11 Best Hotels in Curaçao

This beautifully restored, seafront, colonial estate—where the Dutch royal family stays on visits—has state-of-the-art amenities, modern luxury, and a lively, contemporary vibe that keep it from ever feeling dated. Each of its three separate wings has a unique appeal; the Blues Wing is a romantic adults-only space perched over the sea, while the spacious suites in the Belle Alliance wing are great for families. The Octagon Tower's compact rooms will appeal to business travelers; it's also the location of the Cloud Nine Spa and fitness center. Two beaches protected by man-made breakwaters offer great snorkeling, too. Breakfast, half-board, and full-board packages are available. There's also a small on-site museum where Simón Bolívar's sisters once lived.

It’s impossible to miss this funky boutique in the heart of Pietermaai’s trendiest district; the bright rainbow of colors popping off the tiny trio of restored colonial structures will stop you in your tracks. Each room is unique in design, with modern art and candy colors, and are equipped with essentials like minifridges, coffee machines, and Smart TVs. The hotel offers two full-size apartments with additional amenities like full-kitchens and laundry facilities ideal for extended stays. All guests will enjoy the surprise of a pink dipping pool awash in more colorful art in a common courtyard, while the tiny terrace out front gives you a front-row seat to the colored lights, music, and lively revelry of the many alfresco eateries lining the sidewalks.

The cream of the crop of Curaçao's resorts beckons you to live it up from the moment you arrive. The grand open-air lobby ushers you into a wonder world, carefree and unpretentious, embraced by a private crescent beach that hugs the resort's edge. Towering palm trees and cheerful bursts of red hibiscus and oleander surround the panoply of laid-back luxury; an attentive staff greets you with pleasantries at every turn. Indulge yourself with a holistic treatment at the spa, frolic at the swim-up bar, try your luck at the alluring—though small—casino, or kick back with a mojito at the Emerald Lounge, which transforms into a nightspot. Guest rooms, which are attractively outfitted but otherwise standard-issue chain-hotel rooms, all have balconies or patios. With myriad options, the breakfast buffet is among the island's best. An all-inclusive option is offered.

As the name implies, rates at this cool, flame-orange, two-story hostel–hotel include the free use of bikes—very handy for touring the surrounding and thoroughly hip Pietermaai district. Choose from large unisex dorms (great for backpackers on tight budgets), smaller men's- or women's-only dorms, or private rooms (classic to superior). Whichever you select, you’re bound to enjoy the modern decor, high-tech amenities, and charming on-site café. They also have  sister resorts at Jan Thiel Beach and Westpunt.

Atop cliffs within the chic gated community of Coral Estates, this resort enclave is replete with killer sea views, trendy restaurants and bars, a beautiful beach, fabulous infinity pools, an upscale spa, and a first-rate dive operator. Choose from fresh and bright hotel rooms surrounding the pool or lanai-style garden home rentals ideal for families. The vibe is sophisticated yet friendly. Breakfast plans are available.

This adults-only boutique retreat is a fresh, modern escape that's also the island's most LGBTQ-friendly resort—an active member of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) and TAG (Travel Advocacy Group) Approved. Indeed, its Moomba Beach Club is a favorite spot for same-sex weddings. Rooms are sleek and minimalistic, and amenities include a gorgeous pool, lounge, dining spot, spa, and fitness center—all surrounded by tropical gardens.

A favorite of divers, this resort offers options for guests with different budgets as well as a great location just steps from Jan Thiel Beach and a village with shops, restaurants, nightspots, a spa, and a casino. It’s also a very family-friendly spot with lots of amenities for children, including their own pool and playground. Choose from small studios, two-bedroom apartments, or fully equipped stand-alone villas.

Tucked away in the mondi (countryside) surrounded by nature, this charming, family-run ecolodge has five thatched, palapa-style, one- and two-bedroom cottages and one romantic treehouse, perfect for those seeking a soul-soothing stay. And though the accommodations are rustic, they are beautifully decorated and have flat-screen TVs with Netflix, kitchenettes, and air-conditioned bedrooms. One cottage is accessible to people with disabilities. On-site amenities also include a lovely communal pool, shared kitchen and BBQ area, and a 24/7 coffee station. You must love animals, though, as many critters run freely around the property and you might even get an occasional visit from Johnny, the resident donkey.

Set on the man-made beach in Jan Thiel, this sprawling, self-contained resort community offers a choice of two distinctly different stays: Papagayo Hotel, a sleek, modern, almost minimalist enclave of 155 rooms, and Papagayo Resort, a collection of 80 luxury villas with their own private pool across the street. Both, however, share the village-style amenities that include a shopping plaza, beach club, fitness center, spa, casino, restaurants, and lively alfresco nightlife spots on the surrounding sea front.

Casual chic meets bohemian boutique at this cheery seaside resort consisting of five, brightly painted, renovated heritage homes; a small beach and surf-side pool; and a PADI dive center in the residential Pietermaai district. The rooms and one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments are pleasant and airy with stellar sea views. You need not be a diver to enjoy a stay here, though you might want to take an intro course and make use of the on-site reef. The outdoor seafront dining area is a lovely spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

This family-friendly resort has a house reef, dive center, spa, casino, and dedicated kids’ and teens’ clubs. The protected lagoon provides superb family-friendly swimming and snorkeling, and the massive winding water circuit with a pool bar offers ample fun for all ages. There is a selection of stand-alone and buffet dining spots, a café, and multiple beach bars where you can eat and drink to your heart's content. If you opt for the Sun Club level with upgraded amenities, you can also access an adults-only pool and bar.