I am planning a trip late october with my boyfriend to celebrate our 3 year anniversary. At first, I wanted to go to Aruba and then decided on curacao for many reasons, more to do, less expensive, etc. But after reading many of the reviews here. I am not so sure if its such a good place to go. The "unsafeness" that people mention is scaring me, and I am a New Yorker. Also reading the other reviews it also mentions its dirty. Can anyone who has been there recently please advise?
Also i am looking into staying at the hilton? any comments?

thanks,
paula

Curacao is neither dirty nor unsafe. We were there in 1999 and had no issues. As for cost if you are from NY (go Yanks!) the cost of eating out should be OK. Actually Aruba is pretty reasonable for dining, especially compared to the USVI. We were also there in 1999 and you may like Aruba more. Lots to do, better shopping and night life, etc. Curacao is fine if you just want to relax but you won't find much to do there. Cheers, Larry

Paula: I went to Curacao a few months ago and stayed at the Sheraton (which is now the Hilton). I LOVED it. It's a very interesting place. I didn't feel unsafe --- use your normal common sense. Parts of the main town maybe dirty -- but it has a large industrial harbor so there's bound to be some unpretty parts of the island. But there's lots to do, many restaurants, a cosmopolitan influence that makes things interesting. The area that the Hilton is in is very nice --it has a lovely pool and beach area. Go and have a great time.

I will put my two cents in too...
We there a few months ago and we had our children withus and did NOT feel unsafe anywhere.
I will say however we were back at our resort by dark and not walking around the city, etc..
It is an arid island. It is scrubby and dry. It is not lush and green. It is very windy so brush is blowing around etc,, but not garbage or debris.
The native people are VERY nice we thought.

Thx for the advice guys. How about the Sea Aquarium Resort? I see a really affordable rate online. Is it any good or should I just stick with the Hilton?

Hi, we just returned this morning at 1AM, into Newark from Curacao, we were there for 11 awsome days, we stayed at Landhuis Daniel, small B&B type place, nothing fancy, small room very clean but the food was to die for and the staff are now like family. We traveled the entire island by rental car and we were everywhere! never a safety problem or feeling of unease. We like the quiet side of an island so thats why we stayed where we did, but the seaquarium resort is very nice we just went there for one day and on that beach for one day, it is kind of like Orient beach with small bars and all lounge chairs of Orient nature, just some topless people no nudity it was not one of the nicer beaches water wise. Porto Marie, Cas Abou, little Nip and big Nip beaches were all our favorities. We have been to at least 15 islands and this island is the one we most wish to return to. If you have any questions just e mail us at [email protected] we will answer them all.

Hey Guys,
Speaking of Curacao, can you take a ferry to the Curacao from Aruba? or do you have to fly?

We are planning a trip in Mid april to Aruba..

Thanks

There's no ferry between Aruba and Curacao. There is a ferry between Curacao and Bonaire.

Hmmm..was there every a ferry? I could have sworn I read in one of those Travel Carribean books that there was and it was like $ 50 one way?

* Shrug*

how far is bonaire from aruba, and how much does it cost RT on the ferry? how often does it leave?

thanks.

Was in Curacao last April. It is picturesque! The Marriot is very nice! Liked the pool and beach area. I liked the "feel"of Curacao - much more than Aruba which has a very commerical americanized downtown.