LarryTrain

Thought I'd post a mini-review of the Marriott Curacao from a stay this past December.

Let me start by stating this Marriott is by far the best Marriott which I have visited. Quite an impressive secret they've got on their hands, and for the life of me I can't figure out why.

First off, this place is a steal as a Category 5. They are just about finished redecorating the rooms, and there really wasn't much wrong with them before. They'll be even nicer once they're finished. Also, if you're not looking to burn points, they always have a lot of rate promotions - I found rates including breakfast for as low as $139 for the end of December - you won't find deals that elsewhere in the Caribbean.

My only gripe goes back to upgrades - they didn't have any upgrades available to me as a Plat, but when I mentioned I was there celebrating my engagement they somehow found a jr. suite upgrade. I didn't look this gift horse in the mouth, but it would've been nice if they gave me the upgrade based on status.

The property is immaculate and the entire staff (everyone...maids, porters, room service, restaurants, concierge, groundskeepers, towel hut people, dive shop) are as genuinely nice as people can be. Anything you ask for they will bend over backwards to make happen. Many of them will stop and make small talk and see if you're enjoying your stay, and it's different than other resorts in that they really really are asking because they want to help and not because they want a tip. They're always scheduling small activities to mix things up - they had MLB players signing baseballs in the lobby one of the days there. They set up lovely beach parties on the weekends for dinner. That was a great way to socialize and relax.

The upgraded 'suite' was not really a suite; it was a regular room with a sofa, coffee table, and a chair put on one side of the room. Its location (first floor, oceanfront) is the real upgrade you should be after. Nothing like opening your door and walking right out onto the beach each day, or watching the sunset from your patio. The new trimmings were nice...a bit of a departure from the usual Marriott furniture. The bathrooms were also typical Marriott.

The beach is probably the best on the island (I checked out a bunch of them and none were as clean or had as much beach), the pool is clean, and there are plenty of spaces on the beach for you. They have water shoes for you if you're going to take a swim in the ocean...it's very rocky in lots of places.

A lot of guests would keep towels overnight from the resort and then block off all the chairs by the pool between 6-7 am. I know this because I could seem them doing it from my room each day. If you're planning on spending time at the pool, keep this in mind as there's far fewer pool chairs than there are beach chairs.

The resort itself is immaculate, the weather and beach are awesome, the cost of food/alcohol is less than it would be just about anywhere in the US, and Wilemstad is ~ 1.5 miles from the resort.

The food at the resort varied...I thought Portofino's was a plain yogurt Marriott steakhouse - I was not impressed with the food and it felt like I'd eaten at the same place at other Marriotts. Voila had great food - their sandwiches were enormous and great bargains to boot! Sea Breezes was great for snacking/boozing during the daytime.

Marriott should send staff from other hotels and resorts here to see what service really means - they would learn a lot.

If anyone else wants more details, feel free to drop me an email.

LT

ohmark

Thanks for the great report Larry. However, it's really disheartening to hear about how a Marriott property once more has dissed the platinum benefits of the Marriott Rewards program.

MCOisHOME2ME

Probably looking at sometime in June. I found a PKG rate for a Dive Package that actually looks pretty cool (tank diving everyday) if I were actually into scuba diving. The best LPR rate is $133, but a "signed authorization" must be presented upon check-in, so that's probably out.

I'll probably do a reward stay, but if there's a rate out there for $120 or less, it may make sense to book a cheap room and hope for an upgrade instead.

longing4piedmont

It will be ok. see http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=139822

flyerwife

I couldn't pull up the NPR rate but I think I may have stumbled onto an excellent deal for you.....

using the code PKG you can get an all-inclusive deal at $269 per night that is REALLY all-inclusive:


The Total Escape package includes: standard room accommodations, taxes, service charges, and gratuities; breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks; premium brand liquor, wine by the glass, beer, and all non alcoholic beverages; Sunday Brunch; all non-motorized hotel sponsored activities; a $10 casino match play coupon; 2 hours of free babysitting; Kid's Club; complimentary transportation to downtown twice a day.

Considering that everything is included, even tips, taxes, 3 meals plus snacks and all drinks, and it is for 2 people, it looks to be a great package.

rahmanbar

Since we're going there in late July (and because I had nothing better to do for about a quarter hour waiting for a conference call to start) I went web surfing this afternoon via a search engine's (might have been Google), "image" sections.

I came upon a Event/Meeting Planners site that had a promo film for the Curacao Marriott. Nice views that appear legitimately representative (since Curacao Marriott gets very high grades on various travel opinion sites), and the narration suggests it was commissioned either by Marriott or by an owner-franchisee.

