Basic Info/ Need to Know:
- Adapters: Our hotel thankfully provided them free of charge; the internet gave differing information when I looked so we did not go prepared. The ones I used in Europe would have been what I needed in our hotel. I would suggest bringing the adapters than can be used in Western Europe or contacting your hotel/accommodations to see what you will need there. (Type C)
- Currency: Curaçao uses a system of guilders (Netherlands Antillean Guilder) and USD. Prices will typically be noted in both currencies. The standard exchange rate when converting currency is 1.75 Guilders to every 1 USD. Some places will take your USD and give you change in their currency, or some places will have both on hand to give you back change in whatever currency you originally gave them. No worries if you did not remember to bring a different currency, if you are from the US, they will take it, or you can find an ATM on the island.
- Languages: The people living in Curaçao speak a wide variety of languages. Their native language is Papiamento which is a combination of many languages formed into one. They also learn to speak Dutch and English. Some can speak Spanish or Portuguese as well. These cultures have had a heavy influence on Curaçao in the past, not to mention their motherland is The Netherlands.
Where We Stayed:
Before booking this trip, I considered most of my options in the Caribbean when I stumbled along an amazing package deal including a stay at the Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort. This hotel was not all-inclusive, but we weren’t searching for an all-inclusive one anyway.
To jump on a tangent real quick, if you are looking for an all-inclusive stay, I would highly recommend the brand-new Sandals Curaçao location. It just opened at the same time we went (June 2022). While we did not stay there, I have heard great things and it looks amazing too!
When I booked our vacation, I used a site for travel agents (so I can do this for you), and the Marriott was top on the list. Not only is it newly renovated, but it was the perfect stay on the island! I would absolutely go back if we chose to visit Curaçao again. The resort has its own beach and two pools on the property. No need to go far for a beautiful beach.
If you are looking for somewhere cheaper, I would recommend looking somewhere not on the beach and possibly closer to the main historic area of Willemstad. This area is more city rather than a beach. In this case, you will need to find transportation to bring you to a public beach.
Trip Highlights:
- Klein Curaçao Boat Trip
- Hato Cave Tour
- UNESCO World Heritage Site of Willemstad
- Two unique & beautiful golf courses: Blue Bay and Old Quarry
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