5 Best Places to Stay in Curaçao (from Budget to Luxury!)
Start planning your island holiday with this amazing guide on where to stay in Curaçao! After thorough research, I’ve picked the top areas and most amazing hotels, which I listed from most to least expensive!
Willemstad is the best area to stay in Curaçao, as it is home to countless attractions and fab hotels! But, as always, I’ve included 5 more options, so definitely check it out!
Make sure to book your hotels in Curaçao in advance! This destination is super popular, and all the good spots will sell first!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
If you want to book now, then waste no more time, check out this quick list of the best hotels in Willemstad:
Here is a map to help you visualize where are located all the different areas and places to stay that I will be talking about:
1. Willemstad – where to stay in Curacao for the first time
Welcome to Willemstad, the largest town on the island and the capital city!
Here the vibrant atmosphere and colorful house will make you want to explore the streets all day long! Willemstad is also home to the main port area on Curacao, so you’ll see plenty of ships around.
Located in the central region of the island, this town is a great place for first-time visitors, as it’s absolutely packed with countless attractions, restaurants, bars and many other fun things to do. Plus, if you stay here, you won’t need a car to get around! You’ll only need one if you want to visit other towns on the island.
The capital is home to 2 historic districts (Punda and Otrobanda) divided by the lovely St. Anna Bay (a narrow channel flowing into the Caribbean Sea) and connected by a bridge.
Punda has many narrow streets, shops, and museums. Some places that you should check out here are the Floating Market (map), the Handelskade Street (map) with its colorful buildings and the Old Market (map).
Otrobanda, literally meaning the “The Other Side”, is the cultural heart of Willemstad and it has incredible places to visit like The Curaçao Museum, Curaçao Rif Mangrove Park (map), and Brión Square (map) where you can find some more colonial colorful houses. And if you’re looking for something different, check out the Renaissance Mall & Rif Fort (map) where you can drink and shop all day long!
I still haven’t mentioned the sea, have I? Don’t worry, Willemstad offers easy access to beaches and fun activities, like diving (Curacao is a well-renowned diving spot) and swimming with turtles or dolphins.
NOTE: Since this town is so big, and many of you will probably set base here, I decided to create 2 sections of hotels, categorized by interest, so let’s check them out below:
1.1 Best Resorts in Willemstad
Looking for a luxurious place where you literally don’t have to take care of anything? Then check out these incredible Curacao resorts that offer free access to private beaches, golf clubs, and spas:
Luxury hotel
Take your vacation to the next level with Avila Beach Hotel! While staying at this luxurious beach resort, you can relax at the full-service spa, catch sunsets by the outdoor infinity pool and enjoy some drinks at the private beach club. Make sure to take advantage of the several amazing activities they offer like scuba diving and swimming with dolphins!
Other all-inclusive accommodation in Willemstad
Mid-range
A 4 star beach resort with central location, private beach, and a saltwater infinity pool
budget
Enjoy the infinity pool of this beautiful resort that has family rooms with balconies and a restaurant
airbnb
This super spacious place has an open space area with a kitchen, air-conditioning and a Tv
1.2 Most romantic hotels in Willemstad for couples
If you’re planning a romantic getaway or your honeymoon, then definitely check out the resorts below which offer a tranquil atmosphere, privacy and luxurious facilities:
Luxury hotel
Enjoy a romantic vacation in this beautiful beach resort that offers spectacular views of the ocean. Relax with your partner in the big outdoor pool, grab a cocktail at the beach bar, and try all the popular activities together like diving, snorkeling, and windsurfing.
Other couples accommodation in Willemstad
mid-range
A boutique hotel with air-conditioned rooms, balcony, and romantic ocean views
budget
Cozy apartments with views and access to an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, and a walk-in shower
airbnb
Enjoy the panoramic view of the Caribbean sea from the balcony of this stylish place that has a kitchen
Things to do in Willemstad
- Visit The Curaçao Museum
- Eat yummy food at Old Market
- Shop until your drop at Rif Fort Village
- Check out the colorful houses on Handelskade Street
- Cross the Queen Emma Bridge, which connects the Punda and Otrobanda
- Explore Brión Square
- Buy souvenirs from Floating Market
2. Jan Thiel – where to stay in Curaçao with the family
Located on the South coast of the island just a 20 min drive away from Willemstad, this lovely city is perfect for a family holiday!
Not only does it have some of the most exquisite beaches on the island, but it also offers lots of water sports like water-skiing, snorkeling and many others!
What’s more, Jan Thiel is connected to Mambo Beach Boulevard by the Jan Thiel Salt Pans, a stretch of untouched nature offering hikes for all levels, that the whole family will enjoy!
