The 8 Best Casinos to Play and Stay at in Curaçao

Curaçao isn’t the top location that pops into people’s minds as a gambling destination. It’s a beautiful country. It features 80-degree weather most of the year. Hurricanes rarely bother the small island (which is a big deal in the Caribbean). It has gorgeous blue oceans that contrast with the sugary white sands.

But make no mistake, you can gamble in casinos in Curaçao.

Unlike its sister island Aruba, most of the hotels and resorts in Curaçao that feature a casino are under 100 rooms. Also, the amenities usually feature the basics. You’ll find that some of the lower-priced hotels will have additional amenities but charge extra for them.

The island is very big on history. Visitors have the options of visiting museums, cultural landmarks, historical sites, and much more.

Curaçao is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, so people born on the islands are citizens of Curaçao, the Netherlands, and the European Union.

Gambling in Curaçao

Founded in 1999, the Gambling Commission of Curaçao is responsible for the licensing of casinos and the enforcement of gambling laws on the island.

While the commission has only been around for 20 years, gambling on the island dates back hundreds of years to colonial times.

Unlike its sister island, Aruba, you’ll find both stand-alone and resort-based casinos in Curaçao.

Most of the casinos are in the capital of Curaçao, Willemstad. Anyone 18 years or older is allowed to gamble in a casino in Curaçao.

Because of the comparatively smaller size of casinos to a place like Las Vegas, the number of games on the island is limited. Most of the time, you can play blackjack, American roulette, and Caribbean stud poker. In some casinos, you’ll find a table or two dedicated to poker. Some casinos boost their selections by offering bingo. A select few offer sports betting and horse race betting. However, these require special licensing by the gambling commission, so casinos weigh the pros and cons before deciding to pursue the license.

Almost every casino has both slot machines and video poker machines available.

1 – Otrobanda Hotel and Casino

Overlooking the St. Anna Bay harbor in Willemstad, the Otrobanda Hotel and Casino is a cozy 45-room hotel located in the center of the city.

The hotel is within walking distance of many local shops, bars, clubs, movie theaters, and restaurants.

Many of the cultural and historical aspects of the city, such as the Queen Emma’s Bridge, the Kura Hulanda Museum, and the floating market are all close by the hotel.

When staying at the Otrobanda Hotel, guest can expect:

• Free Wi-Fi
• Flat-screen TVs with cable
• Mini-fridge
• Coffee/tea maker
• In-room safe
• Iron/ironing board
• Room service
• Hair dryer
• Free extra beds, children’s beds, or cribs (upon request)

The hotel itself offers a few amenities and features. These include:

• La Bahia Seafood and Steakhouse
• Meetings rooms
• Concierge services
• Dry cleaning
• Free Wi-fi throughout the property
• Smoke-free property

The 5,000 square foot Awasa Casino at the Otrobanda Hotel provides over 200 slot machines, five table games, and kiosks for sportsbook and racebook betting. Among the games offered in the casino are progressive blackjack and Caribbean stud poker.

Online Ratings:

• Google: 4.0 out of 5.0
• Trip Advisor: 3.5 out of 5.0
• com: 8.3 out of 10.0

2 – Renaissance Curacao Resort and Casino

Located on its own private beach, the 237-room Renaissance Curacao Resort and Casino is located on the southwestern side of the island.

The hotel is located next to the Queen Anne Bridge and is centrally located to lots of area attractions.

