8 Best Hotels in Willemstad, 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 manmade breakwaters offer great snorkeling, too. There's also a small on-site museum where Simón Bolívar's sisters once lived.

Spacious villas, the ultimate in luxury, and top-notch service are the norm at this Balinese-inspired escape, where anything is possible—from private butlers and chefs to in-room spa treatments. Many of the villas are surrounded by tropical foliage and open onto a private water circuit and an immaculate man-made beach, itself set on a private lagoon with a sunbathing island. Twelve of the  exclusive superior beachfront suites have private infinity-edged dipping pools on a secondary private beach. If you really want to get away from it all (and have the means to go all out), opt for the four-bedroom villa on Isla Kiniw, an exclusive private island.

 A $40 million renovation transformed this legendary seafront Dutch colonial-style plantation property into a gorgeous new accommodation option. It has one of the island's most impressive entrances that leads to a grand alfresco lobby, and the large infinity pool out front seems to spill right into the sea. The rooms are fresh and bright with all the modern high-tech conveniences one might expect with a new hotel. Their signature C-Spice restaurant is proving to be a foodie’s favorite, and there's live entertainment every weekend at the Reef Club, their alfresco bar.

The exterior of this bright-yellow former monastery (klooster means "cloister") is more impressive than the hotel within, though stained-glass windows and a lovely courtyard with a plunge pool are bright spots amid the otherwise spartan interior. It's a comfortable, economical base for exploring the super-trendy Pietermaai district. In addition, the on-site Blessing restaurant, in the former chapel, is first rate.

Opened in summer 2021, this sprawling family-friendly all-inclusive complex is set on its own beach very close to downtown. Rooms range from bright-airy modern studios to one- and two-bedroom suites; there are a few uber deluxe two-story penthouse suites with their own plunge pools on the balcony with killer sea views. It’s largely dedicated to family fun with plenty of special things for kids like a huge waterpark with six family-friendly water slides, a playground, a kids' club, and a dedicated children’s pool and arcade. However, adults can also enjoy it as a more sophisticated playground due to the beachfront spa, modern fitness center, infinity pool bar, private cabanas, foodie-focused outlets, and a fine spirits and cigar bar deck; the lobby bar/patisserie is open 24/7. Due to a manmade breakwater, the swimming and snorkeling are kid-friendly, and the surrounding mangroves full of wildlife make it feel close to nature. Day passes for non-guests are available depending on capacity. 

The four gabled buildings of this downtown Willemstad resort—in the historic Rif Fort amid an entertainment complex of high-end shops, restaurants, and the large Carnaval Casino—are painted in colors that mirror those of Punda across the harbor. Large, bright rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, many affording great harbor and oceans views. Lots of hotels now have infinity pools, but the Renaissance has gone one better: its second-floor, saltwater, infinity pool is complete with a bar, palm trees, and a realistic white-sand beach, allowing the whole pool area to blend visually with the real ocean beyond.

Casual chic meets bohemian boutique at this seaside resort consisting of five, brightly painted, renovated heritage homes; a small beach and surf-side pool; a PADI dive center; and a surprising location 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. An outdoor dining area is a lovely spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

This family-friendly resort has a house reef, dive operation, spa, casino, and dedicated kids’ and teens’ clubs. "Unlimited Fun" means all meals and drinks at a selection of stand-alone and buffet dining spots, a café, and multiple beach bars. The protected lagoon provides some of the island's best family-friendly swimming and snorkeling, and the massive winding water circuit with a pool bar offers ample fun for all ages.