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Where to Stay

Hotels in Curaçao offer a respite from the ordinary

By Joan Gonzalez

Curaçao is the most "Dutch" of its Caribbean sister islands: Aruba, Bonaire, St. Eustatius (Statia), Saba and St. Maarten. It is certainly the most colorful, with its restored mansions and tiny houses painted in a burst of pastel and bright colors. However, there is nothing "old world" about its hotels and beach resorts, even though some have incorporated all or parts of 18th and 19th century mansions, folk houses and museums into their architecture.

Accommodations here come in all styles and sizes. Several hotels are all-inclusive and many have casinos and spas. There are all-suite hotels and small cottages with complete kitchens that appeal to families. All hotels cater to divers, as diving is a top activity all along the southwest coast, as is wind surfing. One all-inclusive hotel even has a private section reserved for lovers of "au naturel" sun bathing. Learn more in Sights, Activities and Maps.

There are also accommodations on a private island just 10 minutes from Willemstad where there is an aquarium where guests can feed turtles, enjoy a sea lion show or take a submarine ride. Accommodations include luxury villas with kitchens; some villas offer shared ownership.

While Curaçao is the largest of the islands in the Netherlands Antilles, it is just 38 miles long and from 2 miles to 7.5 miles wide. Beaches, activities and attractions are never far from whatever hotel, resort, guesthouse, timeshare or apartment you choose as your vacation home — and many attractions are within walking distance.

Curaçao has two sides: a windward shoreline facing northeast, which is affected by the trade winds, and a leeward shore facing southwest. Most accommodations are on the southeast (calmer) side of the island and clustered around the capital of Willemstad on either the Punda (point side) or Otrobanda (the other side) of Santa Anna Bay. Connecting the two sides is the Queen Emma pontoon pedestrian bridge, said to be the last in the world. Punda is called the commercial side, as it has the largest number of hotels, restaurants, shops, museums, an International Trade Center and the famous Floating Market, where boats laden with produce from Venezuela dock.

When calling Curaçao from the USA, first dial 011 5999 then the 7 digit phone number.

Most Curaçao hotels and resorts are members of CHATA (Curaçao Hospitality and Tourism Association). Formed in 1967 to represent the island's hotels, the association is a source of information, education and business services. It's key to the development of Curaçao's entire hospitality and tourism industry.

Read more about CHATA.

View ALL Curacao hotels here.

Avila Hotel 130 Penstraat Willemstad Tel: 461-4377 Fax: 461-1493 E-mail: info@avilahotel.com Website: www.avilahotel.com Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week The Avila Hotel is a luxury beachfront property. Our aim is to deliver a sense of timeless elegance presented in a modern package. Wether for business, romance or pleasure, make it your Hotel! Curaçao Dolphin Academy Bapor Kibra z/n Sea Aquarium Park, Willemstad Tel: 465-8900 Fax: 465-8300 E-mail: info@dolphin-academy.com Website: www.dolphin-academy.com Follow us on Facebook and Twitter Enjoy a unique experience with our dolphins in our intimate and interactive programs. Have an unforgettable time in a fun, responsible and educational way in their spacious, natural lagoon and even in the open sea. Come visit Dolphin Academy during your stay and make your holiday memorable! Blue Bay Curaçao Landhuis Blauw z/n Willemstad E-mail: info@bluebay-curacao.com Website: www.bluebay-curacao.com Blue Bay Golf Tel: 868-1755 Fax: 869-0212 E-mail: golf@bluebay-curacao.com Blue Bay Hotel Tel: 888-8800 Fax: 888-9090 E-mail: hotel@bluebay-curacao.com Blue Bay Real Estate Tel: 868-2536 Fax: 888-2558 E-mail: realestate@bluebay-curacao.com Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express Hours: 365 days per year Blue Bay is pure laid-back luxury. Start by experiencing it for a day. You'll feel instantly relaxed on the beautiful wide beach with gently rustling palm trees. Take a dip in the blue Caribbean Sea or in the large pool. Have a cocktail. Enjoy a bite of fine international cuisine. Casually stroll out on our 18-hole golf course and tee off. Try the wonderful wall diving and other watersports. Or tennis. Or fitness. Just when you realize that one day is nowhere near enough, you discover that every day can be a Blue Bay day. Breezes Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. # 78 Tel: 736-7888 Fax: 461-4003 E-mail: BZCSales@Superclubs.com Website: www.superclubs.com Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club Hours: 24 hours Cuisine: International, Italian, Japanese A super-inclusive experience where you can enjoy great land and watersports activities. Dining options ranging from Japanese to the never-ending Jimmy's Buffet. Premium-brand drinks at all bars and the Hurricane Nightclub. Day and meal passes available. Get pampered at the Blue Mahoe Spa, offering treatments with sauna and steam room included. Kids Camp open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. with daily day and night entertainment for kids from 0 to 12 years old. Lodge Kurá Hulanda and Beach Club Playa Kalki # 1, Westpunt Willemstad Tel: 839-3600 Fax: 839-3601 E-mail: Lodge@kurahulanda.com Website: www.kurahulanda.com Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club Cuisine: International Three spectacular restaurants overlooking the ocean at the Lodge Kurá Hulanda & Beach Club, with a breathtaking view. Reservations suggested. Renaissance Curaçao Resort & Casino Baden Powellweg 1 Willemstad Tel: 800-421-8188 Website: www.renaissancehotels.com Set amidst the colorful and historic Dutch Caribbean city of Willemstad is the Renaissance Curaçao Resort & Casino. From our elevated Infinity Beach Club to boutique shops and international restaurants housed in a once-active fort, Renaissance Curaçao is a resort experience like no other. No matter where or why you travel, there's always something wonderfully new to be found.