The Vibe
Hotel 't Klooster's quirky, church-like entrance immediately gives guests a sense of its interesting history. The hotel takes its name from the Dutch word for “cloister,” a nod to the building’s previous life as a monastery. Constructed in the 1930s, the monastery was home to a congregation called the Fraters van Zwijsen until 1987. After passing between several more owners, the monastery was designated an official monument in 2006, given a much-needed makeover and reopened as a hotel three years later.
The hotel’s small, breezy lobby gives way to a leafy courtyard ringed by guest rooms. Curaçao tends to be popular with Dutch travellers, which is reflected in the hotel’s clientele of mainly European couples and families. Most guests don’t spend all day on the property, but you’ll usually spot a few people lingering in the cheery courtyard or lounging by the pool after breakfast.
The Rooms
Rooms offer a nice balance between budget-friendliness and character, pairing simple decor with historic elements from the old monastery, such as original tiled floors and vintage photos. The most basic rooms include flat-screen TVs, work desks and free Wi-Fi in addition to wet bars with kettles and mini-fridges. Many rooms have both indoor and outdoor showers. Upgraded rooms add extras like private patios, while Long Term Apartments offer separate living areas plus kitchenettes with stovetops and microwaves.
The Features
The hotel’s star feature is its restaurant, Blessing, which is housed in a former chapel. Restored features from the monastery, including stained glasswork and angelic statues, give the restaurant interior a distinctive look, plus there’s also a pleasant streetside patio. The restaurant’s tasty international menu is organized into meat, fish and veggie-based apps and mains.
Other on-site features include a lovely little plunge pool found outside in the courtyard. The courtyard is also the setting for the continental breakfast buffet served each morning.
The Location
Hotel 't Klooster is located in the up-and-coming Pietermaai District, which is known for its artsy shops and eclectic restaurants. The neighbourhood is just outside Willemstad’s city center, but within a 15-minute walk of attractions like the Queen Emma Bridge and Otrobanda, the city’s UNESCO-recognized historic district. There’s a small beach a 10-minute walk away, while popular Mambo Beach is five minutes away by car. It’s a 20-minute drive to Curaçao International Airport.
Rooms start at $100 per night
Abraham de Veerstraat, Willemstad, Curaçao, +599 9 461 2650, hotelklooster.com
