Willemstad, Curacao Hilton

My partner and I stayed at the Curacao Hilton for two weeks, and we were particularly impressed with the friendly atmosphere. Overall it is not yet quite up to the Hilton standard here in Europe, but the rooms were clean, and staff was exceptionally friendly.

Check-in was quick, barely giving us enough time to drink the served welcome drink. We were given a room on the second floor with a spectacular view (right in line with the beach). Unfortunately, it also had a very moldy smell and was very damp, which during the first night proved unbearable, as I am very allergic to dust mites. Also, it turned out that the room had no hot water. However, when we complained the following morning, we were quickly given another room with hot water and no smell.

The breakfast buffet was great, and staff during the week were very attentive. Unfortunately this is not true for the staff during the weekends. We did not manage to get any coffee during the two weekends we were here.

We were not so impressed with the food at the Cielo restaurant, although it was okay. Entertainment was great though. The service here was lacking somewhat, and the quality of the food was not quite what we expected. The strawberry smoothies from the beach bar quickly became very popular with us.

The grounds, pools and beaches were fantastic! We preferred the Parasasa Beach, but both beaches had plenty of loungers. The adult pool was just amazing, and at times we would be the only ones there. Although, be aware that the pool functions more or less as a public pool, open for anyone to buy a day ticket (although many did not bother paying), which we are all for. But it did mean that it can get very rowdy during the weekend.

As we were here for two weeks, we hired a car from Budget for the second week. It is possible to walk to places like Willemstad from the hotel, but it takes about an hour because of the heat. If you have to take a taxi, Mrs. Amorella is great. She can usually be found in her white mini-van in the parking lot. I would publish her telephone number, but I'm not sure she would want me to.

We had a fantastic time driving around the island. Christoffel Park, the Ostrich Farm, the flamingo area and Boca Table were not to be missed.

All in all, we had a great time on the island, and can recommend the Hilton even if there is room for improvement.

You can read about our holiday on Curacao here:

http://www.thecooler.info/anni/travel/34.html/