There are now two AI's in Curacao, the Princess Beach Hotel and Sunrise Villas (or something like that, I know it is Sun-something). We are staying at the Princess Beach Hotel in May on their all inclusive plan. It was not a whole lot more than staying there non-inclusive, so we just opted for the "walk up to any bar and get a drink with no money" plan! We still plan to visit local restaurants for dinner so that we don't miss out on the local flavor!

Meg Goodrich

We are thinking of going there for a girls' weekend with my sisters (married, etc). We are staying at the Marriott. Can you give us an ideas of inexpesive places sto eat, things to do etc? We know nothing about it, just deciding to try it.

Vince

It is possible to purchase a b/fast plan or a b/fast-dinner meal plan at the Marriott.com. Vince

bobcat

The Curacao Marriott does have a meal plan. The daily cost per person is $13.50 for Breakfast; MAP is $60 and FAP is $80.

cathy

My husband and I went to curacao 5 years ago and stayed at the sonesta which is now the marriott - we only brought one child who was 5 at the time. We LOVED the hotel and went out at least two nights without my son to really nice restaurants. We are considering going back. I remember it wasn't at all crowded and alot of people from holland went there. anyway we went to aruba last year with our three kids and LOVED it but we had to get up at 7 am and claim a hut on the beach or else you'd fry. do you have to do that in curacao any other info would be greatly appreciated.do they still have happy hour from 4 to 6. also are there any nice restaurants or snorkel trips you could recommend. <BR>thanks <BR>cathy