Curacao Trip Report
May 30th, 2008, 03:56 AM
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Curacao Trip Report
Hi everybody. I always like to post a TR. I've been a member of this board a long time and really appreciate the travelers comments!
May 16-24.
We went to Curacao this May for 9 days. Flew AA out of Atlanta thru Miami. All went well. The return was not as great, but who cares, right? Most of it was weather related in MIA. Can't do anything about that. But AA handled it well, and we hung out in the Admirals Club most of the time, so no big deal. The FA's on the AA flights were so nice. It was almost freakish!
The Hato Airport is nice/clean and has jetways. Car rentals are a short walk from the arrivals area. Immigration lines were short. In Customs they make you scan your bags through a machine. Different.
We rented from National--or as we affectionately called it during our week--Rent-a-Wreck. The car was a junker with 73k miles and brakes that were very grindy sounding. Also, the girl at the desk tried to overcharge me, but I wouldnt budge. I had my internet receipt and wasn't paying a penny more. And didnt! (wink)
We stayed at the Lodge Kura Hulanda. Highly, highly recommend. The only downside of this place is its on the western most tip of the island (West Punt)and about 45 min from town or airport.
The island itself is like Arizona desert. Very arid, cacti everywhere, dusty. No rain to speak of. I loved it!! The beaches are the draw and wow...very nice.
The LKH has an excellent snorkleing beach, Kalki, fabulous. Saw seahorses, eels, rays, and more fish of varying sizes. This was the best spot other than Hawaii that I have ever snorkeled. You def. need reef shoes or dive booties to negotiate the shoreline. We didnt bring them and had to back in and out with our fins on. Hehehe...what a sight! Great dive shop next door. My hubbies masked cracked in transit and we were able to buy him a quality mask for not much more than it would have cost here.
We also visited Knip beach (really nice), Cas Abou (loved it...snorkeled in a school of sardines...wild), Porto Mari (best beach bar food ever). Loved them all.
The LKH is a small resort with less than 100 rooms. Not a lot of walking. Everything was very well laid out. They also had two computers in the bus. ctr with free internet.
We had a oceanfront studio. Nice and roomy with a wonderful patio that looked out on the sea. The place is clean and well managed--about 2 years old. The manager was always around and knew us by name. The food was really good. Always something really good on the menu for dinner.
The pool area was great with thatch covered huts to lounge under. Teak loungers with pads--always a plus--and one of the cleanest pools I've ever seen. The watered just sparkled! Nice, never crowded either, with bar service (well the bar was a few steps from the pool anyway).
LKH was one of the most relaxing places. No hassles (big plus in my book). If you want it, they'll get it for you.
They have a sister resort in Willemstedt that has a big spa and several dining options. We went to town one day but it was so crowded and hot...we couldnt wait to get back to LKH.
I want to go back again next year. I just wished Delta would fly direct. They did until about April and then stopped (seasonal). Oh well.
Peace, Greenie
May 16-24.
We went to Curacao this May for 9 days. Flew AA out of Atlanta thru Miami. All went well. The return was not as great, but who cares, right? Most of it was weather related in MIA. Can't do anything about that. But AA handled it well, and we hung out in the Admirals Club most of the time, so no big deal. The FA's on the AA flights were so nice. It was almost freakish!
The Hato Airport is nice/clean and has jetways. Car rentals are a short walk from the arrivals area. Immigration lines were short. In Customs they make you scan your bags through a machine. Different.
We rented from National--or as we affectionately called it during our week--Rent-a-Wreck. The car was a junker with 73k miles and brakes that were very grindy sounding. Also, the girl at the desk tried to overcharge me, but I wouldnt budge. I had my internet receipt and wasn't paying a penny more. And didnt! (wink)
We stayed at the Lodge Kura Hulanda. Highly, highly recommend. The only downside of this place is its on the western most tip of the island (West Punt)and about 45 min from town or airport.
The island itself is like Arizona desert. Very arid, cacti everywhere, dusty. No rain to speak of. I loved it!! The beaches are the draw and wow...very nice.
The LKH has an excellent snorkleing beach, Kalki, fabulous. Saw seahorses, eels, rays, and more fish of varying sizes. This was the best spot other than Hawaii that I have ever snorkeled. You def. need reef shoes or dive booties to negotiate the shoreline. We didnt bring them and had to back in and out with our fins on. Hehehe...what a sight! Great dive shop next door. My hubbies masked cracked in transit and we were able to buy him a quality mask for not much more than it would have cost here.
We also visited Knip beach (really nice), Cas Abou (loved it...snorkeled in a school of sardines...wild), Porto Mari (best beach bar food ever). Loved them all.
The LKH is a small resort with less than 100 rooms. Not a lot of walking. Everything was very well laid out. They also had two computers in the bus. ctr with free internet.
We had a oceanfront studio. Nice and roomy with a wonderful patio that looked out on the sea. The place is clean and well managed--about 2 years old. The manager was always around and knew us by name. The food was really good. Always something really good on the menu for dinner.
The pool area was great with thatch covered huts to lounge under. Teak loungers with pads--always a plus--and one of the cleanest pools I've ever seen. The watered just sparkled! Nice, never crowded either, with bar service (well the bar was a few steps from the pool anyway).
LKH was one of the most relaxing places. No hassles (big plus in my book). If you want it, they'll get it for you.
They have a sister resort in Willemstedt that has a big spa and several dining options. We went to town one day but it was so crowded and hot...we couldnt wait to get back to LKH.
