jennifer3841

What are the main differences? Looking for a nice resort with some night action. Good places to eat and things like that.

Knowing

We found the food to be much better in Curacao and we actually liked the island better in every way. We stayed at the Marriott. They do have a bar down by the beach with karaoke some nights or a guitar player, etc. They also have theme nights and a casino. The island of Curacao has a wonderful nightlife. There are people that will tell you that Aruba is their favorite place. We found it to be just ok.

jacketwatch

Curacao is fine if you want to just lay back and relax. I am not sure about night life at any particular resort but in general if its night life you want then go to Aruba. Aruba also has its fair share of fine restaurants. Good luck, Larry

eileen

Hi, I have been to both and much preferred Curacao. I was in Aruba for a second time last November and then Curacao in March. Stayed at the Marriott in both places. Aruba is just getting too Americanized/built up/sort of like Florida for me. It was too crowded on the beach even in the off season. I thought the food was very good in both places. I really liked the European/Caribbean ambience of Curacao. The beaches are different. In Aruba, it's mostly one long beach that goes on for miles with mostly high-rise hotels built along them -- it reminds me of Marco Island, Florida. Curacao has lots of smaller, cove beaches with better snorkeling and cliffs, more picturesque in my opinion. We really loved the Curacao Marriott, it's smaller, low rise, and a really good value for your money. The Aruba Marriott is huge, with three high rises, it's nice but just too big. The city in Curacao is much bigger than Aruba so it's hard to see where the nightlife would be better in Aruba but we weren't there for that so can't really comment -- most of the activity seems centered around casinos and a few clubs. In case your a golfer, the one way Aruba is really superior is the golf -- the course is much nicer and in much better shape than the one in Curacao, and they are owned by the same company. My husband was very disappointed in the Curacao golf -- if not for that we'd go back in a heartbeat!

christiegr

While I have never been to Curacao..I have been to Aruba.I personally did not like Aruba..too flat and arid,the snorkeling was nothing special.The people at our hotel were very welcoming and friendly though.

I have heard that Curacao is much more beautiful with better snorkeling.

It just depends on what you like...I would think that the people who enjoy relaxing on a nice beach and that is about all..would like Aruba.If you like to explore,snorkel and learn alittle culture Curacao would probably be better.Good luck!

jennifer3841

Thanks all for your help. Can someone tell me about the beaches in Curacao? I read they are really rocky and without a little shade? As much as I love laying on the beach I need some time in the shade. Did the Marriot have huts? How was the beach at the hotel?

grebbs

We didn't care to return to Aruba but loved C. Stayed at the Habitat..its dedicated dive resort..very nice and we have been twice.

Tiff

Hi jennifer3841,

We stayed at the Curacao Marriott last year in March. The main pool area is right off the beach and ocean. There are long wide steps, like six or seven of them (not like 50) and then you have a little rocky area, then you hit the beautiful sand, a very long nice walking beach.

I never found the small rocky area to be a problem, and I never wore water shoes or anything, as long as you are careful you would be fine like I was, however I will just state for anyone traveling with little ones, they would require something on their little footies.

We liked it there, it was beautiful. I have a trip report I could top off for you if you would like...

Best wishes, Tiff

jennifer3841

Thanks I would love to hear more. How was the food at the Marriot? Were the rooms nice?

Tiff

Hi Jennifer,

We found the rooms well appointed, clean, nothing exceptional but on par with a Marriott here in the states. Nice, but by no means a Four Seasons. I can state that the Marriott is probably the nicest on the island, and this is based on what I have heard and read, both before we left and while we were there (from other guests).

Click on to this thread (my trip report) hopefully it may be helpful:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...5&tid=34487472

Let me know if you have any other questions, the thread has alot, including airline recs, and comments on food, etc.

I will say to you because of your original post, we did not find Curacao to be full of nightlife. They had fun theme type things at the report but they ended early which was to our liking.

In Williamstad they did have alot of shopping etc, so the may have more of a nightlife, I wouldn't know for certain though.

Just let me know if you have any specific questions.

Happy planning (my favorite part!) Tiff