A gem of the Caribbean, but relatively undiscovered, Curacao is one of the best places to visit in this cluster of fascinating and beautiful islands. With the perfect balance of urban and rural landscapes, you will be spoilt for choice of adventures and exploring to sink your teeth into during your stay.
As one of the Netherland Antilles, there is an abundance of incredible history to uncover – all in the setting of some of the most gorgeous beaches and breathtaking, natural landscapes to be found in the Atlantic.
With so much on offer, it can be quite overwhelming when trying to decide where to stay in Curacao. But with this easy, step-by-step guide, you’ll find the best areas to stay in Curacao to meet YOUR interests and budget!
Without further ado, let’s get into your ULTIMATE guide to where to stay in Curacao, Netherlands Antilles.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
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- Where is the Best Place to Stay in Curacao?
- Curacao Neighbourhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Curacao
- Curacao’s Five Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in
- FAQs about Finding a Place to Stay in Curacao
- What To Pack For Curacao
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Curacao
- Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Curacao
- Buy Us a Coffee!
While backpacking the Netherlands, visiting Curacao might not pop into your mind. However, believe it or not, Curacao is part of the Netherlands. So why not add a bit of a tropical vibe to your trip?
In this guide, I’ll take you through each of my top areas to stay while also suggesting the top accommodations and activities to do in each. However, if you’re short on time and need the TLDR version. Here are my top picks for the best hotel, hostel and Airbnb in town…
Renaissance Curacao Resort and Casino | Best Hotel in Curacao
Sip on a Pina Colada on the poolside overlooking the Caribbean Sea, or head down to the sea itself with this hotel’s own private beach! If you want to head into town, attractions like the Queen Emma Bridge are close by. But if you’d rather stay in, there’s a fitness centre and restaurant on site!
Bed & Bike Curacao | Best Hostel in Curacao
This is a hostel like you’ve never seen before! Not only will you have an amazing stay in a modern and comfortable hostel, but you’ll also have the chance to use a FREE city bicycle included in the price of your room!
This is the best place to stay in Curacao if you’re travelling on a budget and want to see as much of the island as possible whilst simultaneously helping the planet!
Oceanfront Luxurious Villa with Pool | Best Airbnb in Curacao
This house really is what it says on the tin. Luxurious and in a fabulous location. Right on the seafront to your own private beach, you can enjoy the privacy of your own outdoor pool and loungers, complete with an outdoor shower. Inside the property is an innovative and contemporary design, with large open spaces and beautiful furnishings. The most luxurious house in Willemstad!
Willemstad
What better place to get to know this amazing island than its capital, Willemstad? This city is vibrant, fascinating and beautiful, with different coloured buildings and historical landmarks around every corner.
Sint Michiel
Curacao doesn’t have to just be for those who want to splash the cash. If you enjoy the great outdoors and want to embark on some cheaper activities, then Sint Michiel is the perfect place for you to stay.
Piscadera
The Caribbean is a well-known place for some real parties, so we’ve got you covered for the best place to stay if you’re a bit of a night owl: Piscadera.
Sabana Westpunt
If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, then we have found the coolest place to stay on Curacao for you: Sabina Westpunt.
Jan Thiel
Planning a family holiday is stressful at the best of times, so that’s why we’ve done all the hard work for you. The best place for you to stay for the perfect family holiday is Jan Thiel.
This Lesser Antilles island country is the jewel of the southern Caribbean. About 65km off the Venezuelan coast, you’ll find this small, yet beautiful island which has so much to offer to travellers of all shapes and sizes. With a population of just over 150,000 people, this is a relatively secluded island, however, there are still loads of exciting things to do in Curacao.
As a result of the sharp drop of 60m off the island’s northern shore, Curacao is a worldwide famous diving spot. Conversely, the calmer, shallower waters of the southern coast are a haven for tourists wanting to relax. Having volcanic geology is a favourite among science and geography nerds, too!
If you’re here for a relaxing beachside break, then the best place to stay for you is Sint Michiel. Characterised by its green spaces and a variety of local beaches, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to places to relax. And the great news? This area is also my recommendation for the best place to stay in Curacao on a budget. So you can relax and save some money too!
Curacao has so many amazing geological features and natural landmarks which are well worth exploring. You’ll have to plan out your hike to get there, but boy is it worth the wait! The coolest place on Curacao is Sabana Westpunt and it’s also the perfect place to see some of these amazing sights.
