We will be in Curacao for 10 days... should we rent a car for the whole time? I hear it's cheaper to rent a car from the States than onsite, so we want to do it ASAP, just don't know if it's necessary for the whole time.

We're staying at the Marriott... how far is downtown (or where restaurants are) from the hotel? How much would a taxi cost?

We were there for a week and we had a rental car for 3 days. It all depends on how often you plan to get out of the resort and if you want to see the island. It's a big island so the taxis would end up being costly. I would advise a minimum of 3 days. If I were staying 10 days, I'd rent for at least 5 days. Enjoy your trip.

Thanks so much. Have you ever rented from Noordstar Rent A Car down there? Or any other "non-US" company (budget, avis, alamo, etc...). Wondering if it makes any difference

No, sorry. We rented from Avis or Budget (can't remember which one).

Thanks. Is it "normal" to have them request prepayment of the vehicle before arrival? All other times I rented a car they request your credit card, but they don't zip it through until arrival.

I can't believe I kept my rental agreement. The trip was 2 years ago! Anyway, we rented the car through Avis. I reserved online and did NOT have to put in a credit card number.

I've been to quite a few islands in the Caribbean and have never had to prepay for a rental car. I'm pretty sure I've had to give my credit card number on occasion. For example, we're going to Vieques next week and the car rental company asked for a credit card number.

I've been looking into car rentals for a trip to Curacao in April. I have found that the websites want credit card info, too. Except Hertz. That site specifically says they don't require a cc number or charge the card and there is no obligation until the car is picked up and the contract is signed. If you want to look at the site:

http://www.curacaocarrental.com/index.html

We rented a car for only part of our trip in Curacao. We, too, stayed at the Marriott.
One other thought. If you let the guy in the front know that you're interested in sharing a taxi, he can assist you in setting you up with another couple going in your same direction.