Last weekend we spent two nights with our children (2 and 4 years old) at the Dreams Curacao Resort, Spa & Casino (the old Hilton) at Piscadera. We found it striking that we didn't know anyone who had been there. This also made us a bit skeptical, because if you don't hear anyone talking about it, there's often a good reason... The reviews you find online are okay, not super good but not bad either. We thought we'd see what we could do and I can tell you it was better than expected.
We chose Dreams because we have two young children. We wanted to have enough for them to do, but we also like to enjoy ourselves and relax. So we thought we had found a good combination, of pool, beach and entertainment and enough choice of restaurants.
Arrival
We were kindly welcomed in the lobby. Our suitcases were immediately put aside and we could check in at a counter. The children were amazed and immediately received something tasty (cookie or apple) from a hostess. After checking in, we were neatly taken to the room with our suitcases. The agreed baby bed for our 2-year-old was not ready in the room. So we immediately had to call the reception, but after 15 minutes the bed was neatly brought. We had a standard room with a request for a bath. We do not have a bath at home and the children do not know a bath. Except for a swimming pool ;) The standard room consisted of two queen size beds with standard facilities and a bathroom with toilet and bath (yay). The bath was used to the max these two days, they loved it.
First evening
After we arrived and everything was unpacked we walked downstairs to explore everything and in the meantime it was the end of the afternoon. So we were all hungry. At the beginning it takes a bit of searching and looking where something is and what is open. They could probably work on that, but you will figure it out. Eventually we walked to the "Crafty Iguana Brew Pub" at 6pm. Here the four of us had a small bite to eat. Mainly for the children. We had planned to have a bite somewhere else after the children were in bed. As the name suggests, a pub, you can get a hamburger, fries, chicken sticks etc. and a nice draft beer. The prices are on the menu, which was confusing for us. Because we had booked all inclusive, right?! And the staff agreed, there was no extra charge. After dinner, a bath and the children in bed. The children thought differently and were so 'excited' that they really didn't go to sleep yet. The youngest discovered that she could climb out of the crib. So it was a hassle to keep her in that crib. Finally at 21:30 (!) they were asleep and we ordered room service. In the (almost) dark we ate and it was delicious. Plate of pasta for me and steak for the husband with a glass of red wine and a glass of bubbles for me. We were happy.
Having fun
The next morning the children stayed in bed a little longer (with their curtains you could also make it really dark in the room, also handy for afternoon naps) and after another bath session we walked downstairs for breakfast. Breakfast is served daily in an extensive buffet at "World Cafe". Excellent breakfast buffet, everything you can expect and more is there. Omelette can be made the way you want it, juices, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, pancakes, fruit etc. After breakfast we went to the children's pool. A large swimming pool, shallow (below knee height for an adult) with all kinds of play/squirt toys. Perfect pool for the little ones. I think this is fun up to the age of 6. After that it might get a bit boring for them. But then there are still plenty of other options for them. The beach is not big, but you don't need more. In any case, it is pleasantly busy at the resort, but certainly not too full and not every bed is occupied. There are also water sports facilities, so a waterboard, snorkeling gear, etc. can all be found there. I also saw tires for behind a boat, but I don't know if that is also included. There is another large swimming pool, it was also pleasantly busy there and there was music. In the afternoon the "World Café" is open with an extensive buffet. Enough choice for everyone and always something tasty to be found. Drinks (whatever you want) are served and all dirty plates and glasses are quickly removed. Just fine and tidy. In the afternoon you can also go to "Barefoot Grill" for a hamburger, hotdog, etc.
There is also a Kids Club, these are for children from 3 to 12 years old. Very nice ladies who will look after your children and entertain them. An area inside with air conditioning with all kinds of options, such as crafting, building, climbing, "camping", watching a movie or playing outside on the playground equipment or on the trampoline. Because there were hardly any children, they had it quiet and our 2-year-old daughter could also play there for a while. Then we had 1.5 hours to ourselves. Just quietly with a cocktail in the shade on a nice spot. We didn't mind that either. You get a device that vibrates when they need you. Just like the thing you get and vibrates when your food is ready. You know them. We picked up the children and had even eaten together with the babysitters and had a great time. Of course, another bath and then to bed. Fortunately, that went better than the first night. Especially because they had swum and played a lot, they were also very tired. We put the baby monitor in the room and then went downstairs to eat at “Oceana”. A seafood restaurant by the sea. Beautiful spot and good food. During dinner two dancers came by and asked if we were coming to watch the dance show tonight. There was also a kind of performance in the open air theatre. We didn’t go there, but we saw that there is entertainment every evening on the programme. There is also a Casino and an extensive Spa. We didn’t go here either. Not that we don’t like it, but we just didn’t have time to go there. In total there are seven dining options: “World Café” with breakfast and lunch buffet (On the site they also said dinner, but that was not there. At least not when we were there), “Crafty Pub”, sports bar with drinks and Tex-Mex food, “Portofino”, Italian restaurant, “Barefoot Grill” Beach grill for a simple lunch, “Oceana”, seafood restaurant, "Seaside Grill", with steaks and other grilled dishes (we completely missed this one by the way) and finally “Coco cafe” with coffee, tea and snacks. They have three bars, a bar “Rendez vous”, in the middle of the lobby from early morning until late at night for drinks and cocktails. Bar in the Casino and bar by the pool. In short, you will not miss anything.
Again or not?!
We were pleasantly surprised. In retrospect I wonder why we had such (low) expectations before arrival. It is a beautiful, complete and well-kept resort and with a surprisingly large number of super friendly staff. There is a local rate of USD 360, - per night based on 2 adults + 1 child of 4 years (you pay for) and 1 child of 2 years (which is free). Minimum stay is 2 nights in the weekend and 1 night during the week. So no it is not for free, but all drinks, food, accommodation and extras are included. We actually came to the conclusion that 2 nights are too short. We have not even experienced so many restaurants, the spa and casino. Time flies, but that is only a good sign. So for us it was certainly not the last time at Dreams Resort.
