We enjoyed our first visit to Curaçao quite a bit, but were somewhat satisfied with Lions Dive -- which has strong points and at least a few challenges.

--> BEST ASPECTS: Ideal setting on a clean, ample-size beach with walk-in snorkeling (superb, thanks to breakwall with submerged plant growth that's a fish magnet). Plenty of adjustable loungers with cushions, thatched-roof palapas, wooden huts. Kid-safe wading areas, food/drink service, seaside massages/manicures, a few nearby shops, short walk (beach or roadside sidewalk) to popular seafood restaurant/club (Mambo Beach).

--> OTHER AMENITIES: Twice-daily free shuttles to supermarket and downtown. Public bushalte (stop) right outside driveway for convenient access ($1 USD) to downtown and popular Jaan Thiel Beach (highly recommended). On-site car rental (National/Alamo). Free terminal to print boarding passes. Three Internet terminals ($5 for 30 minutes).

--> DOWNSIDES: No tour desk/concierge.Inconsistent staff at desk, where check-in was handled w/out warmth or responsiveness to questions.Bus question later stumped 1st clerk. Housekeeping poor (floor stayed sandy, shower soap dispenser unfilled 2 days, past guest water bottle under bed). No hair dryer until requested. Snorkels/fins provided for fee, though site promotes snorkeling.

--> OFF-SITE: Next-door Sea Aquarium is free to Lions Dive guests and well worth at least two visits to see dolphin, sea lion and small shark-feeding shows. (Swim with dolphins for a fee.) Walk along curbed road (5 mins) past nearly adjacent Breezes Hotel to Sea Side Terrace + adjacent Surfe & Turf small bayside restaurants for value and friendly proprietors/staff. This is beach food as it should be served! Ask for homemade pica (hot) sauce if you dare.

--> DAY TRIP: Book a 90-minute ferry to Kleine Curacao, an uninhabited island with pristine, broad beach, sea turtles visible to snorkelers, an abandoned lighthouse and a photogenic, rusting shipwreck on shore. Go with The Mermaid ($95 USD), which serves tasty continental breakfast and barbecued buffet lunch in its own beach structure (indoor bathroom). It also has beach chairs, small shelters, free snorkel masks, ultra-friendly crew.

A rival operation (Pelican) sails there with a catamaran that stays anchored offshore for snorkeling, with lunch served on board. It promotes open bar, but our crew provided complimentary beer and rum/cola.

We liked the Lions Dive a lot! The apartment we stayed in was wonderful, great for families with children like us, two bedrooms with two bathrooms and a kitchen! And let's not forget the lovely balcony and living area overlooking the pool and ocean! The staff at the resort was friendly, sometimes a bit slow (in the restaurants) but very nice. The food in the restaurants is not exceptional but for the price you pay its pretty good, especially at Hemingway beach bar. You'll love the dining on the beach overlooking the ocean...also great for kids who can just run around and play on the beach while we had a nice dinner! The dolphin encounter we did with the kids was amazing, and just minutes away from the resort at the dolphin academy. Downtown Willemstad is like 10 minutes away with the free shuttle service, loved the floating bridge and all the amsterdam-style houses! We also went on a great tour to the western part of the island, they pick you up right at the hotel. We couldn't have wished for a better trip! thank you Lions Dive!

Lions Dive is pretty much as-advertised and quite an impressive facility. There are a *lot* of rooms, several on-site restaurants/bars, clean and sheltered beach with lots of chairs and palm trees. You can have a pretty self-contained vacation here. I did feel like they nickel-and-dime you for things like safe keys, etc., which I would expect to be included for the prices they charge, and I found the people who worked there a little bit surly- it is a big operation! Rooms were clean and the beds were comfortable with gleaming white sheets.

My vaction at the Lions Dive & Beach Resort was simply amazing. This resort is all about location! Within 10 minutes you're in downtown Willemstad with the free bus for hotel guests and you're within walking distance from nice restaurants and bars at the beach next to the resort. Don't miss the happy hours on Sunday, they were great! We swam with the dolphins at the Sea Aquarium next door, a truly unique experience, not cheap though especially when you want to buy some of the pictures and the dvd...

The house reef of the hotel is really nice, you're able to dive right from the shore! But the boat dives were also amazing. The dive operation on site (ocean encounters) was really good, the boats were in good condtion and the staff really knew what they were doing.

Our room at the resort wasn't big, but it was clean and had a nice balcony. The airconditioning wasn't working properly when we arrived in the room, but the staff repaired it fairly quick. I really liked the european style duvets they used, nice and clean. The fridge in the room was ideal for some cold beers!

The restaurants on site were ok, nothing special at Hemingway beach bar, but the location right on the beach made up for the standard food. The food at the Nemo restaurant was excellent though, they have wonderfull fish dishes on the menu. The service was good as well, at Hemingway you usually had to wait for a little bit, but not really long.

The thing I didn't like was that you had to pay for the wi-fi ($12 a day) and the signal was bad sometimes, but I guess you shouldn't be on your computer that much on a tropical island. Overall our stay was excellent and we would really love to come back when we have the time!