Curacao

Notes from a 4 day trip to Curacao, September, 2002:

Hotel Holland - is run-down, tattered carpets, chipped paint, pool not well-maintained. $66/night single room rack rate, $58/night if 4-night stay. All rooms face the sea, but you also see the airport runway in front of it. The staff is very nice. The restaurant menu doesn't have 1/2 of what is printed. $8 for small breakfast with canned juice but good coffee, $15 for a grilled red snapper dinner entree. If you traveled only with a carry-on rolling bag, you can walk from airport, turn left onto Rooseveltweg and go for 15 minutes, slightly uphill grade, it's on your left. I made a reservation by phone, but place was only 30% full.

Campo Alegre - is a 15 minute slightly uphill walk from the Hotel Holland. Go out the front door and turn LEFT onto Rooseveltweg (in other words, continue walking away from the airport). On your left you'll pass a paved road entrance to a development, which then exits after you walk a bit further. You'll pass Hato Caves on your right, which is about 1/2 way there. The third paved road on your left (on the ocean side) leads to Campo Alegre. After you start climbing it you'll see a tall green coca-leaf sign with "Campo Alegre". The place has been modernized, with brightly-painted walls and palm trees. Very nice inside. Entrance is still US$3, no cameras, frisking possible. The grounds outside are dry and dusty, but inside the compound is very clean, and the girls' units are attractive and nicely maintained. I didn't realize it at first, but you are allowed to wander around the entire grounds looking for girls standing in or near their units--you don't have to sit at one of their several bars and wait. As for the names, "La Mirage" is the name of the bar inside, and "Campo Alegre" is the name of the entire compound.

The girls - the majority are black, many from Colombia and Dominican Republic. If you are seeking a white girl, don't despair, this place is big and there's something for everybody. I found a girl from Medallin, Columbia and absolutely fell in love with her. Light complexion, slender, friendly, 22 yrs old, actively tried to please me (massage, oral, the whole bit). We spoke only in basic Spanish, which was a big help in forming the relationship. After my 4th visit, she gave me her real name so I could write to her post office box address (I hear you laughing...oh well, a guy can dream, can't he?) Prices have not changed: $30 for everything, but girls want local currency (Netherlands Antilles guilders, or florin), so exchange your currency with the cashier at the entrance first.

The weather - too hot and very humid. It's fine after sunset, but daytime walking around sucks.

Hope this helps.

Duke,

Its not a joke that you have her address. I bet she meets you in the daytime for just the cost of a meal. These chicas need friends as well as everyone else. Nice description of the distance of the hotel to the airport and place. How much is a taxi? Would you stay at this hotel again?
Does that hotel have a website?

By the way, I speak Spanish sort of and I hang with many chicas in DR for the cost of a meal and all it took was a few phone calls between trips.

Thanks

Jimmy,

I didn't take a taxi, but for a 2-minute ride it couldn't be much. My guide book says a taxi charge from the airport to Willemstad, a much longer distance, is about $15. (By the way, there's a local bus into town that can be boarded across the street from the Hotel Holland: 75¢, takes about 1/2 hour.)

I would stay at the hotel again only if financially constrained. It's good for folks on a tight budget, those who prefer walking, and those who only want to visit Campo Alegre. Otherwise I think a resort hotel and rental car is the way to go, especially if you want to tour around the island or go to the beaches.

A website, of sorts, for the Hotel Holland is at [url]http://www.dutch-caribbean.net/hotelguide/hotelholland.htm[/url]

Frommer's guide also has a short description: [url]http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUrl-g147277-d150659-r213977-e__2F__Hotel_Review__2D__g147277__2D__d150659__2D__Reviews__2D__Hotel_Holland__2D__Curacao__2E__html-Hotel_Holland-Curacao.html[/url]

While we're at it, here's the website for Campo Alegre: [url]http://www.campo-alegre-resort.com/html/[/url]

Incidentally, girls are allowed out of Campo Alegre for overnights/sightseeing. The Hotel Holland had what looked like a standard list of rules on the wall, including one that didn't allow guests in the room. Even if this is enforced (which is dubious), there's only a $13 difference between the single and double room nightly charge.

