Recent hotel developments on Curacao
include the openings of two resorts, groundbreaking on two more and
upgrades to several other properties. The accommodations choices,
when completed, will range from boutique properties to flagship
resorts, according to Clifton Walle, director of tourism.
New
properties include:
The 200-room
Clarion International Curacao at the World Trade Center complex in
the Piscadera Bay area, aimed at both the corporate and leisure
markets, opened in March. Details are not yet posted on Clarions
Web site at www.clarionhotels.com.
The 74-unit
Lodge Kura Hulanda and Beach Club on Curacaos west end, sister
property to the Hotel Hura Hulanda in Willemstad, is composed of
villas, suites and guestrooms. The lodge had a soft opening last
fall and an official opening in April. For details, visit www.kurahulanda.com.
Although not
new, the 74-room Lions Dive & Beach Resort next to the Curacao
Sea Aquarium added 36 rooms, the new Hemingway beach bar and
restaurant and a second pool. For details, visit www.lionsdive.com. Works in
progress include:
The 100-room
Avila Hotel will open a 68-room wing of luxury units in December as
well as an infinity pool and spa. For details, visit www.avilahotel.com.
The Hilton
Curacao, undergoing a multi-phased renovation, already opened a new
executive floor and lounge. Still to come are a meetings room,
wireless installation, and upgrades to the ballroom and beach bar.
All projects are set to be completed by the end of the year, in
time for the hotels 40th anniversary next year. For details, visit
www.hiltoncaribbean.com/curacao.
The Curacao
Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino enhanced the Viola
delicatessen and Sea Breeze bar and grill, and will add 40 metric
tons of sand on its beach, open a new beach bar and introduce
themed entertainment at its Emerald Lounge by the end of the year.
For details, visit http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/CURMC.
Further
down the road:
The Renaissance
Curacao Resort & Casino will have 237 rooms on Willemstads
waterfront, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Also part of the
Renaissance complex will be the Rif Fort with eight restaurants,
retail shops, cinemas, a casino, a beach, a boardwalk and a park.
The resort is scheduled to open in November 2007.
The site of the
350-room Hyatt Regency Curacao also will include a marina, beach
club, vacation club units, condominiums and residences. The hotel
will feature two restaurants, a spa, a fitness center, a casino, a
multi-level pool, tennis and the first 18-hole signature golf
course on the island. Opening is set for summer 2008.
To contact
the reporter who wrote this article, send e-mail to Gay Nagle Myers
at [email protected].