Curacoa is a beautiful place, so close to the equater it's like laying on the sun! And to magnify the flavor of friendliness and attentiveness of the island you MUST stay at Avila Hotel. I was there for 6 days for one of the best vacations I have ever had. Here are the important reasons to stay at Avila: the pace is relaxed but the attentiveness is amazing, the food is consitently unbelievable, even at the pool bar. Usually I have something to complain about and have never written a review before now. But at Avila there are no worries, if you need a room change, no problem, they move your bags when you new room is ready, there is no need to come off the beach. Need a ride into town take the bus, if it is not available a driver will take you. No matter what you encounter on your vacation, Avila has the most considerate and prompt solution. Most importantly they pay attention to the details. The atmostphere is relaxed and quiet, yet they can accomodate any visitor, although mostly adults, they have sand toys for kids and a pool, plus 2 seperate small beach areas so you have choices. Mostly adults seem to stay here so it is very peaceful and relaxing. KEY words: Always SMILING, Attention to detail, relaxed pace, beautiful surroundings, consistently unbelievable food. Worth every penny.

I visited Avila in early February 2006 with my parents. We stayed in one of the Suites. It was amazing! We had a wonderful long weekend in Curacao.

The staff was accommodating. The view of the ocean was gorgeous. Our suite, #176, basically had its own private beach within one of the hotel's lagoons. We sunned ourselves everyday and enjoyed evening cocktails each night on our private deck.
We ate at the hotel restaurant BLUES one evening. The restaurant sits on a pier overlooking the ocean. The waves are crashing against the beach as you're eating dinner. It was a wonderful beach vacation! There were plenty of local restaurants to eat at as well.
All in all - we had a great time there. The local culture and charisma was wonderful. If you're going to Aruba - DON'T. Go to Curacao instead. It's a sleepier island, with more of a European feel. There's less congestion and less of the trashy hotel crowds. And, it's A LOT less expensive.

I stayed a whole week at the Avila hotel. It was Beautiful! The room was quiet, peaceful and clean. I enjoyed the restaurants at the resort and the staff was friendly and courteous. You could do as much or as little as you wished. The beach was lovely and the tradewinds blew constantly so you didn't feel overly hot. I feel that the whole experience was wonderful and a great deal for the money! I will return for another visit. I have never felt so relaxed!

first of all - why are you going to curacao? don't. but that's another story. the avila is ok. rooms are small. not much for view. beach is very windy. meals vary from average to inedible and i chipped a tooth on some sand or rock. you have to like european style un-private bath right off the bed (octagon area) with a sheet and heavy down comforter. a/c controls aren't sensitive so it's sort of all or none. tv reception and channels are dismal. staff is super friendly but about as dumb and unhelpful as a board. if you ask about any activity, any directions...anything to do with the island they just smile and say they don't know or for directions "its just down the road". oh, they add 10$ donation to a "charity" to your bill. if you don't see this and ask to have it taken off you will pay it unknowingly. there is a 12% service fee added to everything but staff will point out that's not a tip that goes to them. the gift shop sells awful and defective clothing that falls apart when you put it on. sorry, can't find anything good to say other than it's ok looking and there's plenty of security to keep all the drug crazed, drunk street people everywhere out of the compound.