WILLEMSTAD,
Curacao -- Hotels across this Netherlands Antilles island hope that
discounted packages will draw vacationers this fall and winter.
In addition to
having the usual sun-and-fun, surf-and-sand appeal, Curacao -- a
former Dutch colony -- has the shopping and dining charms of
capital city Willemstad, a tropical Amsterdam in
miniature.
Most of the
following deals from several outlying beach resorts, all of which
pay 10% commission to agents, include a shuttle service to
Willemstads quaint town center:
" Breezes
Curacao: Clients with kids in tow might opt for one of
four seasonal packages, available at different times through 2005.
Through Oct. 31, a Kids Stay Free offer lets one child per paying
adult stay free of charge. The Single Parent Plan, valid on
six-night stays, starts at $840 for one adult traveling with one
child and $1,190 for an adult bringing two children. From Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, families can save 50% or more
on weeklong stays with ABC4 rates starting at $2,030. From Jan. 1
to Dec. 31, 2005, Best 05 Rates rates start at $2,100 for a
seven-night stay. For more information, call (800) 467-8737 or
visit www.superclubs.com.
" Curacao
Marriott Beach Resort: The Total Escape package -- which
includes room; three meals plus snacks daily; beverages, including
beer, premium liquor and glasses of wine; $10 casino coupon; city
shuttle; and kids club -- is priced from $269 per night, double,
with taxes and fees, through Dec. 20. Guests get five nights at the price of four with the Sand
Dollar Promotion, which runs until Dec. 16. Rates, which begin at
$159 per night (before taxes and fees) for up to four in a room
with a minimum five-night stay, include daily full breakfast for
two and use of the gym. To reserve, call (011) 599-9 736-8800, fax
(011) 599-9 462-7502 or send an e-mail to [email protected]. For more
information, visit www.marriottcuracao.com.
" Habitat
Curacao: This diver -centric resort offers weeklong deals
that include seven nights accommodation and daily buffet breakfast.
Rates start from $483 per person, per night, through Dec. 18, and
from $658 from Dec. 19 to April 1; in addition, guests who stay at
the resort for seven nights from Nov. 17 to Dec. 18 pay for only
five nights and enjoy a free day of shore diving. Call (800)
327-6709, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.habitatcuracao.com.
" Floris
Suite Hotel: A weekend deal at this 72-room boutique
resort offers four nights in a Royal Suite for the price of three,
plus free stays for third and fourth occupants in a room. Prices,
which start at $78.50 per night, per person, include daily buffet
breakfast for two and are valid Oct. 1 to Dec. 15. Call (800)
781-1011, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.florissuitehotel.com.
"
Papayago Beach Resort: Kids under age 12 stay free
when their parents book three nights in a two-bedroom, gardenview
or seaview villa. Package prices start at $195 per adult for a
gardenview and $235 per adult for a seaview. Package rates, valid
through Dec. 20, include one breakfast, unlimited entrance to the
beach club and a Willemstad shuttle. Call (800) 652-2962 to reserve
or visit www.papagayo-beach.com for information.
" Sunset
Waters Beach Resort: This all-inclusive resort is offering
a European Plan package that includes a seven-night stay in an
oceanfront superior room (single or double occupancy), all meals
and beverages and nonmotorized sports. The rate, valid Oct. 1 to
Dec. 18, is $750. Call (866) 578-6738 or visit www.sunsetwaters.com.
" Sea
Aquarium Resort: Set on a private island, this beachfront
resort offers free admission to the adjacent Sea Aquarium -- which
includes a sea lion encounter and snorkeling for two -- with
seven-night stays. Rates range from $553 for two guests, $753 for
four and $953 for six until Nov. 19 and from Nov. 27 to Dec. 17. To
book, call (800) 221-8090, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.royalresorts.com.
To contact
reporter Kenneth Kiesnoski, send e-mail to [email protected].