Taking the kids away? Don’t panic. I’ve got the perfect place for you. Not only does Jan Thiel boast some of the most exquisite beaches on the island but it is also one of the best places for activities. Whether it’s water skiing, boat trips or diving with sea turtles, this is the best place to stay to relax and entertain the kids.
Piscadera is an area just outside the capital of Willemstad and has access to some gorgeous seaside-themed bars and restaurants, where you’ll also find some amazing live music. Dance the night away on beaches and watch the sun go down across the water!
But the best place to stay in Curacao if you’re visiting for the first time is the capital city itself. Once one of the most influential ports of the Dutch empire, Willemstad has an amazing history, and you can learn all about it in local museums and art galleries. And, as it’s a seaside city, it, of course, boasts an incredible beach for you to unwind on after a long day of exploring!
Getting to Curacao is super easy, so you don’t need to worry about that. Curacao International Airport connects this tiny island to the rest of the world and once you’re here you can easily get around in cars or buses!
Curacao’s Five Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in
With so much history, culture and scenery to enjoy, Curacao is one of the best places to visit in the Caribbean! Make sure to figure out what you want to see and do before you start your travels and choose your location accordingly.
1. Willemstad – Where to Stay in Curacao for Your First Time
What better place to get to know this Caribbean island than its capital, Willemstad? This city is vibrant, fascinating and beautiful, with different coloured buildings and historical landmarks around every corner.
As this city is still coastal, you can still access some amazing activities in the sea, but if you’d rather stay on land, there are some amazing city tours and walks on offer too.
Renaissance Curacao Resort and Casino | Best Hotel in Willemstad
Sip on a Pina Colada on the poolside overlooking the Caribbean Sea, or head down to the sea itself with this hotel’s own private beach! If you want to head into town, attractions like the Queen Emma Bridge are close by. But if you’d rather stay in, there’s a fitness centre and restaurant on site!
First Curacao Hostel | Best Hostel in Willemstad
This is a bright and vibrant hostel, where you’ll find luxury at a lovely low price. There’s an outdoor pool for you to relax in or beside and a restaurant serving up some brilliant local delicacies. Car hire is also available and it’s located on the site of an ex-ice cream factory! What’s not to love?
Oceanfront Luxurious Villa with Pool | Best Airbnb in Willemstad
This house really is what it says on the tin. Luxurious and in a fabulous location. Right on the seafront to your own private beach, you can enjoy the privacy of your own outdoor pool and loungers, complete with an outdoor shower. Inside the property is an innovative and contemporary design, with large open spaces and beautiful furnishings. The most luxurious house in Willemstad!
Things to See and Do in Willemstad
- Have a stroll along the Queen Emma Bridge, which connects the Punda and Otrobanda areas of the capital. At night, it is illuminated by beautiful lights!
- Fort Amsterdam was built in 1634 by the Dutch West India Company, so has huge historical significance. Not only is it a beautiful building, but it’s also a museum.
- Check out the local beach clubs and sip your way through the evening while watching one of the town’s EPIC sunsets.
- Get to know the ocean that surrounds you at the Curacao Maritime Museum. You can go on a guided tour of the harbour and learn about Curacao’s eclectic boating history.
- See some of the beautiful, vibrantly-coloured architecture in Brion Square with a stroll around the seafront neighbourhood of Willemstad.
- Take a beach and Hato Cave tour from the capital city.
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2. Sint Michiel – Best Place to Stay in Curacao on a Budget
Curacao doesn’t have to just be for those who want to splash the cash. Budget travellers and broke backpackers who enjoy the great outdoors and want to embark on some cheaper activities will find Sint Michiel is the perfect place to stay.
In this coastal area, there are loads of beaches and lovely green spaces to explore, as well as opportunities to dive and make some animal friends.
Bayside Boutique Hotel | Best Hotel in Sint Michiel
This is a delightful waterfront boutique hotel, boasting amazing views across the Caribbean Sea in a secluded location. Fall out of this hotel onto Blue Bay Beach, or stay in and make use of the onsite pool! There is a range of rooms available, from luxurious doubles to whole suites and all for very reasonable prices.
Blue Bay Curacao Golf and Beach Resort | Best Resort in Sint Michiel
If you want some of your own private space, then this is the best choice for you. Blue Bay Curacao Golf and Beach Resort not only has an amazing and challenging golf course for you to try out, but it’s really close to Blue Bay Beach. Also, you can have whole duplexes for you and your fellow travellers, with fully equipped kitchens and some even have patio areas!