Some other amazing places that you can visit here are the Jan Thiel Beach (map) and the Caracas Bay Peninsula (map), one of the few rocky pebble beaches of the Caribbean island which is great for snorkeling, and diving.
Luxury hotel
Such an amazing Curacao hotel that offers spacious, fully-equipped apartments that have a kitchen and a living room area. Start your morning with a coffee by one of the 3 swimming pools and then head for breakfast at one of the 2 on-site restaurants.
Other accommodation options in Jan Thiel
Mid-Range
Amazing air-conditioned family rooms with a sea view,a private patio and free Wi-Fi
Budget
This lovely hostel offers a swimming pool, free private parking and free bikes to explore Curacao
Airbnb
Spacious room in a historic plantation house that has a shared pool and a kitchen
Things to do in Jan Thiel
- Relax on the white sand of Jan Thiel Beach
- Go on a hike with the family at Jan Thiel Salt Pans
- Grab a bite at Zanzibar Beach & Restaurant (map)
- Try kayaking, snorkeling or diving in the Caracas Bay Peninsula
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3. Mambo Beach – great place for a beach holiday
At Mambo Beach urban style meets beachy vibes!
Here you can spend days sunbathing on the sandy shores, shopping in the many boutique stores and eating yummy food in all the fab restaurants set on the beach like Bonita Beach Club Curaçao (map).
Mambo Beach Boulevard Mall (map) is a great place if you’re hunting for souvenirs! This mall by the beach has lots of restaurants and even more shops, where you can search for the perfect gifts.
Right near Mambo Beach, you’ll find the amazing Curaçao Sea Aquarium, a great place where you can see some cute dolphins and sea lions!
You’ll also find so many other amazing beaches to explore like Cabana Beach (map) and Marie Pampoen Beach (map), where you can chill all day long and enjoy the incredible island life!
Luxury hotel
This luxury, eco-friendly resort comes with 4 restaurants, 3 outdoor pools, a relaxing wellness center with a spa, and an exciting Ocean Encounters premier dive shop! Take advantage of its great location and go check out Mambo Beach Boulevard’s shops, bars, and restaurants, all within walking distance from the resort.
Other accommodation options in Mambo Beach
Mid-Range
French-Caribbean style apartments, great for families that have an outdoor pool and terrace
Things to do in Mambo Beach
- Shop all day long at Mambo Beach Boulevard Mall
- Enjoy some drinks at Hemingway Bar (map)
- Take your kids to the Curacao Sea Aquarium
- Explore the nearby beaches at Cabana Beach
- Catch a sunset at Wet & Wild Beach Club (map)
4. Piscadera – where to stay in Curacao for nightlife
Nestled between Willemstad and Sint Michiel, Piscadera is the ultimate destination for those of you who want to enjoy Curacao’s nightlife and amazing beaches!
Start your days here under a palm tree on Parasasa Beach (map) and snorkel the whole day in the blue waters of Blue Bay.
When the sun goes down, head for dinner at one of the amazing dining options like De Visserij piscadera (map), where you can enjoy some delicious seafood.
And of course, afterward, you can finish the night dancing on the beach or in one of the many crazy clubs, like Curadise Bar Restaurant (map), until the morning!
Luxury hotel
Get ready for a dreamy vacation in this stylish and elegant beach resort, offering the typical warm Caribbean hospitality. With its amazing location the resort offers 2 outdoor pools, private ocean-front villas, and both local and international restaurants!
Other accommodation options in Piscadera
Mid-Range
Private villas with access to a huge golf course, tennis courts and 3 restaurants
Airbnb
Great for a group of family or friends, this accommodation offers a full kitchen, a dining area and a patio
Things to do in Piscadera
- Go snorkeling in the blue waters of Blue Ba
- Spend the day relaxing on the white sand at Parasasa Beach
- Eat delicious seafood at Pirate Bay restaurant (map)
- Go hiking in the Seru area (map)
5. Sint Michiel – best place to stay in Curacao for budget
Looking for a more affordable place to stay in Curacao? Then Sint Michel might be the right place for you!
This area is located a 20-min drive away from Curacao and it’s actually a former fishing village with lots of fabulous beaches like Boka Sami Beach (map), hiking areas and the most amazing thing (drum roll please), a Flamingo Habitat (map)!
Yep, you read that right, in Sint Michiel you’ll get to see those cute pink birds!
Of course, you’ll also find the usual island activities like snorkeling and scuba diving! And there are also some other attractions, on dry land, like WWII Museum Curaçao (map).
When you’re not chilling on the beach or meeting flamingos, you can head to the Seru di Klein Sint Michiel (map) area and do a bit of hiking, you’ll get some fab views from there.
