Has anyone been to Curacao? I have been to Aruba twice and LOVE it, then recently saw what could be a deal on a hotel on Curacao, but wondered if it's safe, nice, or what??? Any opinions?

Not as safe, but not too bad. Also not as much to do for nightlife.

Hi Jilly,

Dan and I went to Curacao a few years ago. We really enjoyed it there. Stayed at the Curacao Marriott and Emerald Casino - right on the beach. From what we saw and from what others have told us, this really is the best place to stay in terms of convenience (good restaurants and shops on premises), safety and cleanliness.

The beaches are a bit more 'rocky' in Curacao, so you make want to take along a pair of water shoes, but the water is as crystal blue as that of Aruba. Some visitors have complained of an oil smell (there are several refineries in Curacao) but truly, we never noticed it.

I would recommend a shopping trip downtown. There is a beautiful floating bridge, and it's fun to watch the cruise ships come in. Jewelry shopping galore, of course.

Lots of dutch architecture - the brightly- colored buildings are really lovely.

I agree - not too much in the way of nightlife. However, I can recommend a day trip with 'Peter Tours' which will take you to the Hato Caves (beautiful) and the Curacao liquer distillery. And, yes, Peter is the guide.

Also, the Hura Hulanda Museum is really something to see. It provides an up-close look at the history of slavery and there is a replica of one of the ships used to bring slaves to the states. A very moving experience.

Good luck!

WENT LAST YEAR ENJOYED THE AQUARIUM SWAM WITH DOLPHINS AND THE HISTORIC MUSEUM ABOUT THE HISTORY OF SLAVERY..EXCPET FOR A FEW BRIGHLY PAINTED OLD DUTCH HOMES THAT THE TOURISM DEPT USES AS A PLOY TO GET YOU THERE THE REST OF THE PLACE IS STUCK IN A FIFTY DIRTY TIME WARP..WEATHER IS UNPREDICTIBLE CAN GET A LOT OF RAIN..WILL NEVER GO BACK..FELT UNSAFE AT NIGHT OUTSIDE OF THE RESORT..TOOK THE FERRY BOAT FROM ONE SIDE OF THE CITY TO OTHER SCARY SCARY STAY IN ARUBA

My opinion, don't waste your money. No comparison to Aruba. You will not like it, once you've been to Aruba. I've been to the Curacao liquer, no big deal. 10 min. in and out. It's mountainous, and an old Island. Go back to ARUBA! The only Happy Island!

Hi Jilly,

I just spent three days at the Marriott in Curacao -- combined it with a trip to Aruba Marriott Ocean Club.

Curacao is very different -- not as developed as Aruba. It's a lot quieter than Aruba. The water is crystal clear and calm. There are a lot of stones getting into the water. The people at the hotel were very friendly. The shopping at the hotel is nothing like Aruba. The beach is a lot less crowded than in Aruba. Now, I'm 50 years old and the quiet three days were nice, but if I were in my 20s, I don't think there's much to do at night.

I love Aruba and plan to go back every year. I'll go back to Curacao also. The Seaquarium also has a hotel, but I don't know anyone who's been there. There's also a Breezes on Curacao.

It's a 17 minute flight on BonairExcel from Aruba. Might be a good a idea to go for a few days the first time to see it you like it. Hope this helps.