where is the best place to stay in curacao?

Where is the best place to stay in Curacao?

By Jacky De Leeuw. January 23, 2024

Bon bini na Korsou! This little island surrounded by its tropical waters is often referred to as ‘the best kept secret of the Caribbean’, a dream destination for anyone that loves white sandy beaches, perfect weather and some of the best snorkelling in the Caribbean. Seek the adventure and climb the Christoffel Mountain, visit the rough coastline of Shete Boka, dive into the magical underwater world and enjoy the Caribbean atmosphere!

Imagine a white beach with good food, entertainment and beach parties all in one, Mambo Beach and Jan Thiel offer a great place to stay for families and partygoers. More interested in discovering the history and culture of this island? Pietermaai District and Punda & Otrobanda will mesmerise you with their colourful buildings that hold a great variety of shops, bars and restaurants. At night, these areas turn into a Caribbean dream with a more local experience.

Piscadera Bay is a great choice for a luxurious stay in a big resort, close to nature but still in the proximity of city life. And for those who seek secluded accommodations close to the island’s best natural attractions will find their best place to stay at the West Side of the island.If you are interested in where to stay in Curacao, you may also be interested in where to stay in Aruba.

Best Places To Stay In Curacao

Mambo Beach

Shopping / Dining / Nightlife / Beach

Mambo Beach is the largest man-made beach of the island, creating a unique combination of shopping, dining and entertainment which makes this a great area for families and groups of friends that love an active environment.

In the daytime, this pristine white beach gives the ultimate luxury to relax and enjoy a lovely cocktail from one of the many beach bars. Surrounded by rocks, the crystal blue waters are very calm and a lovely place to swim.

At night, the dinner options are abundant. Stroll along the boulevard and take your seat at a restaurant of choice, while enjoying the beautiful ocean view. After dinner, the party is on at Mambo! Dance with your toes in the sand at Bonita, Wet & Wild or Cabana Beach Club. Especially in the weekends and the holiday season, this beach is covered in parties and can therefore be a busy place.

Pietermaai District

History / Culture / Atmosphere

One of the island’s pearls is Pietermaai District, also referred to as the ‘SoHo’ of Curacao. Once this area was deteriorating but that all changed when entrepreneurs came to flourish building by building giving it a different purpose. Now you will find a relaxed atmosphere with unique, luxurious and cozy accommodations. All just within a short walking distance of excellent restaurants, good-vibe bars and small artistic shops.

At night, Mundo Bizarro is the place to be to enjoy the live Caribbean sounds. Take your dancing shoes and show your salsa moves! Or just relax and enjoy the show. The party continuous at Bar P, Mr. Porter or Saint Tropez.

Take in account that this area has no beach of its own, but it is always just a small drive away! Tip for a relaxed beach day close to Pietermaai District: get a day pass at the Avila Beach hotel.

Punda & Otrobanda, Willemstad

Culture / Art / Entertainment

Divided by the famous Queen Emma Bridge, the area of Willemstad consists of two beautiful sections which each hold their own character. Punda, meaning ‘city’ and Otrobanda which simply means ‘the other side’. Both areas are rich in Dutch colonial architecture, musea, culinary delights, nightlife and wonderful boutique and hotel accommodations making this an ideal place for anyone that seeks to be at the crossroads of culture and entertainment.

Kura Hulanda Village part of UNESCO is the beating heart of Otrobanda, here the historical aspect of the buildings and Curacao is well preserved. It was restored into a small village with a hotel, shops, bars and restaurants. One of the main attractions is the anthropological museum specialised in the Atlantic slave trade.

A small walk will take you to the Rif Fort, a tourist attraction with good restaurants, shops, live entertainment at night and a hotel with a casino.

Jan Thiel

Watersports / Beach / Nightlife

Located on the Southeast edge of Curacao, Jan Thiel beach is a place that has everything you need for a romantic honeymoon, family vacation or friend’s trip. Just like Mambo Beach, many great accommodations, restaurants and fancy beach clubs are located here. Just a bit smaller in size, but definitely not less busy! Stay in luxurious beachfront villas or boutique resorts with breathtaking ocean views and enjoy the lively atmosphere combining relaxation and entertainment.

During the daytime this fancy beach is booming with tourists relaxing on the comfy beach chairs at the edge of the magical blue water. Looking for more adrenaline? This area is the perfect spot for watersports like Jetski tours, flyboarding, tubing, diving and many more.

The Salt pans of Jan Thiel are a popular hiking spot and home to the flamingos. End the day at one of the many tasty restaurants and dance the night away at Zanzibar.

Piscadera Bay

Beach / Luxurious hotels / Diving / Nature

Just 4 km Northwest of Willemstad, covered in a beautiful green environment, lies the peaceful area of Piscadera Bay. Perfect for couples seeking a romantic escape or families looking for adventure, the area offers beautiful nature, luxurious accommodations and the vibrant city of Willemstad just a 10-minute drive away.

Choose to stay at a big resort, including all the facilities you need for a holiday without concern: private beach, restaurants, bars, water sport facilities and entertainment. Or choose for a more intimate and small stay at one of the boutique hotels.

The public beach of Piscadera Bay is usually calm, and can be entranced by the Pirate Bay beach club and restaurant. This small beach offers beautiful views, canoe trips, a dive shop, CARMABI, the research institute for marine biology and a few good restaurants. If you love seafood, don’t miss out on the island’s best restaurant ‘de Visserij’!

West Side of Curacao

Nature / Beaches / Serenity

The West Side of Curacao is a paradise waiting to be explored. With its many pristine beaches and untouched landscape it will definitely mesmerize you. Unforgettable moments, relaxation and the authentic island life are promised here making this an excellent choice for honeymooners, solitude seekers and adventurers.

All the way from Westpunt to Lagun pastel-colored villages line the coast, each having their own charm and presenting the laid-back atmosphere inviting you to experience the warmth of Curacao’s local hospitality. Many different types of accommodations can be found here, more secluded and surrounded by nature.

Keep in mind that there is less offer in restaurants and bars in this area and that you will need a car to explore, however you are considered to be ‘far’ from the busy scenes of the capital, you will be very close to all the beautiful beaches and nature reserves on the island.