5 Best Places to Stay in Curaçao (from Budget to Luxury!)

A coastal town features colorful buildings, a docked cruise ship, a small beach area, and a large bridge in the background under a clear blue sky.

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:

Contents

Quick Picks for Your Stay
1. Willemstad – where to stay in Curacao for the first time
2. Jan Thiel – where to stay in Curaçao with the family
3. Mambo Beach – great place for a beach holiday
4. Piscadera – where to stay in Curacao for nightlife
5. Sint Michiel – best place to stay in Curacao for budget
6. Westpunt (Sabana Westpunt) – for a secluded stay
FAQs about where to stay in Curaçao
Final thoughts on where to stay in Curacao

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

A waterfront scene with colorful Dutch colonial buildings, boats docked along the shore, and outdoor dining areas under white canopies. The water is calm under a clear sky.

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).

A wooden pedestrian bridge with overhead arch lights leads to a row of colorful buildings under a sunset sky.

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

Aerial view of a coastal resort town with buildings, solar panels, and a small beach with clear turquoise water, surrounded by rocks and palm trees.

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:

Other all-inclusive accommodation in Willemstad

1.2 Most romantic hotels in Willemstad for couples

A statue on a pedestal stands between two palm trees, overlooking a waterfront with colorful buildings in the background on a clear sunny day.

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:

Other couples accommodation in Willemstad

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

Aerial view of a beach with clear blue water, beach chairs under palapas, rocky outcroppings, and nearby buildings surrounded by greenery.

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.

Other accommodation options in Jan Thiel

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

3. Mambo Beach – great place for a beach holiday

Sunny beach with clear blue water, palm trees, black loungers, and a few people swimming and playing near the shore.

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!

Other accommodation options in Mambo Beach

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

Aerial view of a coastal area featuring a marina with many boats docked, several small islands, and surrounding buildings and vegetation under a partly cloudy sky.

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!

Other accommodation options in Piscadera

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

Three boats float on calm water under a vibrant sunset with scattered clouds in the sky.

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.

Other accommodation options in Sint Michiel

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

A tropical beach with clear turquoise water, lush green trees, and mountains in the background. People are sunbathing and swimming. Cacti are visible in the foreground.

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!

Other accommodation options in Westpunt

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

👑 Luxury price:	US$230
💵 Mid-range:	US$140
🛏️ Budget:	US$80
📍 Best area:	Willemstad Curaçao
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	Avila Beach Hotel
🧳 Best mid-range hotel:	Wind Creek Resort
👛 Best budget hotel:	Apartments Curadise Living

FAQs about where to stay in Curaçao

A large green and black iguana statue in front of a waterfront café, with a colorful sign indicating directions to an iguana, café, and restaurant. Colorful buildings and a canal are in the background.

🏨 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

A row of colorful buildings along a waterfront is illuminated at dusk under a dramatic, partly cloudy sky, with reflections shimmering in the calm water.

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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