Jimmy:

I second Fantasy's advice. Previously, I have strongly advocated staying at the Sheraton or Marriott. If these exceed your budget, then the next level down (say 3 star) would include the Plaza Hotel downtown (on the nicer Punda side) and Holiday Beach (just outside of Otrabanda and, conveniently enough, across the street from La Havana). Both are in the $90-$100/night range (may be able to negotiate a better price or better room). Unfortunately, I can't comment from personal experience regarding hotels below that price point. Of the two, I would suggest Holiday Beach because it is on a beach, as its name implies, while the Plaza (high-rise hotel downtown) is on the water but lacks any beach area. However, if you prefer, Plaza is in the heart of downtown and, therefore, within walking distance of many restaurants and shops (all the better social night clubs, IMHO, are not within walking distance of downtown). You may want to read my earlier detailed posts to get a sense for the happening clubs/bars (i.e. Mambo Beach, Living Room, etc.).

Lastly, do yourself a huge favor and rent a small vehicle (can probably get a pretty good deal through Hotwire). I found out the hard way, during my first trip, that taxi fares can quickly exceed car rental rates if you do lots of exploring. Personally, I would rather spend the taxi fees and have the flexibility to come and go where and when I please. Be careful of wild animals scurrying about (goats, sheep, dogs, cats, etc.).

Hope this helps!

Fred

Campo-Allegre

Was in Curacao in august and went to Campo-Allegre one night. Unbelievable, old army barracks transformed into a state licensed brothel. Great selection. Guys I was with said, better than Amsterdam action. Must admit, had to sample. One chica, Black sugar with long braids from Columbia. One of the guys I was with, had one of the girls meet him at the hotel the next day for midday pool and beach action, followed by bedroom debauchery before she had to go to work.

The world is so horny.

If you are looking for a nice hotel for good price. Try The Sea Aquarium Resort, Bapor Kibra Z/N, Curacao An. (5999)-4656699 They have a special deal for limited time US$69.95 a night. The hotel is located in Sea Aquarium area. Next Mambo beach.

A rental car is a must.

Dutchman

Will be traveling to Curacao in the next few weeks. Camp Allegre was great a year ago. Any new places worthwhile? Last time I noticed some action each evening on a street corner just outside the Punda. Any one hook up with one of these gals? At that time the Havana club and Red Lion had some below average women. 3's and 4's at best.

Visited Curacao in November and found things about the same. Campo Allege is #1. No change in prices and the quality is consistant. Spent so much time there I went looking for some Viagra (the local pharmacy required a prescription - so get it filled before you go).

Spent some time at Tosca or what ever you call it in the Otrapunda. Seedy bar with hotels next door and across the street. $50 for FS. Not much action until 11PM. Outside apprearance is tough, but once you get in things are fine. Never felt uncomfortable as to safety.

One evening went to La Havana. What a waste of time. Gals were 2's at best. Even the local Harley cycle crowd left after a while.

Next year I was considering a vist to the Domican Republic. Reports indicate, Curacao would be better, ie less pick pockets and drugs etc.

mose,

I've never been to Curacao, so decided to check the posts. BTW, Was in Domincan Republic (Sosua) last March. It was bad, but you have watch out for the pickpockets. I have travelled to CR several times, had read a lot of the DR posts and thought that I knew what to expect. But on my third day there, I packed a bill in my fanny pack, (with camera), to exchange for pesos. An agressive SW just walked up and invaded my space. I never even stopped walking, until she literally stepped in front of me and grabbed my crotch, as I tried to push her away. They know if they grab a man's crotch in public he's gonna focus on that, (either to try and stop it, or to enjoy it.) Either way, the other hand's in your pocket. 35-40 seconds was all that it took.
If your going to the northern DR, then Palace still seems to be a hot spot to stay, but you might check with ******* on that.

Driving in Curacao is no different than any where else in the US. Just need to know where you are going, especially crossing the bridge. Worst case, you do a go around. I have driven through some of the seedy parts of the Otrabunda at night with no problems. I believe if you are looking to score drugs you will find problems, big time. Other wise enjoy the locals, columbian and dr women and leave with a big whistle and smile. The Dutch no how to run an island and the people know how to satisfy the tourists.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Joe Francis
[i]Any info on Breezes resort in Curacao. How far from the action? [/i][/QUOTE]
About a half hour drive back to the airport where you will find the Mirage Campo Allegre with 200 women willing to give you a cool aid smile for $30.