If you'd care to take a look, here's the URL (might take a long time to load depending on how you're conntected): http://www.playgroundsoftheworld.com...cao/index.html

If Chris, Socrates or anyone from Marriott comes across this thread they might want to take a look and forward a suggestion that it be made available for viewing (assuming Marriott actually does control the rights) on that resort's webpage on Marriott.com.

rahmanbar

***FAIR WARNING --- ELP OP***
I've been known, when sufficiently agitated, to drop a note to Mr. M. with the details about discontent (and identifying guilty parties).

But I'm about to send to him something that I think he'll prefer, specifically an enthusiastic commendation about my wife's and my just-completed stay at the Curacao Marriott.

I have never experienced a better-managed property and a staff (no matter what their job level) more attuned to the importance of surpassing guests' expectations and approaching their assignments with enthusiasm and pride.

If you were writing a book about this property an apt title would be "The Epitome of a Marriott Hotel."

All employees encountered greeted us with a smile and small talk - and you felt it wasn't feigned. You, a guest, were the reason for their being there and they were aware of it. And that attitude extended to those employees we were not tipping, as an example, room attendants not assigned to us.

We tipped our room attendants on a daily basis and they reciprocated with thank you notes (and little touches like extra towels and toiletries).

*We were paying guests ($229. per night for an Ocean View room w/terrace included breakfast; w/one night gratis.)

*If you choose to use MR points this place is a steal as a Cat 5!

*Plat status was immediately acknowledged at check-in. There were the usual choices and an added surprise - literally choose one from column "A" and one from column "B". (I took the liquor amenity which turned out to be 3 sampler bottles (three different colors) of Curacao liquor plus 500 MR points. We were also upgraded to an Ocean Front room. (All rooms in this three floor establishment have terraces or patios.)

This property has 247 rooms and 10 suites. Two of the suites are designated as "Governor's" (or some similar designation). The other eight, each located on the third floor corners of the resort's four (continguous) sections are designated as "Terrace Suites." Terrace Suites consist of a king bedroom, deluxe bath (stall shower, large jacuzzi and adjacent, private sunbath area w/chaise). There's a living room with wet bar (w/ice maker), dining room table, convertible sofa and TV. There's an extra-large corner terrace (reachable from the bedroom and living room) and it contains a circular table, 4 chairs and one chaise. If you're going there with a couple of kids one of these is a price-performer in terms of the extra space it affords over a regular room.

These accomodations, as you can well imagine, are much in demand, are unadvertised online. When available they can be snagged for an upgrade charge of $30 per night (whether you're paying with $$ or points). I found out about their existence via a travel agent web page and sent an email to the hotel regarding availability. When I checked in all were occupied, but the desk said they'd "see what they could do". Anyway, one night I stopped at the desk to cash a check and casually mentioned to the clerk that I was still interested. She walked over to where someone else was having a conversation with someone who looked to be a manager-type (wearing a name tag, but not "in uniform." He came over, introduced himself and addressed me by name stating that he remembered my email. He asked me to give him a few minutes...

He went behind the desk, began keystroking on a terminal, picked up the phone and returned, telling me that a (smoking) Terrace Suite had been vacated and I could have it if I could wait until it was serviced. I asked if I could check it out, and like all good hoteliers he was hesitant to admit a guest to a "dirty" room. I told him that all I wanted to do was "take a sniff" and I was confident that any disarray could be put right by his staff.

To make this already too-long story shorter, I saw and I signed up. An hour later a bellman was at our door with card keys and a cart to move us and our luggage with dispatch. The front desk and accounting department handled the change seamlessly and kept the records straight.

BTW, the manager who put it all together was Freddy Castillo (Assistant Front Office Manager) and I predict that he'll go far in the Marriott organization. At a "Manager's Reception" I also had the opportunity to meet and chat with John Autelitano, the resort's Resident Manager. He's been there since day one (some 4 and 1/2 years ago) when the property was reflagged Marriott (from Sonesta) and installed and integrated "Marriott culture" into the operation.

A few other notes and an observation and I'll wind this up.

*All rooms were renovated this year.

*Every (and I mean) every part of this property is a sparkling "hospital-clean."

*They're in the process of installing high speed internet in all rooms.

*On-site restaurants are pricey (typical of Curacao) but decidedly first-rate.

*Beach is gorgeous (and private); pool (our personal preference) is excellent.

*You're about 15 minutes from Hato airport and about 10 from Williamstad.

Ok, I'm typed out - check the hotel's page on marriott.com for more details.

Last comment - if the furniture were upgraded this place would be called a JW! :-: :-: :-: :-: :-:

PS -- Forgot to mention:

1. We paid a $30 per night upgrade charge for the Terrace Suite. Guests using MR points would be assessed the same amount for that upgrade.