Curasol Apartment | Best Airbnb in Sint Michiel
Living on a budget but still wanting a place to yourself? This cute Airbnb makes it possible. The apartment in Sint Michiel is in a very central location with the best beaches within walking distance too. To save even more money, you can use your own kitchen to prepare meals instead of having to go out for expensive food every day. Oh, and did I mention it has a spa pool?!
Things to See and Do in Sint Michiel
- All year round you can enjoy the luxury of having your very own diving instructor as you jump under the waves with Red Snapper Diving!
- Catch yourself some dinner with a spot of spearfishing.
- Blue Bay is a gorgeous white sand beach, where you can relax in the Caribbean sunshine under the palm trees.
- Fort Sint Michiel is an ancient fortress for the history nuts among you to explore!
- Fancy a hike? It’s a great cheap way to see this amazing area, so head up the Sint Michiel trail. It’s a delightful coastal walking area for you to enjoy with friends or on your own for some solitude.
- Join a walking tour of Curacao and discover more about the town’s colourful history.
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View on Osprey View on REI3. Piscadera – Best Area to Stay in Curacao for Nightlife
As far as the world’s tropical islands go, the Caribbean is a well-known place for some real parties, so I’ve got you covered for the best place to stay if you’re a bit of a night owl: Piscadera. Located on the coast, there are lots of great restaurants and bars overlooking the ocean for you to relax and enjoy a drink.
If you need to cure your hangover or just fancy getting out in the day, there are beaches and art galleries in the area too.
Curacao Marriott Beach Resort | Best Hotel in Piscadera
This trusted famous hotel franchise will be a familiar sight on your travels! You know the standards here – amazing service, spacious rooms and incredible features. Whether it’s the luxurious outdoor pool, lush tropical gardens or world-class delicacies from the restaurant, you’ll want for nothing at this beach resort.
B&B Villa Zomerland | Best Bed & Breakfast in Piscadera
This bed and breakfast is located in a lovely quiet location, a short drive away from Willemstad and Kokomo Beach. The garden is gorgeous and the pool is a huge bonus! The studios have everything you could never need. Plus the hosts are SO lovely!
Dushi Beach Bungalow | Best Airbnb in Piscadera
Begin your night out from this place of ultimate luxury, overlooking Piscadera Bay. With a bright, chilled-out feel, this is the perfect place to have friends over for some drinks in the evening in the garden or by the pool. You’ll be within walking distance of insane beaches and a great place to cure your hangover while still being around your friends.
Things to See and Do in Piscadera
- To cure the hangover, head to the delightful Parasasa Beach. Spend the day relaxing on the white sand, rolling through the aqua-blue sea and sipping on a Pina Colada as the sun goes down!
- Enjoy some local art at the Gallery Alma Blou, if you want to relax indoors for a few hours.
- Are you a history nerd? Head to Fort Waakzaamid to see an ancient fort from the colonial era.
- Visit the history museum that is set in an old 19th-century hospital. There are artwork, exhibitions and gardens for you to walk around.
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Grab an eSIM!4. Sabana Westpunt – Coolest Place to Stay in Curacao
If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, then I have found the coolest place to stay in Curacao for you: Sabina Westpunt. This is a town on the northern tip of the island which is surrounded by incredible natural landforms and features to explore.
There are a variety of different activities for you to try, depending on how mobile you are. With hidden beaches, hiking trails and beach hopping tours, you won’t have a dull moment here!
Rancho El Sobrino | Best Hotel in Sabana Westpunt
This is a charming, authentic hotel where you’ll get some incredibly low-price deals. There is an outdoor pool and free private parking available, as well as an airport shuttle, so you’ll be able to get here easily. With beaches just a short walk away, this is the perfect secluded getaway, without breaking the bank.
Ocean Views Villa | Best Airbnb in Sabana Westpunt
This villa really is what it says on the tin. Virtually every room in this huge house has fantastic views across the sea, and you can enjoy them with a meal or a drink on your own private balcony. Air conditioning will make your stay comfortable, and you will have beautiful gardens to stroll around too.
Studio by the Blue Sea | Best Apartment in Sabana Westpunt
Small and cosy this private studio has all you need when visiting Curacao’s coolest place. Located in a diving resort, you’ll be close to the sea. Designed in a charming way, you’ll love the modern but welcoming interior design. Flooded with light and equipped with amazing amenities, your trip will be even better when booking this stunning Airbnb.