Having lived in the Reno, Nevada area for four years in the glorious early 1980s before virus scares put a damper on the scene, and having done some mongering in Indonesia, Amsterdam and Prague, I can honestly say that I have never encountered a better brothel than Curacao's Campo Alegre -- also known as The Mirage. You pay the equivalent of $3 U.S. to enter, and all the ladies charge a standard fee of approximately $30 for their services, which basically provide you up to a half-hour or so to get your rocks off. In my 30 to 40 visits to this club over my four visits to Curacao in the last two years, I have never felt rushed or timed. If you want, you can pay $80 for a full hour, or even take the lady back to your apartment or hotel for an overnighter costing $200. My usual pattern was to get laid twice every visit for an amazing price of $60!
Campo Alegre is basically a huge, open-air, brick-paved courtyard anchored by a central bar area that features live nude dancing and sex shows a couple times a week. The ladies will either be hanging around this area or in their clean, private rooms. You frequently will have up to 60 or 70 ladies to chose from, all Spanish-speaking from Latin America or the Caribean. If you take a little time to check out the scene, you can almost always discover a breath-taking, unforgettable beauty. I once partied a few times with a lady from Columbia who closely resembled Penelope Cruz, only a little better-looking. I also spent quality time with another Columbian who I swear closely resembled Brigitte Bardot. What impresses me most about this establishment is how cheerful and good-natured the women almost always are; they seem truly happy and fortunate to have this opportunity to make some good money during their strictly-enforced three-month stay on the island. The women are medically tested before and during this period.

Campo Alegre is located near the airport. I strongly recommend renting a car, as cab fare can cost as much as a visit with a lady. Curacao is a surprisingly interesting desert island with some quality dive sites, great bars and nightlife, and some nice, inexpensive apartments (circa $45-50 per night) featuring kitchenettes -- I recommend the Flamingo Park. Once again, I strongly recommend renting a car.

Strip Club scene is limited with Club Havana located across the street from the Holiday Beach Hotel and Casino, (Denny's) and Crazy Horse located in downtown Willemsted.

Club Havana - all Dominican girls (not a Cuban in sight) girls can be had for 60-70$ all night but negotiating could be tough. Get there at 11:00 pm for first show, pay 3$ cover charge and your in. Make a selection (remember prostitution is legal) so be persistent for your price but I think the girls have to remain at work till about 2 am. Tips to the girls as they dance are pathetic so its hard to believe that they are working for any other reason but to exit with a client.

Crazy Horse is not recommended as it is big $$$ with apparently some Eurotrash willing to pay it. I'd pass if I were you.

The street scene is fairly active with girls hitting the pavement all around the downtown Willemsted area as early as 9:00 PM, all are Dominican or Colombian and I am sure that all can be had for reasonable $.

I'll leave you however with one scary thought that was passed on to me by a local when I was last down there. Campo is the best game in town. It is legal, safe, clean, comfortable and offers a good volume of girls and customers to keep everyone happy. Why would any girl work anywhere else on the island??
Answer: Every Monday the girls are given blood tests to screen for HIV and STD's. Any girl who fails her test is removed from Campo immediately! I got from a good source that many of these girls, who are broke and were prepared to work in Campo for their three month stint take crumby apartments in Willemsted and try to earn on the street! Don't be stupid, be safe! When in Curacao hit Campo like a drum, and whatever you do don't take a chance and "eat the yellow snow".

i will be at the hilton in nov. other hotels i have stayed at have been 20 mins from town. the hilton is on the beach and similiar to the marriot. the hj is in town and not on the beach. more for use on business as opposed to the [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord118][CodeWord118][/url]. both hotels about 15 minutes from mirage. enjoy our adult disneyland.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Ford286
[i]...
Don't be stupid, be safe! When in Curacao hit Campo like a drum, and whatever you do don't take a chance and "eat the yellow snow"...[/i][/QUOTE]I got similar information from a local guy in Curacao. Be careful with other clubs, they maynot be safe, since they do not check girls as well as Campo does. I visited some other clubs a couple of years ago, Campo was always the best.

Regarding hotels - I usually stay at LionsDive, they have good deals($90) at travelocity. Rent a car right at the airport. Never use a taxi - you'll pay almost as much as one day rental just to get somewhere.

Goga