2. Bedrooms are equipped with empty mini-bars which providing the equivalent of a small refrigerator. Sundries (soft drinks, beer, snacks) can be -correction- are pricey as is typical in hotels. There's a supermarket within very reasonable driving distance where prices are a bit closer to what we are accustomed to.

3. We purchased our gift booze in Willemstad - much, much more of a buy than at the hotel. The duty-free shop at the airport was about a buck cheaper.

4. In order to stay within the general guidelines here I've limited myself to primarily discussing the property. There's much available about this somewhat unique island online and I urge anyone considering traveling to Curacao to peruse it since that uniqueness may not be everyone's cup of tea.

foodguy

I am going down to the wire on my winter getaway trip and had reduced choices to 2 locations---St. Kitts and Aruba. Based on this report I will add this property to the group. Thanks for the input!!!

Just Passing Thru

Great report, rahmanbar! ^ :-:

Thanks for the detailed discussion of this hidden gem!

NJUPINTHEAIR

http://travelvideo.tv/news/more.php?id=2522_0_1_0_M

tatmtr7

We will be in Curacao in March and finally got a reservation for all the nights we needed. (7) What package would be best as we already have air so the miles are a nice bonus, but we don't need them to ticket now. I thought that I read a post stating that packages are expiring soon, but perhaps those packages would not apply to our needs. Curacao is a cat.5 hotel and we have upgraded using $$ to an oceanfront deluxe room. Any one have advice as to rooms to request? Thanks, looking forward to some warmth

rahmanbar

We spent a week at the Curacao Marriott last summer so this information might be dated.

First, booked (non-reward stay) on the Marriott website and the heading in the menu of rooms was "Oceanview," "Ocean Front" didn't appear as an option.) However, the description in the confirmation email described the room as "Ocean Front."

In the time between booking I discovered there was yet another category of accomodation, "Terrace Suite" (more detail below) and I emailed the hotel to see if I could get an upgrade (as a Lifetime Plat) if one was available.

Anyway, when we got there, I was told a "Terrace Suite" was unavailable but they'd "upgraded" us to "Ocean Front." They said they'd keep my request in mind and since the room we were assigned was fine I didn't plan on pursuing the issue.

After two nights I had occasion to cash a check and as I was doing so mentioned to the desk clerk that I was still interested in the Terrace Suite.
She referred me to a manager (named Freddie Castillo) who addressed me by name, saying he remembered my email and he asked me to wait a minute while he checked to see if a Terrace Suite was vacant.

As it turned out, one had just been vacated, he accompanied my wife and myself to it (it had not been serviced in that the prior guest was a late departure). He said that since they were in such demand Terrace Suites were never offered on the hotell's web page and could only be obtained by calling the resort directly. (And that upgrades could be had for $30. daily from guests who were either paying or using points.)

If you can get one, it's well worth the tariff.

A Terrace Suite (there are only eight on the property) are oceanfront, corner accomodations consisting of a King bedroom, living-dining room, large corner balcony with a table, seating for four and a chaise. In the living room portion is a TV set (other in bedroom, of course) and a convertible sofa (perfect if the kids are w/you (or even another couple if they con't mind that kind of sleeping arrangement).

The bath consists of a jacuzzi tub, separate shower and an outdoor (but completely private) sunbathing facility.

Anything else you want to know, post the question(s). (or do a lookup on the Marriott Rewards thread using "Curacao" for my lengthy trip report.)

BTW, this hotel, recently renovated, is a sparkling hospital-like clean. To say the least, I have never experienced a better-run Marriott. Staff is friendly, efficient and accomodating (all of them - even those you're not tipping).

Side note: Sent a letter to Mr. M. praising Mr. Castillo (many who have had contact w/him on tripadvisor.com agree), and asking Mr. M. to pass on our thanks to him. Must have fallen through the cracks inasmuch as I never received a reply.

InstantOatmeal

Hello everyone.

The whole family is booked to go to Curacao in March. We'll be staying at the Marriott resort. From some of my search on this forum, it looks like a very nice property to stay. I was trying to do a little research on the island and am having difficulty getting some answers. So hopefully for those who have been there can asnwer some of the questions

1) I know the island is not very big, but we were thinking of renting a car. Is it advisable?. How are the road conditions?. Do you drive on the right side or the left side of the road (I know it is part of Netherlands so it must be right side but you never know). Also do you recommend renting the car before getting to the island or rent it from rental places that it seems most hotels have in their lobby?

2) Since we will be traveling with 2 kids, are there any supermarkets around the hotel we can stock up on frinks/snakes etc

3) We have a layover in Puerto Rico and I was think of buying couple of bottles from Duty Free. However on a recent trip to the Bahamas, we bought our alcholoic drinks from Duty free in Orlando to find out that once in Bahamas, you can get the same for about the same price. Is that true of Curacao?.