Guests staying at the hotel can expect their rooms to have the following features:

• Free Wi-fi
• 32″ LCD TV w/international cable/satellite
• In-room safe
• Mini-refrigerator
• Coffee maker/tea service
• Iron and ironing board
• Hair dryer
• Robes
• Slippers
• Lighted makeup mirror
• Room service
• Radio

The hotel has a ton of amenities for guests. These include:

• Blue Lobby Bar
• Infinity Beach Bar
• Nautilus Restaurant
• Starbucks kiosk
• 6 event/meeting rooms with a total of 6,000 square feet of space
• Private beach area
• Garden
• Swimming pool
• Massage
• Fitness center
• Evening entertainment
• Concierge
• ATM on site
• Baggage storage
• Tour desk
• Express check-in/out
• 24-hour front desk
• Babysitting/child services
• Dry cleaning
• Laundry
• Business center
• Gift shop

The Carnaval Casino at the Renaissance Curacao Resort and Casino has 15,000 square feet of floor space to accommodate the 335 slot and video poker machines along with the 19 table games patrons can play.

Visitors can try their luck at table games like blackjack, American roulette, and Caribbean stud poker.

Online Ratings:

• Google: 4.5 out of 5.0
• Trip Advisor: 4.5 out of 5.0
• com: 8.8 out of 10.0

3 – Trupial Inn Hotel and Casino

The 98-room Trupial Inn Hotel and Casino is located in the heart of the Curaçao financial district. The hotel is within walking distance of the Zuikertuin Mall and several restaurants.

When staying at the Trupial Inn Hotel and Casino, guests can enjoy the comforts of home with the following in-room features:

• Free Wi-Fi
• Patio with chairs and table
• 32″ flat-screen cable TV
• In-room safe
• Hair dryer
• Coffeemaker
• Microwave
• Refrigerator
• Iron/ironing board
• Kitchenette (in select rooms)

The hotel, while a modest size, does have a few amenities. The hotel offers:

• Restaurant Rosso
• Swimming pool
• ATM on site
• 24-hour front desk
• Dry cleaning
• Laundry

The hotel relies on the proximity to the mall and neighboring restaurants to provide a well-rounded guest experience.

The Hill Ross Casino at the Trupial Inn Hotel and Casino offers 4,200 square feet of floor space. The location bills itself as the “coziest casino on the island.” Players can enjoy the 130 slot and video poker machines and the eight table games from 10 am to 4 am each day.

The table games offered at the Ross Hill Casino include blackjack, American roulette, and Caribbean stud poker.

Online Ratings:

• Google: 4.2 out of 5.0
• Trip Advisor: 4.0 out of 5.0
• com: 8.3 out of 10.0

4 – Hilton Curaçao

Located on the beach, the 192-room Hilton Curaçao offers guests an all-inclusive experience while they enjoy their stay.

When you stay at the Hilton Curaçao, you can expect the following room amenities:

• LCD flat-panel TV with cable
• Free Wi-Fi
• Alarm radio
• Balcony with island or ocean view
• Bath slippers
• Bathrobe
• Flexible work environment
• Safe
• 24-hour housekeeping
• Coffee maker
• Room service available
• Hairdryer
• Iron/ironing board
• Mini refrigerator
• Ocean/water view
• PrinterOn remote printing
• Tea/coffee making facilities

As you’d expect of a Hilton hotel, the Hilton Curaçao offers many resort-wide amenities. These include:

• Aqua Restaurant
• Captain Bligh’s Bar
• Celeste Beach Bar
• Cielo Restaurant
• Executive lounge
• The Corner Shop
• In-room dining
• Clothing store
• Gift shop
• Pool
• 2 private beach areas
• Daily shuttles to local shopping areas
• Over 7,000 square feet of meeting and event space
• Ballroom
• 5 small meeting rooms
• 4 outdoor reception areas
• Audio/visual equipment rental
• Photo copying service
• Printer
• Wireless internet throughout the property
• Children’s activities
• Cribs
• Playground
• Recreation center
• Automated teller machine
• Baggage storage
• Concierge desk
• Guest activity/recreation desk
• Laundry/valet service
• Local area transportation
• Safety deposit box
• Basketball
• Beach
• Fitness room/fitness classes
• On-site diving center
• Scuba diving
• Sight-seeing tours
• Snorkeling
• Tennis court

The Hilton Curacao Casino features 5,000 square feet of floor space. It offers 210 slot machines, seven gaming tables, two poker tables, a 300-seat bingo hall, and sportsbook betting.