I want to go back again next year. I just wished Delta would fly direct. They did until about April and then stopped (seasonal). Oh well.
Peace, Greenie
May 31st, 2008, 12:22 PM
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Thanks for such a special report.
We were in Curacao for one week. We explored and enjoyed the wonderful island life there. We just know we have to go back!
There are so many wonderful things to do - one visit there isn't enough to see it all!
We were in Curacao for one week. We explored and enjoyed the wonderful island life there. We just know we have to go back!
There are so many wonderful things to do - one visit there isn't enough to see it all!
May 31st, 2008, 02:17 PM
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Thanks for the trip report, Greenie. Yours are always a treat to read. Glad you had such a good time on Curacao. The Kura Hulanda and its associated Beach Lodge are the places we'd be interested in staying. Did you grow weary of the drive between the Lodge and the rest of the island? Did you eat all of your dinners at the hotel? Did you get to see the original property in town? We'd probably like to split a stay between the two places if we ever make it to Curacao.
Jun 1st, 2008, 03:27 AM
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Knowing...we def will be back. We would def. have to stay at LKH. It was really special
EJ, the drive was a drag. But the more we did it, it seemed to get quicker. You know you get used to it I guess. Although, we only went all the way in to town once. Everything else (the other beaches) were about halfway--so not too bad.
We ate all our meals at the resort. The food was really good. We did stop at the California market for snacks/beer for the room though. Gotta have Pringles!!
We went by the other resort in town. It is right along the Otrabanda waterfront. Very nice. We didnt go inside though. Too hot and wanted to get back to the resort/pool.
EJ, I think next year we will hopefully make it to Virgin Gorda (if some great sale for somewhere else doesnt pop up).
Peace, Greenie
EJ, the drive was a drag. But the more we did it, it seemed to get quicker. You know you get used to it I guess. Although, we only went all the way in to town once. Everything else (the other beaches) were about halfway--so not too bad.
We ate all our meals at the resort. The food was really good. We did stop at the California market for snacks/beer for the room though. Gotta have Pringles!!
We went by the other resort in town. It is right along the Otrabanda waterfront. Very nice. We didnt go inside though. Too hot and wanted to get back to the resort/pool.
EJ, I think next year we will hopefully make it to Virgin Gorda (if some great sale for somewhere else doesnt pop up).
Peace, Greenie
Jun 5th, 2008, 05:46 AM
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Thanks for the trip report. We had Curacao booked for April, but had issues with AA and our frequent flyer miles, so ended up going to Cancun instead. We are still interested in getting to Curacao and enjoy the info posted about it.
We are looking at the Lions Dive. We've read lots of negatives regarding renting a car, so that hotel seems more centrally located and close to the downtown bus.
Would be interested in hearing more about specific resturants and activites/tours. Do you have any pictures?
We are looking at the Lions Dive. We've read lots of negatives regarding renting a car, so that hotel seems more centrally located and close to the downtown bus.
Would be interested in hearing more about specific resturants and activites/tours. Do you have any pictures?
Jun 5th, 2008, 06:29 AM
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KVR, I have pics but I have to have them developed. I left my memory stick home for the digi, so had to buy a little snap camera. It's been riding around in my handbag for 2 weeks...you know how that is! I'll post them asap.
I wouldnt rent from National again. I'd try Avis. FYI National and Dollar are the same counter. The best price was with National, but if I used them, I'd check the car out and if it wasnt acceptable, ask for another.
We didnt do any tours. We did drive to several beaches for snorkeling. That was good enough for us. We're not big on activities. We're lazy! (wink).
Peace, Greenie
I wouldnt rent from National again. I'd try Avis. FYI National and Dollar are the same counter. The best price was with National, but if I used them, I'd check the car out and if it wasnt acceptable, ask for another.
We didnt do any tours. We did drive to several beaches for snorkeling. That was good enough for us. We're not big on activities. We're lazy! (wink).
Peace, Greenie
Oct 9th, 2008, 07:09 AM
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Greenie,
We are going to be in Curacao on Saturday! Oct 11-18. We've got an oceanfront studio at the Lodge Kura Hulanda. We're looking forward to it, it will be our first time in Curacao.
I'm worrried about our Air Jamaica flight from BWI to MBJ, then our connecting flight (35 mins later) from MBJ to CUR. I hope we don't get stuck in Montego Bay.
Thank you for your trip report, we'll be doing the "lazy" vacation too.
We are going to be in Curacao on Saturday! Oct 11-18. We've got an oceanfront studio at the Lodge Kura Hulanda. We're looking forward to it, it will be our first time in Curacao.
I'm worrried about our Air Jamaica flight from BWI to MBJ, then our connecting flight (35 mins later) from MBJ to CUR. I hope we don't get stuck in Montego Bay.
Thank you for your trip report, we'll be doing the "lazy" vacation too.
Oct 10th, 2008, 07:54 AM
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We found some of the best off-the- beach snorkeling on the WEST END beginning with Klein Knip and then about 6-7 more bays with clean mostly quit beaches on week days. At the first beach Cruz Bay look for a sign Capt. Good Life he is a fun person and will take you out snorkeling for about $15/person in a 25ft. power boat with canopy to 3-4 different spots. Just make sure you wear a vest, We went 3 times and never found chop or tow but it's just wise to wear. The negative is is these beaches are a 30-35 minute drive from the Marriott but worth it.