4) has anyone tried the Coconut Club for the kids at the resort?

5) Any other information you can share?

Thanx in advance

rahmanbar

-Driving is on the right.

-Roads are paved but you'll have to get used to signage that is nowhere near the standards you are used to seeing. I'd call the roads "local-type"- nothing close to a superhighway.

-Marriott has a National Car Rental desk in its lobby - you can reserve in advance, or you could pick one up at the airport - I'd advise the former inasmuch as when we arrived at the airport the part of the "official" route to the Marriott was closed and we never would have found it on our own. Take a cab from the airport - be sure you get a licensed one and set cost before you get in. (Should be about $20. for two people, there's an add-on for more but I can't help you there.) BTW US currency is readily accepted everyplace in Curacao so you needn't bother w/conversions to Guilders).

There is a Curocaoan (sp?) version of a supermarket within driving distance but since we didn't look for them I don't know if they had *franks. There's a deli in the hotel that's semi-reasonable (for a hotel) and I think the kids will like their Pizza.

We purchased our gift booze in Willemstadt (about 10 minute drive from the Marriott). Since we didn't get close to the limit Duty wasn't an issue.

-We don't have kids but we noticed that those who were partaking of the program seemed to be having a good time.

-If you're traveling w/two young kids you might want to think about upgrading to a terrace suite. Besides a king in tghe bedroom, there's a pullout sofa in the living room. Has a fridge, wet bar w/icemaker and a dining room table. Bathroom is huge (w/jacuzzi, separate shower, private outdoor sun room. Terrace is good-size w/table seating four and you get a great ocean view. I don't know what the upgrade fee is right now, but we got one for an upgrade fee of $30. per night in low season.

-Here's a great find we made (& he's been well-deservedly praised to the sky on tripadvisor.com on their Curacao Marriott guest reviewsi - you can contact him w/any questions:

Freddy Castillo, Assistant Front Office Manager; phone (599-9) 4337705
FAX: (599-9) 4627502 (Sorry - no email I can give you; can't read Freddy handwriting.)

Note; Curacao is NOT a "lush" island by any means and most peoples' living standards are well below what you are used to here. But, we found the people friendly, the island safe, and the resort is I-M-M-A-C-U-L-A-T-E, extremely well-managed and has friendly and efficient staffing at all levels.

On-site dining is very good (but somewhat expensive) but you can find reasonable restaurants. If they have one of their barbecues on the beach I'd go for it (and Elvis in 'Sea Breeze' (where' there's alfresco dining) makes a mean pina colada.

You might consider signing up for the breakfast plan - well worth it, particularly w/kids because it's buffet-style w/omlette station. There's bound to be something they'll like.

*Franks for the kids are available from restaurants and hot dog wagons long the waterfront in Willemstadt.

Adding on:

About the only thing we didn't like in Curacao was the Sea Aquarium. First of all, we considered it a ripoff in that the base admission ran abbout $25. for the wife and myself and that was only for the base exhibits (not much of anything) and the "show" which was one of those "seal" things and it didn't look like the "seal" was being treated properly (just our opinion).

Anything other than that was extra $$$$ and alot of them. To top it off, everywhere we turned we were accosted by a pushy Sea Aquarium rep trying to sell us one of their timeshares (which interested us not at all). We were 'hit' 3X in the Sea Aquarium and twice in Willemstadt by these characters and it was all I could do to keep myself from blowing them off (w/words you don't have to be an American to understand).

The kids will probably want to go - but if you can, avoid it... We enjoyed the Hato Caves and the Ostrich Farm and had a good time driving around and picking up local color w/Dutch highlights. Anyway, the pool and private beach (w/snorkling) at the Marriott is super.

In any case, have a good time!

aaupgrade

OK, I have done an extensive search of FT and also Trip Advisor and I found one reference to add-on meal packages being available at check-in and that was at this link on Trip Advisor. The poster indicated that they were on an award stay and were offerred the option of purchasing a daily Dinner/Breakfast package at $60/night or a Dinner/Breakfast/Lunch package for $80/night. Now my question: Is anybody else aware of the availability of these meal package add-ons? If so, is it available for anyone to purchase upon check-in or just those on reward stays?

Please note that I am NOT referring to the Total Escape packages that are offerred for booking on Marriott's web site that includes meals and drinks. I am not interested in these packages as they are not as good a deal as the meal add-ons referenced above, especially for someone like myself who does not drink. We plan on booking the Dive Package which is a great deal, but unfortunately does not include any meals.

Thanks in advance for any first hand knowledge regarding the availability of these meal package add-ons upon check-in.