Top Three Inexpensive but Luxurious Hotels on Curacao Island

The island of Aruba got part of its claim to fame from the Beach Boys dropping its name in their song, "Kokomo." But if you don't want to spend your hard-earned vacation at a spot as commercialized as Aruba, you might consider the little-known neighboring island of Curacao instead.

Accommodations on Curacao island, which is located just above the continent of South America, aren't as pricey as you might fear. Although luxury rooms can get expensive, the standard and deluxe ones at some of their hotels are surprisingly affordable, as you'll see with these top three hotels on Curacao.

Hotel Kura Hulanda

Curacao's premiere luxury resort, Hotel Kura Hulanda, features every room style imaginable, from economically-friendly to Presidential and Indian Bridal suites. Rates during the off-season begin at $145 and range up to $1000 per night for the Indian Bridal suite. The busy season is slightly more expensive with rates beginning at $165, but still, that's a steal for an island reservation.

So what goodies do you get with those accommodations? Let's have a look.

First off, Hotel Kura Hulanda is similar to many other island vacay options, with a golf course, casino and plenty of posh shops to empty your pockets into. Naturally, there's a spa on-site as well, but the room amenities and ambience are the real treat.

Even the super saver rooms come with wireless access, flat screen TV's and a mini fridge, which is more than you can say for even the expensive accommodations in the United States. More expensive rooms also come with tiled hot tubs, tapestries fit for a castle and full kitchens.

Curacao Marriott

The Curacao Marriott is slightly more expensive than the Hotel Kura Hulanda, with rates spiking into the $300 range during high season. But you do a few extra perks, like an inclusive breakfast and an ocean view.

One thing in Marriott's favor is the airiness of their rooms. Everything is bright and fresh - like you just got your linens out of the washer and went out to hang them on the line.

The Marriott might also be a little more family-friendly. Have an extra occupant? Many rooms come with a sofa bed or corner room plus a private balcony. And although the wireless internet access might not be free, it's available in all guest rooms.

Floris Suite Hotel

If you're looking for a "suite" stay in Curacao, you might find the best-priced suites are at the Floris Suite Hotel. Listed as one of Frommer's favorite hotels, the Floris Suites feature rooms that begin in the $150+ range for the off-season and creep up to $289 in the high season.

Again, amenities in the rooms include high-speed Internet access as well as air conditioning, sleeper sofas, mini or full kitchens plus loft areas in certain accommodations.

An on-site restaurant or pool bar and Caribbean food hangout await your meal orders when you get hungry. The Sjalotte restaurants is the sit-down type with foods you can't pronounce, while Hook's Hut offers lighter meal options that probably suit more tastebud needs.

So if you're looking for an inexpensive Caribbean island vacation, you might think about heading down to Curacao. Okay, so the name isn't song-friendly, but it sure is wallet-friendly!

Sources:

Frommers.com
Florssuitehotel.com
Kurahulanda.com
Marriott.com