tjcm

We returned this week from a wonderful "Spring Break" trip to Curacao and the Marriott. As the previous poster said, we too wished we had booked a longer stay...10 days would have been perfect.

Hotel: Overall extremely clean. The landscaping was in perfect condition as were the lawns.

Room: We used Marriott points (travel reward package which also included air miles). We had a room on the 3rd floor; considered a standard room...but what a view! We looked out to the hot tub and ocean. Very good location (especially with kids), 1st room off of the elevator (East side), and 3 floors down to the lobby, casino, shops, etc. Our room was very clean and new bedding, carpeting, and paint was obvious. The furniture was a bit worn, and I think should be replaced.

Weather: Glorious. Not as windy as Aruba, but a pleasant breeze poolside.

Food: All of the restaurants at the hotel were very good. I think the variety of the menu items would please anyone. We ate at the breakfast buffet in Portofino 1x ($15, and also at the Sunday buffet in the ballroom ($30). Note that children are half price at the buffets. The Emerald Lounge served very good crab cakes, a variety of ceviche, and as another poster mentioned the best dessert we have ever had--Fried Cheesecake. We had that on several evenings! The Seabreeze (poolside) served tasty/hot items and was also very good.
We ate off the property at Hook's Hut (table with our toes in the sand, very good) Gouverneur de Reveille (lovely in their courtyard with twinkling lights, very good), La Pergola (ok dinner, on the Punda side) , and Bistro Le Clochard (phenomenal dinner/service on their terrace with a view of downtown). All of these restaurants are on the water. Note that a pair of slacks/walking shorts/collared shirt for men, and capris/skirt or women were totally acceptable, even at the fine dining establishments. Othewise, shorts/t's were the norm.

Sights: The architecture downtown was beautiful (like a postcard). The Kura Hulanda complex in town was amazing...the museum was very moving. We also visited the floating market and the Jewish synagogue. Deep sea fishing (from the Marriott) was a highlight for my husband/son (caught 5 tuna and the Marriott grilled them up for us for lunch at the Seabreeze), and the dune fun/dune buggy tour was a blast and an opportunity to see the countryside. Took the ferry from the Otranbanda side to the Punda side (bridge was open at the time) and the sight of a huge tanker floating close by us was truly a sight!

Snorkeling: the sealife at the Marriott was like swimming in an aquarium. We brought our own snorkel gear and water shoes (needed), but you can rent equipment at the towel hut.

Internet: Did not use their service, but some people we met purchased a $10 access card at the hotel for 60 minutes of usage. If you had brought your own laptop, they offfer access from your room, which I believe was $12.95 for 24 hours.

Hair braiding: A lady was poolside on Tuesday and Thursday if you wanted your hair braided. $15 for a 1/2 head, $30 for a full head. Believe me, if you have been to any other island, you know what a bargain this is!

Casino: in the lobby; didn't win, but a nice diversion in the evening.

People: What really made the entire trip were the people...so friendly. The nicest we have met on any island. Everyone greeted us (as we did them) with a smile and a welcome.

Cabs: A cab to/from town is $10 each way. The Marriott offers a FREE shuttle to/from town (9-12 and 2-6) every day but Sunday.

The island is in the early stages of a major tourism campaign and we are glad to have experienced its charm before everyone finds out about this hidden gem in the Caribbean.
We will definitely be back!
Note: this review was also posted on t***advisor.

ejcrowe

Thanks for taking the time to post here. It's always nice to read such an enthusiastic trip report, especially for an island that doesn't get much "press" on this forum.

Barbara1

downtown Willemstaad is something that should be seen by everyone at least once.
the architecture and the colors are unbelievable.
Thanks for your trip report, tjcm

owa

I really appreciate you taking the time to post. We are going to spend a week in Curacao in October for the first time along with a repeat visit to Bonaire. I had booked at the Marriott until I saw that hotwire had Hilton for $83/n. I don't know if that was wise or not. I am saving your food section.

I'm glad you had a great time and thanks again. Owa

Knowing

Thanks for the spectacular trip report. We loved the Marriott. Glad you made it to Bistro Le Clochard - our favorite restaurant.
Next time you can do the ten days!

KVR

Thanks for the reoprt. We are thinking about Curacao for next April for my birthday. Considering either the Marriott with their meal plan or Breezes AI. Were there lots of people and children during your stay? Do you know of any specific web-sites with listings of restaurants? We would want one very nice waterfront/beach resturant for a nice birthday dinner.

tjcm

Thanks to everyone for their kinds words.

KVR: As for restaurants, I read as much as I could on the web about where others had dined and made notes. the best site for restaurant info: experiencecuracao. Also, as soon as we arrived at the airport there were several free books on the racks, one being the Big Red Restaurant Guide (looks like it was put out by the Curacao tourist board). MANY restaurants are featured in this book (this site isn't up yet, but in the book they refer to the website: bigredrestaurantguide.com).

I didn't see Breezes, but the AI plan at the Marriott would be well worth the money.

There were many people around at breakfast, but then poolside the chairs were never full. There were children around, maybe 6 in the pool at one time. They do have an expansive beach and many folks were under lounging there, also. And no, not many chair hogs at the pool. We easily could find a prime spot poolside at 9:00 a.m.

I would go with Bistro Le Clochard. You are in an old fort on the water. Many couples were dining there.

Hope this helps.
toni

caribtraveler

Glad you loved it so much. It's not a return island for us but we did think the downtown architecture was really pretty. We also had a fantastic dinner at Bistro le Clochard. We went there because it had a reputation for great filet mignons (we love meat) and the meat was great. I'm curious to know what you ate. I read some negative reviews about it and I'm wondering if it depends on what people order.

StanKase

You may want to search Curacao for my listing of restaurants we enjopyed in our 3 trips to Curacao over the past 4+ years.Expect to pay $190-$140 for 2 for dinner with a few drinks or a modest priced bottle of wine.One suggestion is take a pass on Ft. Nassau. It is not very good and no bargain thouigh the view from the bar is quite nice but the road to it makes it not that pleasant.
But, there are 8-9 good to very good restaurants to dine at. The only one besides Ft. Nassau tgo avoid is Portofino at the Marriott. In 2 dinners a year apart the food was not very good and the prices were unreasonable for what they served at dinner.
Based on our visits the ideal time to go is mid-Nov.-late April. In Sept. and Oct. it can be windy 30-35mph on some days and more rain in Aug.-Oct. than other times.
owa: while the Hilton is cheap (probably half the price of the Marriott) the Hilton is not a very attractive property though the rooms are o'k.

tjcm

caribtraveler:
For appetizers: escargot and frog legs.
Entrees: filet, lobster with risotto, lamb chops, and veal that was sliced with noodles/sauce. Everything was very good.
Creme brulee for dessert and also the chocolate mousse was also outstanding.