Among the games visitors can play are:

• Blackjack
• Roulette
• Caribbean Stud Poker
• Texas Hold ‘Em
• Omaha

Online Ratings:

• Google: 3.9 out of 5.0
• Trip Advisor: 3.5 out of 5.0
• com: 7.1 out of 10.0

5 – Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa, and Casino

The 341-room Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa, and Casino is nestled on a private beach and has its own private pier.

If you’re planning to stay at the Sunscape, you can expect rooms that provide:

• Private balcony or terrace
• In-room mini-bar
• Wireless internet access
• Flat-screen cable TV
• Coffee/tea maker
• Alarm clock
• Daily maid service
• Hair dryer
• Iron and ironing board
• In-room safe
• In-room kid’s amenities such as gaming consoles
• Family check-in experience including red carpet stairs, a welcome treat, and resort passports for kids
• Optional connecting rooms or family suites
• Rollaway beds available upon request
• Cribs available upon request

The hotel offers a wide range of amenities for all guests to enjoy. These include:

• Bluewater Grill
• Coco Café
• Da Mario
• Himitsu
• Oceana Restaurant & Bar
• World Café
• Barracuda Bar
• Manatees Bar
• Rendezvous Bar
• Starlight Bar
• Sugar Reef Bar
• Sun Club Pool Bar
• Private beach area
• Swimming pool
• Spa
• Salon
• Meeting/banquet facilities
• Room service
• Sundeck
• Terrace
• Garden
• Fitness classes
• Yoga classes
• Steam room
• Hot tub/jacuzzi
• Fitness center
• Sauna
• Aerobics
• Archery
• Live music/performance
• Cooking classes
• Happy hour
• Themed dinners
• Movie nights
• Beach
• Tennis equipment
• Evening entertainment
• Kids’ club
• Water sports facilities (on site)
• Nightclub/DJ
• Entertainment staff
• Snorkeling
• Diving (additional charge)
• Karaoke
• Ping-pong
• Pool table
• Playground
• Game room
• Tennis court
• Concierge
• Nurse Service
• ATM on site
• Baggage storage
• Tour desk
• Currency exchange
• 24-hour front desk
• Outdoor play equipment for kids
• Indoor play area
• Books, DVDs, and music for kids
• Board games/puzzles
• Babysitting/child services
• Dry cleaning
• Laundry
• Shuttle service
• Air conditioning
• Shops (on site)
• Gift shop
• Safe
• VIP room facilities

The 11,000 square foot Princess Casino at Sunscape Resort and Spa offers over 300 slot and video poker machines. They also offer nine table games and will soon offer three poker tables.

While playing at the Princess Casino, you can enjoy:

• American Roulette
• Blackjack
• Caribbean Stud Poker

For people new to gambling, Princess Casino also offers “learn to play” and “play for fun” games every day.

Online Ratings:

• Google: 4.0 out of 5.0
• Trip Advisor: 4.0 out of 5.0
• com: 7.9 out of 10.0

6 – Curaçao Airport Hotel

If you’re looking for lodging and entertainment close to the airport, the Curaçao Airport Hotel is the place to stay. The 41-room hotel recently went through a complete renovation, modernizing the facilities for their future guests.

Guests can expect the rooms to have:

• 42″ wall-mounted HDTV
• Complimentary high-speed wireless internet
• Iron and ironing board
• Mini-fridge (upon request)
• Hair dryer
• Balcony

The hotel offers guest the following features:

• The Perfect Landing Restaurant & Bar
• Pool
• Continental breakfast
• Spa
• Room service from 6 am to 11 pm
• Pet-friendly
• Baggage storage
• Complimentary bottled water
• ATM in lobby
• Day stays from 8 am to 5 pm available at discounted rates

The Sahara Casino at the Curaçao Airport Hotel offers 160 slot machines, three blackjack tables, two American roulette tables, and one 7-card poker table.

