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 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.

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 or seaside spa treatments. Many of the villas are surrounded by tropical foliage and open onto a private water circuit. To top it off, the property's immaculate man-made beach is 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. Baoase also has its own yacht for luxury private island sea tours.

This legendary seafront Dutch colonial-style plantation property 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. Live entertainment every weekend at the Reef Club, the alfresco bar, attracts locals and visitors alike. They have a great Kid's Club and an adult-only pool, too.

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 uberdeluxe 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. Due to a man-made breakwater, the swimming and snorkeling at the beach are also kid-friendly. Adults will appreciate the beachfront spa, modern fitness center, infinity pool bar, private cabanas, foodie-focused outlets, and adult-only fine spirits and cigar bar deck.

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.

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.

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.