On a lovely white crescent of sand, between the International Trade Center, this well-maintained and smoothly run property has more bustle in its step than most along these shores. The casino adds a touch of glamour, and the recreational roster puts forth a challenge to even the most active guests.
Blending in with the lovely Dutch-colonial architecture of Willemstad, this sprawling burnished low-rise sits on a luscious, private sweep of white sand. Guests stretch out in a spacious open-air lobby and take in three restaurants, two bars and a casino. The once pricey steak house has been replaced by a vibrant lounge serving excellent appetizers and specialty drinks. Live music is featured here on weekends, and Fridays draw
local crowds for a popular salsa night. The Italian restaurant is now the most formal setting for dinner, and the delicatessen offers reasonably priced sundries and a pasta bar. The beach bar offers a sunny perch for lunch with sea views.
Sports revolve around a free-form pool with a swim-up bar and the reputable dive center. Alternative diversion is found with beachside watersports (for a fee), palms, ample chaise longues, a wading pool, two whirlpools, a lighted tennis court and a health club. The spa is not large, but its list of treatments is impressive. Free supervised children's programs prove a boon for parents. A free shuttle runs to Willemstad twice a day except Sunday.
A shopping arcade and meeting rooms for 360 delegates are also on hand. Wireless Internet access is available throughout the function space for a fee.
The guest quarters are looking better these days, with the newer rooms sporting elegant contemporary fabrics and colonial-inspired appointments. Even the older rooms are neat as pins. Those familiar with this chain will find that these digs are equipped with the same amenities found in nearly every urban Marriott in North America. Still, the configurations are impressive, ranging from standard rooms to two-bedroom presidential suites. All come with air-conditioning, TVs, minibars, safes, irons, ironing boards, and either one king or paired queen beds. Technological amenities run to phones with data ports and voice mail, clock radios and Internet access. Spacious combination baths are tiled, and furnished terraces and balconies are large.
Children under age 12 stay free when sharing a room with their parents. The helpful staff seems to be everywhere at once, and the excellent service makes this hotel the best value on this island for anyone seeking international standards. The Hilton doesn't quite match the quality of facilities and food, and the beach here will please guests much more.