Luxury hotel
An amazing hotel that has spacious stylish rooms, an outdoor swimming pool and a bar. While here you can play gold, enjoy some drinks on the sandy shores and try all the water sports that they offer.
Other accommodation options in Sint Michiel
Mid-range
Chill by the pool and sun terraces of this hotel that offers a free airport shuttle and family rooms
Budget
This affordable place comes with a fully-equipped kitchen and a dining area
Airbnb
Perfect for 2 guests, this accommodation comes with a kitchen and air-conditioning
Things to do in Sint Michel
- Enjoy the sun on Boka Sami Beach
- Make some new friends at Flamingo Habitat
- Learn new things at the WWII Museum Curaçao
- Go hiking in the Klein Sint Michiel area
6. Westpunt (Sabana Westpunt) – for a secluded stay
Located on the Northern tip of the island around a 50 min drive away from Willemstad, this area is perfect for those who want to be far away from the tourist crowds!
Generally, the North part of Curacao is not as busy as the South and central part. Mostly because tourists choose the other cities since there are more hotels, restaurants and they’re closer to the airport.
In Westpunt you’ll find gorgeous beaches, nature reserves, incredible diving spots and a tranquil atmosphere!
As for accommodations, they’re mostly apartments which can be super affordable if you want to share it with your friends!
While here, you can relax on some of the best beaches like Playa Grandi (map) or Playa Kalki (map) where you can also go scuba diving and snorkeling!
Luxury hotel
This is a great place that offers spacious apartments, an outdoor pool and a children’s pool. The hotel is surrounded by tropical gardens and it comes with a restaurant and an internet cafe.
Other accommodation options in Westpunt
Mid-range
A great place that offers an outdoor swimming pool, a private beach area and an airport shuttle
Budget
These self-catering apartments come with sea views, an outdoor pool and free parking
Airbnb
This home is great for a family and it features a kitchen, a washing machine and air-conditioning
Things to do in Westpunt
- Relax on Playa Grandi
- Grab a bite at Sol Food (map)
- Explore the Seru Kabayé (map) hiking area
- Go scuba diving at Playa Kalki
FAQs about where to stay in Curaçao
🏨 Which is the best place to stay in Curaçao?
Willemstad is the best place to stay in Curaçao! The capital city is home to countless attractions and it offers some amazing hotels like Curacao Avila Beach Hotel.
👨👨👧 What are the best places to stay in Curaçao with the family?
Jan Thiel is the best place to stay in Curaçao with your family! There are lots of kid-friendly activities there and amazing hotels like Morena Resort.
💑 What are the best places to stay in Curaçao for couples?
The best place to stay in Curacao for a romantic vacation is the Saint Tropez Boutique Hotel, one of the best resorts, the BijBlauw boutique hotel, with great value for price, or Curadise Living if you want to stay on a budget, all located in Willemstad!
💃 Which are the best places to stay in Curaçao for nightlife?
Some of the best places to stay in Curaçao for nightlife are Willemstad and Piscadera! These areas are home to many beach clubs and bars!
🏨 What is the best all-inclusive resort in Curacao?
Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort is one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Curacao and it offers some amazing facilities like ocean-front villas, a spa, free bikes and many others.
🔝 What is the safest area in Curacao?
Willemstad is one of the safest areas on Curacao island as it’s always filled with tourists and it has everything you need for your stay!
🚗 Do I need a car in Curacao?
If you want to explore the entire island, I’d recommend getting a car. If you just want to stay in Willemstad, you won’t need a car.
💸 Where to stay in Curacao on a budget?
Sint Michel is one of the best places to stay on a budget. There, you’ll find some affordable Curacao hotels and cheaper activities.
🐬 What side of Curacao has the best beaches?
You can find some of the best beaches in Curacao on the South-West coast!
Final thoughts on where to stay in Curacao
Phew! You’ve made it to the end of this guide on where to stay in Curacao, in the Caribbean!
Already feeling more inspired to plan your trip to this secluded island? If so, then I recommend booking your hotels in advance, along with all the other things you’re doing for the trip, as Curacao is a super popular destination, and everything sells out in advance.
If you need some help picking your Curacao accommodations, then check out my top 2 favorite hotels, both located in Willemstad:
- Curacao Avila Beach Hotel – luxurious beach resort offering all the comforts to relax and many exciting activities, right in the heart of Willemstad
- Wind Creek Resort – a 4 stars beach resort with central location, beautiful private beach, and saltwater infinity pool
There you go! Enjoy your island holiday and as always, I’m still around for questions. Just drop me a comment below and I’ll answer ASAP!
Have an amazing trip,
Elena
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