Things to See and Do in Sabana Westpunt
- Take a hike out to the northern tip of the island to Watamula Hole. An amazing geological feature, it’ll be worth the walk!
- If you’re looking for a bit of seclusion, then there are loads of hidden beaches for you to discover. Playa Kalki, Playa Gipi and Un Boka are some examples.
- Christoffel National Park is a vast, expansive open space for you to explore. There are hiking trails, car routes for the less mobile, and coastal parts of the park to explore.
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View on REI Read the Review5. Jan Thiel – Best Neighbourhood in Curacao for Families to Stay In
Planning a family holiday is stressful at the best of times, so that’s why I’ve done all the hard work for you. The best place for you to stay for the perfect family holiday is Jan Thiel. It’s super chill, safe, and has plenty of family-friendly attractions.
There are so many amazing adventures for you to embark on as a family, whether it’s water sports, boat trips or a beach day relaxing, there’s something for all generations of the family to enjoy.
Adonai Boutique Hotel | Best Hotel in Jan Thiel
This lovely, family-run boutique hotel is one of the best hotels for you and the kids to enjoy for some privacy and peace. With an outdoor pool and garden area, the kids will be entertained, giving the adults a chance to stay in the beach chairs and relax in the Caribbean sunshine!
Bed & Bike Jan Thiel | Best Hostel in Jan Thiel
This is a huge hostel complex, decorated with vibrant colours and funky furnishings. You can enjoy access to an outdoor pool, restaurant and outdoor bar area, as well as mountain bikes for all the family to enjoy! There are a variety of room types available, all at super cheap prices!
Villa Miali Ariba | Best Airbnb in Jan Thiel
Keeping the whole family together is no problem in this stunning Airbnb. With three bedrooms, you can accommodate up to six guests and it’s perfectly kitted out for kids to enjoy and play. Enjoy a good night’s sleep in comfortable beds, or a day by the pool in this amazing villa. Just a short walk from nearby beaches (including Jan Their Beach) and water activities, this is perfectly located for you to have an incredible family holiday!
Things to See and Do in Jan Thiel
- See the golden sunset from a sailing boat.
- Fancy a more relaxing day? Head down to Jan Thiel Beach. It’s famous for its water sports, so the kids will be entertained while you relax with a book on a sunbed.
- If you want a family trip to see these islands from the sea, why not go out on a Mermaid Boat Trip? Setting off from a local port, these trips are a great way to get out on the waves and see some incredible marine life!
- If you want to take a trip to Caracas Beach, make sure you hire some windsurfing equipment from some nearby stores!
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs about Finding a Place to Stay in Curacao
Here’s what people usually ask about the areas of Curacao and where to stay.
What To Pack For Curacao
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
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Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Which is the best place for couples to stay in Curacao?
I recommend Piscadera. It is a really beautiful area to enjoy great food, drinks and incredible beaches. It’s about as romantic as it gets.
Where is the best place to stay for snorkelling in Curacao?
A few of the best snorkelling spots in Curacao are in or just to the east of Willemstad. However, most of the top beaches for snorkelling are on the quieter west end of the island (AKA Lagun or Westpunt).
What is the best all-inclusive resort in Curacao?
If you’re a couple travelling to Curacao looking for the BEST all-inclusive resort, it’s hard to look past the Sandals Royal. Being a couples-only resort, you know it’s oozing with romance. Plus, the endless food and drink it’s a bonus, of course.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Curacao
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Curacao.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Curacao
Outstanding scenery, vibrant culture, and one-in-a-lifetime activities – Curacao has so many amazing things to do for travellers of all types! It comes as no surprise that Curacao is the perfect place for all ages to visit.
A quick recap: Willemstad is the best place to stay in Curacao for your first time. As the island’s capital, you’ll learn all about its history and culture, and of course, have access to some beautiful beaches!
Curacao’s most luxurious hotel is Renaissance Curacao Resort and Casino. Contemporary, comfortable and chilled-out! Whereas, if you are travelling on a budget, then the best place to stay in Curacao is Bed & Bike Curacao. Not only do you get a brilliant room – but a bike too!
Now get that magical experience booked… You won’t regret it.
Photo: @amandaadraper
- Check out all the epic things to do in Curacao while you’re visiting.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth South America backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
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