Take a look at the best kid-friendly hotels in Willemstad.
This hip, vibrant 21-room boutique hotel offers a laid-back island vibe and is set in historical 19th-century Dutch colonial buildings. The colorful mid-range property with two small pools is located in Pietermaai, a district known for local art and culture. The Scuba Lodge is a dive-centric hotel, as the name suggests, but it still offers plenty of value to non-divers with its friendly, welcoming charm, ocean views, and location close to town. It stops short of having a beach, however – there are some sandy areas to lounge in, but the coast is rocky and the closest beach is a bus ride away. If a beach is a priority, consider the similarly priced (or sometimes slightly pricier) Avila Hotel.
Set on a lush hill overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Papagayo Beach Resort’s 75 stand-alone villas -- some with ocean views and private pools -- are a mix of bright, shabby-chic bungalows and 60s mod-infused villas with partial air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Wraparound balconies make splurging on an ocean view a worthwhile consideration. The resort’s restaurant gets solid reviews, and the pool is rarely crowded as guests are usually lounging on Jan Thiel Beach, a five-minute walk away. Many additional features, including a casino, gym, and spa, are located at the resort's sister property and at their beach club. If you’d like a bit more refined style and don’t mind a short drive to the beach, Acoya Hotel Suites and Villas hits the spot instead.
This sprawling, immaculate 350-room luxury resort draws both couples and families with its lovely spa, tennis lessons, kids' camp, and three pools. With an 18-hole golf course and meeting rooms, the hotel is also popular with business and corporate guests. The wide, white-sand beach and protected swimming area are also highlights. Though it enjoys a quiet location with natural beauty, the Santa Barbara Beach and Golf Resort is far from town and no other restaurants or hotels are anywhere close by. Still, it's easily one of the island's top options -- the Baoase Luxury Resort is nicer, but also significantly pricier, making this a terrific luxury value.
This 60-room, upper-mid-range resort is fun for families at kids-at-heart who love the sea -- it’s both surrounded by water and connected to the Sea Aquarium next door, which is home to dolphins, sea lions, flamingos, and more. There is a waterfront Italian restaurant on-site, and plenty more dining options can be found in walking distance. The resort offers two great pools and small, sometimes crowded, beach under a lovely grove of palm trees for shade. It's also worth considering the Avila Beach Hotel, which has a nicer beach, but it can be slightly pricier.
This large upper-mid-range resort is a hub of sporty activities and family-friendly fun. With a popular dive shop, a 50-meter lap pool, and an excellent fitness center, there's plenty to keep busy. For those coming for the famed Caribbean sea, the resort has a lovely, wide white-sand beach. The apartments and suites are modern and sleek, though hotel rooms are in need of some updates. There are four restaurants on-site, but this is a lively location and several more dining options are within a five-minute walk. It's worth comparing prices with the more luxurious Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort, though, which is sometimes not much more.
La Maya Beach Luxury Apartments is a serene property featuring 34 luxury two-bedroom apartments, all with views of a harbor known as the Spanish Water. The modern, upscale apartments have beautiful kitchens and decks facing out onto a lovely pool. However despite the hotel’s name, the beach area is underwhelming and the murky water is not great for swimming. There is no restaurant, fitness room, or other amenities on the property. Guests should rent a car in order to access lots of dining and nicer beaches close by, as nothing is within walking distance. Those who prefer to stay a nicer beach should consider the similarly priced Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort, Curacao, though its rooms lack La Maya's kitchens and space.
First Curacao Hostel is a cute, two-pearl property located on the outskirts of downtown Willemstad. Its 44 tidy hostel-style dorms are basic but have colorful decor, AC, and free Wi-Fi. Guests have access to shared kitchens with fridges and microwaves, but no hotplates. First Curacao shares features, like a pool with a pool bar, with its sister property The Ritz Village Hotel, but the property is not on the beach, and there are a few other drawbacks -- such as showers with no hot water. Guests looking for amenities that are a notch up can check out Mustique Suites Curacao.
As one of the few fully all-inclusive resorts on the small island of Curacao, Sunscape Resort is a popular pick. This large 341-room upper-mid-range resort is a great family-friendly option, with many games and activities available for teens and kids, from soccer and kayaking to movie nights and even a rock wall. Its rooms are colorful and updated rooms and the central location is close to shops and nightlife. The tradeoff for these features and convenience are the crowds, which often pack the beach and pool areas. The Renaissance Curacao and Curacao Marriott Beach Resort have optional all-inclusive packages, so it may be worth comparing rates.
Trupial Inn is a charming, three-pearl property located a short drive away from downtown Willemstad. The inn’s 98 rooms feature smart decor, practical amenities like microwaves and mini-fridges, and nice views of the property’s lush grounds. There’s an Italian restaurant on-site, plus plenty of other restaurants within walking distance. With its uncrowded pool, breezy vibes, and well-kept facilities, Trupial Inn has a lot going for it -- the main drawbacks are that it’s not on the beach and the attractions of Willemstad are not accessible on foot (although free shuttle service is available). Travelers who prefer to stay right on the beach might also want to consider the Royal Sea Aquarium Resort, but expect room rates there to be higher.
Located right on the shores of Piscadera Bay, the three-and-a-half-pearl Hilton Curacao is certainly trying to be a stylish beachfront getaway. Indeed, its amenities are impressive on paper: a private beach, infinity pool, multiple restaurants, and a modern fitness center. The 196 rooms are pleasant, but the summery pastel palette and oak veneer furniture somehow look dated despite a 2014 renovation. While there are terraces in each room, some are beat up, and the beach is small and unimpressive. It's a bit far from downtown Willemstad, and like most Curacao destinations a car will be handy. For something far more stylish and intimate, consider the nearby Floris Suite Hotel. It's only a five-minute walk from a way prettier beach and rates are consistently lower, though it's adult-only.
Otrobanda Hotel and Casino is an unfussy, three-pearl property with a convenient location in downtown Willemstad. While colorful and contemporary, the decor in the hotel’s 45 rooms looks a bit hodgepodge. Many rooms offer appealing views over the bay, but none have balconies. On-site amenities include an adequate pool and a picturesque restaurant, but there’s plenty more to do and see within easy walking distance. While the hotel’s location is ideal for shopping, dining, and sightseeing, it’s also not on the beach. The Royal Sea Aquarium Resort tends to be slightly pricier, but it’s a solid alternative for travelers who prefer to have direct access to the sand.
This 200-room lower-mid-range hotel has a nice pool and a peaceful beach -- but the rooms and common areas are old, dated and in obvious need of updates. Located a 15-minute walk from town, dining options and shopping are just within reach. The hotel’s casino and 24-hour Denny’s are a popular draw for locals, and are also active reminders that you’re at a budget-minded property. In fact, let Denny’s be the bellwether: If you're a fan, then you'll likely feel right at home with the scene here. Even if you're not, this is still one of the most affordable beachfront hotels on the island -- but it's worth comparing prices with the Royal Sea Aquarium Resort.