Statia

Some expat friends of mine are going from our little island of Statia to Curacao for some business and a couple days R&R, and are seeking an affordable (decent and clean, yet doesn't break the bank) hotel on the island. Less than $150 per night, if possible.

They are also wondering about car rental vs. cabbing it and seeking a rental company recommendation if a car is the better way to go for 4 or 5 days.

Also any shopping tips for those of us islanders who don't get to shop for the basics very often (clothing, shoes, etc....for both adults and children.)

I have yet to venture to Curacao myself, but figured that my Fodorite friends could help me out in some tips in helping them research.

Any advice on lodging (they are possibly looking at Otrabando Hotel on recommendation from some islanders here), car rental agency, and basic shopping would be greatly appreciated!

StanKase

Much of what you are asking is on the Curacao thread from my 3 trips in 4+ yrs. and several other travels. I must admit I did not shop for clothing staples but in and around the capital there are a number of non-tourist clothing shops.

owa

Statia, Since we are going to curacao this fall, I've been reading posts on the Curacao Trip Advisor forum. I'd ask your question there. Local experts are active, and are very willing to share their knowledge. Good luck. Owa

Statia

Thanks for the info. I did do some topic research here, as well as on other websites, and came up with a little info, but not too much.

I'll try both your suggested routes.

Barbara1

Statia
will your friends be doing business in Willemstaad?
I stayed at the Howard Johnson Hotel there.
It is in Willemstaad on BrionPlein.
It's simple but clean and was satisfactory for us.
Ask for a room over looking the water. We really enjoyed sitting on the patio and watching the action on the Brionplein and the boats going by and the opening and closing of the pontoon bridge.
you can walk out of the hotel and across the bridge and get to Punta which has all the tourist shopping. Or you can stay on the hotel side of the bridge, which is Otrabunda, and walk to Broodestraat for all the cheap shopping.

Barbara1

Oops
here is the link to the hotel web site
http://www.hojo-curacao.com/

Statia

Thanks so much for the info, Barbara. I know they are mainly looking at the Otrobanda Hotel, but I also sent them the link for Howard Johnson. Are the two hotels close together? Do you know if one is preferable over the other?

SAnParis

Good luck Statia, & please share whatever you run across. I have a wedding to attend in Aruba & have also been seeking info on the ABC islands w/out a lot of luck. We are still up in the air whether or not we will be attending to date as we know Aruba doesn't suit our tastes. But if we can parlay it into a fun trip, we would like to attend the wedding. Decisions, decisions. Cheers.

francophile03

I realize you are seeking a budget hotel and Otrobanda Hotel is a budget type of hotel. I did not stay there but did not care for the location. It's across from the ferry station and was too busy at least in daytime. If you haven't done so yet, check the comments on Trip Advisor.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...d_Curacao.html

However, the good thing is that it is in Willemstad proper. We stayed at the not so nice Hilton in Pescadera Bay which was in a quiet location, but you need transportation to get around if you stay there.

Statia

Thanks, SAnParis...I'll let you know how it turns out for them. I've never had a desire to go to Curacao myself, but after helping them research, I think it has peaked my interest a bit now.

francophile, thanks for the info. I actually found quite a few good reviews for Otrobanda Hotel online and I think the location is going to work well for them. This isn't a vacation trip at all, but more an errand running marathon trip so they prefer to be centrally located, not have to rent a car, and just looking for a clean and decent place to sleep at night.

If this were strictly a pleasure trip, then it would honestly be a whole other hotel choice.