Hilton Curacao, Willemstad

We have been Hilton HHonors members for more than 13 years and have stayed at every kind of Hilton property in almost every state, Mexico, the Caribbean, and several countries in Europe. By far, our experience at the Hilton Curacao was one of the best. This is not the fanciest Hilton or the newest. In fact, it's a lot older than most of the hotels we've stayed. BUT there are a number of things that make up for it. The biggest is the staff, who are absolutely fantastic. Not only are they super friendly, they are the most accomodating people on the planet. They go out of their way to ensure that you're happy. The Hilton HHonors Guest Manager, Kathy Eichinger, is fantastic, as is Martin. Another key factor is the location. The beach at this Hilton is very nice. The pool is also great. There is a separate area for kids, and they have a lot of nice things for families to do during the day (tennis, mini golf, a spa, workout facilities, etc.). There are several places to eat, and the food was good. Again, it was not the best food we've ever had at a Hilton. BUT, again, this had a great deal to do with Curacao itself. The island does not have "American" food (for instance, the nachos have cheese and ketchup on them). But it's easy to find things that are good, if not a little different from what you might be used to having. I loved the fact that this Hilton did not pipe in loud, grating music over the entire pool and beach area, so I could read and/or talk to my family while sunbathing. The beach/pool areas are very diverse and separated by nice landscaping, so people aren't just laying in rows upon rows of baking bodies. We were at the hotel for the 7 days between Christmas and New Year's 2011, and there were always plenty of chairs and coverings when we went to the beach or pool. That has not been the case at other Hilton beach locales (Cabo, Hawaii, Puerto Rico). If I had one negative comment about this Hilton it would be that the Executive Lounge is not up to the standards I've come to expect from other Hiltons. Curacao, on the whole, is very stingy with refills on drinks. No soda or tea is refilled for free, which becomes quite costly when eating out. We usually offset this by having sodas in the Executive Lounge. However, this Hilton doesn't have canned sodas or beer/wine for individuals. Instead, everything is bottled, and guests must pour drinks in the lounge. When we realized this, however, we asked if there was a refrigerator that could be placed in our room, and it was done with no extra cost (again, outstanding customer service). We then made a quick trip to the grocery store, and the issue was resolved. One final note. We are a family of four, with two "kids" who are 20 and 16, and we're accustomed to having to fit into very small rooms and awkward sleeping arrangement. At this Hilton, that was not a problem. Our room was the biggest room we've ever had that wasn't a suite (it was bigger in size than most Hilton suites, though). There were two queen beds, a sofa bed, a desk, a tv stand and coffee table, and you still could have done cartwheels through the room. It also had a great patio with a terrific beach view. And, for those who are like me, it had a bathtub, so I could come in off the beach and take a nice, hot bath every night. Again, it wasn't the newest or fanciest, but it was great to have all that room, extra sleeping quarters, a terrific patio and a full-sized bathtub. Without a doubt, we would stay here again. I could not recommend it more highly!

My partner and I stayed at the Hilton for 2 weeks, and were in particular 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 were 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 mouldy smell and was very damp, which during the first night proved unbearable, inparticular as I am very allergic to dust mites. Also it turned out 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 was 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 there. We were not so impressed with the food at the Cielo restaurant, although it was OK and entertainment was great, the service there was lacking somewhat and the quality of the food was not quite what we expected. The strawberry smoothies from the beach bar, however, quickly became very popular with us. The grounds, pools and beaches are 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 does mean that it can get very rowdy during the week-end. As we were there 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 tel. no., but I'm not sure if she would want me to. Be aware that contrary to information published both by Hilton and Avis, Avis does not have an office at the Hilton anymore. Stay well clear of Avis is my advice. We had booked a jeep with them before the trip with delivery and return at the Hotel. An hour before they were to deliver the car, they called to say that they would pick us up at the hotel and we would then have to drive them to their office in Otrabanda. We were so disgusted by the condition of the car they were offering, their lack of service and the attitude of the woman who picked us up that we cancelled the booking and walked out of their office. Budget, while more expensive, do have an office at the hotel and more importantly a great service and simi-decent cars. We had a fantastic time driving around the island. Christoffel Park, the Ostrich Farm, the flamingo area and Boca Table are 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.

- i like because this place is very nice,luxurius,complete and friendly. i don't thing another place would be like this. - i don't have dislike for this place. ^_^

I liked the new restaurant. This is so great. I was impressed by the staff. From our cleaning lady which I think her name was brownie or brunette till the wait staff at the new restaurant. The pools were clean and attended by shoerandy a bright young guy. The bed in our room was huge. Nice detail. This was a king bed. We also met a nice young fellow who was in charge of rooms and grounds. Don't recall the name but he was a manager. He gave plenty information about the hotel but also the island. The food was good and drinks well priced. So much to tell about this wonderful vacation. Can't wait to go back!!

We have been going to Curacao for 5 years in a row now. We have Stayed at other hotels on the island. The Hilton is nicest, most comfortable we've found. The resort has the feel of a comfortable home of a good friend. The beach is very accessible from the rooms and restaurants and beach bars, so you aren't walking back and forth all day like at the other resorts. The loction is superb. It is 5 minutes from Otrabanda and all the great restaurants and the famous shopping on the island. It is also situated for easy access to the main road that heads out towards Westpunt, the real laid back part of the island. The crown jewel of the property is Seascape diveshop. They have been there for over twenty years, and they are the best! The divemaster and the rest of the staff are so warm and funny, that they are irresistable. The divemaster also happens to be the best scuba instructor I've evr had the pleasure of working with. Definitely experience Curacao with Seascape and the Hilton as your home base.

the people are excelent and very interested in makeing your vacation the best you ever had.it makes us feel very special,and we will continue going back as long as we can.we're trying to buy a home so as to spend the winters there. best place we have evervacationed and have recomended to our friends who also have visited this happy little island in the carribean WE LOVE THE ISLANDAND ITS PEOPLE thank you for haveing us .your truely gail smith USA