Online Ratings:

• Google: 3.8 out of 5.0
• Trip Advisor: 3.5 out of 5.0
• com: 7.6 out of 10.0

7 – San Marco Hotel and Casino

This 82-room casino is celebrating 65 years in business in 2019. The hotel is in the heart of the Pietermaai District in Willemstad.

The hotel is reminiscent of European hotels from the early 1900s but provides guests with a modern, enjoyable experience.

Guest are able to enjoy the following in their rooms:

• Flat-screen TV with cable
• Free Wi-fi
• Connecting/adjoining rooms available
• Hair dryer (on request)
• Daily housekeeping
• Iron/ironing board (on request)
• Private bathroom
• Complimentary breakfast buffet

The hotel provides the following amenities. The restaurants are all within a block of the hotel.

• La Palma Restaurant
• De Buren Curaçao Restaurant
• La Bohème Curaçao Restaurant
• Q Restaurant
• Plein Café Wilhelmina
• Bali Mixed Asian Lunchroom
• Subway
• KFC
• 24-hour front desk
• Conference space
• Television in common areas
• Meeting room

The casino at the San Marco Hotel has 3,700 square feet of floor space. The casino has 225 slot and video poker machines, five table games, one poker table, and bingo. The table games offered are:

• Blackjack
• American Roulette
• Caribbean Stud Poker

Online Ratings:

• Google: 3.9 out of 5.0
• Trip Advisor: 3.5 out of 5.0
• com: 7.5 out of 10.0

 8 – Papagayo Beach Resort and Hotel

Located on the beach in Jan Thiel, Curaçao, the Papagayo Beach Resort and its sister site the Papagayo Beach Hotel provide guests with 230 rooms on the two properties.

Some of the features you can expect in rooms at the resort and the hotel are:

• Free Wi-Fi
• Rainshower
• Bath
• Pool
• Safe
• Nespresso coffee maker
• Electric stove with oven
• Dishwasher
• Microwave
• Kitchen towels
• Washing machine
• Ironing board with iron
• Beach towel service
• Toaster on request
• Television
• Refrigerator
• Laundry service
• Hair dryer

The resort and hotel have an adjoining plaza which adds to their offering. The amenities of the resort, hotel, and plaza include:

• Papagayo Beach Club
• Laman Organic Spa & Wellness
• Kyoto Sushi & Grill
• Bella Italia
• Mojito’s and Bites
• Van Den Tweel Supermarket
• The Bikini Shop
• Out of the Blue Jewelry
• The Walk In Closet Clothing and Accessories
• The Souvenir Shop
• Angiola Ricci
• Outdoor pool
• Gardens
• Private beach
• Sundeck
• Private beach area
• Fitness center
• Diving
• Casino
• Breakfast in the room
• Babysitting/child services
• Dry cleaning
• Laundry
• Airport shuttle
• Car rental

The Diamond Beach Casino at the Papagayo Beach Resort has a 2,000 square foot gaming floor. It has 135 slot and video poker machines and five gaming tables that feature roulette and blackjack.

Online Ratings:

• Google: 4.4 out of 5.0
• Trip Advisor: 4.5 out of 5.0
• com: 8.7 out of 10.0

Conclusion

If your goal is to go on a real vacation that has gambling as an option, Curaçao is a great choice. The island offers dozens of activities for adults and children.

The beaches alone are a great reason to head to the island. Year-round warm temperatures and a limited rain season are a huge plus.

The best time to visit if you’re looking to avoid crowds is January and February. These months are the tail-end of the rainy season, so you can enjoy some time outside while not having to compete for space on the beach.

As for gambling, if my goal was to go to a gambling destination, I’d consider Aruba before I’d consider Curaçao because of the limited offerings. While gambling has been on the island for hundreds of years, the legal industry is still gaining its footing.