rahmanbar

We're headed to Curacao in a few weeks and have gained much insight from discussions/trip reports on these boards.

Accordingly, we've decided to rent a car from the National desk located in our hotel (Marriott) on those days we decide to explore the island/go out for dinner.

One subject that I've been unable to locate any information about is parking - particularly in Willemstad.

Any opinions/suggestions/observations etc. etc.?

Thanks.

shirleyk

A few years ago we stayed at the Marriott in Curacao and went into Willemstad almost every night for dinner with our rental car. There are many nice restaurants there. There is an old wharf area that has been converted to "restaurant row". We parked outside Willemstad and took the "foot bridge" into town. There was plenty of free parking on the Marriott side of the "foot bridge". Actually the "foot bridge" was very interesting as it moves back and out of the way to let boats through the channel and then moves again to connect to town to let people walk over it. We had no problem with parking or walking over the "foot bridge".

annesherrod

I agree with previous poster. The Mariott is not farfrom Willemstad, and Taxi's are plentiful, on the opposite side of foot bridge or you could park the car there as well.
There seemed to be ample parking right before you go across the brige. you may already know the marriot offers a shuttle there 2x/day....but the last pick up is late in ther afternoon.
You will really enjoy that Marriott property. Thye restaurats there are quite good.
Have Fun

rahmanbar

Many thanks to both of you.

Research suggests that this property is a gem and we're really looking forward to the trip.

pg0551

Yikes! We were planning our 1st trip to the Carribbean..to Curacao in just a few weeks..I think after reading these reviews by LPiscetta we're about to make a huge mistake. Anyone give us a reason not to cancel. Is the Carribbean all like this? Are we naive? Comments??

annesherrod

What comments did LPiscetta have?

Are you staying at the Marriott? You will love it. What is there not to love?

As far as the island, ... well, it offers a lot! Don't expect lush green island because it is a desert island, very scrubby, dry, and dusty. The beaches are gorgeous, people are so nice, food is great.
Willenmstad is a fun town to explore.

If you need more specific suggestions just let me know.
Anne

pg0551

Thanks Anne, not planning on the Marriott, but the Kura Hulanda. LPiscetta comments on this talk section 12/13/2003. Statments like...'.. Willemstad no night life; little to see or shop for.Good food but expensive..' 'starving dogs, mosquitoes, huge negative the oil refinery business, very visible and significant odor. Certanily different from your initial comments. When were you there?
Thanks
Patrick

sparks

We returned yesterday from our wonderful vacation in Curacao. Let me address some of the same concerns I had when I read a few negative comments. We have been to many other caribbean islands & yes they live differently than here. There are no long expanses of green lawns & some homes have "junk" around them, dogs do roam even ones with collars, but we saw no dead ones, stores are typical with many jewlers & even more t-shirt shops & a few perfume bargains, very few bugs (5 bites all week, refinery hardly noticable & we smelled a slight smell about twice during the week. Positives: food was great, snorkeling wonderful, people friendly, & we enjoyed the scenery knowing that it is not a lush island & there are a few things we needed to overlook. The only thing I have a further comment on is that I would not stay at the Kura Hulanda because I like being right on the beach. That said, the Kura H. was unique & right in the thick of things. Do go for 1/2 price happy hour every night. You also get some nice free snacks.