Pros

  • Excellent waterfront location in downtown Willemstad
  • Affordable rates for the area
  • Most rooms offer striking views over Santa Anna Bay
  • Nice courtyard pool surrounded by a brick sundeck
  • 1,500-square-foot casino on-site
  • Discounts available for nearby restaurants
  • Free Wi-Fi in common areas
  • Free self-parking
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Cons

  • Stale decor could use an update
  • Not on the beach
  • Wi-Fi signal does not reach all rooms
  • Most rooms don’t have balconies
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Bottom Line

E M City Hotel is an unfussy, two-and-a-half-pearl property located in the heart of downtown Willemstad. The hotel’s 70 rooms are attractively priced and its location right in front of the Queen Emma Bridge is unbeatable; however, its rooms and facilities are in serious need of a refresh and guests should be prepared to manage their expectations accordingly. Amenities are limited to an outdoor pool and a casino, though many attractions and restaurants can be found within easy walking distance. Travelers may want to compare rates and amenities with the neighboring Otrobanda Hotel and Casino.

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Amenities

  • Casino
  • Cribs
  • Internet
  • Pool

Oyster Hotel Review

E M City Hotel

Scene

Older hotel best suited to frugal travelers looking for a place to sleep in a central location

There’s no denying that E M City Hotel has a great location -- in fact, it’s the only hotel in the city with straight-on views of the Queen Emma Bridge and the scenic Punda district. Formerly a Howard Johnson property, E M City Hotel has been under independent management since March 2016, and it's slated to undergo a full-scale renovation through 2017 and 2018. Some rooms had already been renovated with brighter decor during our visit, but the rest of the hotel was showing clear signs of age. 

A run-down parking lot and bland entrance give way to a run-of-the-mill lobby. Guest rooms are accessed via dark hallways and a clunky, old elevator. Not surprisingly considering the sparse amenities found on-site, guests don’t tend to hang around during the day, with interactions generally limited to passing one another in the hallway. 

See More Scene

Location

Prime location on the main square of Otrobanda, overlooking the Queen Emma Bridge and Punda

E M City Hotel has an outstanding location within walking distance of most of the city’s top attractions. The hotel opens directly onto Brionplein, a picturesque waterfront square that’s frequently the site of public celebrations, including Carnival. While there’s no restaurant on-site, chains like KFC and Pizza Hut are found directly out front, as well as numerous local dining options. Renaissance Mall and the Renaissance Rif Fort, a popular shopping and dining destination, is also less than a five-minute walk away. The nearest beach is Mambo (Seaquarium) Beach, which is around a 15-minute drive away. Curacao International Airport can be reached in about a 20-minute drive.  

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Rooms

No-frills rooms, most offering fantastic views of Santa Anna Bay and Punda

Guest rooms at E M City Hotel are spartan and generally tidy, but not immaculately clean. The decor is dated in most rooms -- think lifeless brown color palettes, generic artwork, and old-fashioned furniture. Some rooms have faded carpeting, while others have tile floors. Renovated suites are more cheerful and feature colorful fabrics, but the decor still has a low-cost look. 

Most rooms feature flat-screen TVs, but some still have tube TVs, and the Wi-Fi signal doesn’t reach all rooms. Work desks are standard, while mini-fridges can be rented for a fee. Irons and kettles are also available, but guests need to pay a deposit for them. Bathrooms are standard size but equally plain, with shower/tub combos and older fixtures. Most have wall-mounted hairdryers, as well as magnifying mirrors, and some include bidets. Pump bottles of shower gel and off-brand bars of soap are provided. 

Almost all rooms offer wonderful views of the Santa Anna Bay, or partial views of the bay along with the Queen Juliana Bridge -- the remainder overlook the parking lot. Some rooms have unfurnished balconies. Suites add sofa beds, while Presidential Suites include large separate living areas and some also feature additional half bathrooms. 

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Features

Pleasant lap pool, small casino, and free parking

E M City Hotel’s modest array of on-site features includes a medium-sized outdoor pool. Set in a courtyard surrounded by colorful building facades and greenery, it’s one of the more attractive areas of the property. There’s also a 1,500-square-foot casino adjacent to the hotel, and a rental car desk located in the lobby. A parking lot in front of the hotel offers a limited number of free spots. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby, pool area, and hallways. There are also a handful of vending machines located near the pool and in the lobby. The property provides coupons for several nearby restaurants, including a Subway and La Bahia Seafood and Steakhouse at the nearby Otrobanda Hotel and Casino. 

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Things You Should Know About E M City Hotel

Also Known As

  • Howard Johnson Curacao Plaza Hotel & Casino

Address

Brionplein Zn, Otrobanda, Caribbean

Website

Oyster Hotel Review

E M City Hotel

Scene

Older hotel best suited to frugal travelers looking for a place to sleep in a central location

There’s no denying that E M City Hotel has a great location -- in fact, it’s the only hotel in the city with straight-on views of the Queen Emma Bridge and the scenic Punda district. Formerly a Howard Johnson property, E M City Hotel has been under independent management since March 2016, and it's slated to undergo a full-scale renovation through 2017 and 2018. Some rooms had already been renovated with brighter decor during our visit, but the rest of the hotel was showing clear signs of age. 

A run-down parking lot and bland entrance give way to a run-of-the-mill lobby. Guest rooms are accessed via dark hallways and a clunky, old elevator. Not surprisingly considering the sparse amenities found on-site, guests don’t tend to hang around during the day, with interactions generally limited to passing one another in the hallway. 

See More Scene

Location

Prime location on the main square of Otrobanda, overlooking the Queen Emma Bridge and Punda

E M City Hotel has an outstanding location within walking distance of most of the city’s top attractions. The hotel opens directly onto Brionplein, a picturesque waterfront square that’s frequently the site of public celebrations, including Carnival. While there’s no restaurant on-site, chains like KFC and Pizza Hut are found directly out front, as well as numerous local dining options. Renaissance Mall and the Renaissance Rif Fort, a popular shopping and dining destination, is also less than a five-minute walk away. The nearest beach is Mambo (Seaquarium) Beach, which is around a 15-minute drive away. Curacao International Airport can be reached in about a 20-minute drive.  

See More Location

Rooms

No-frills rooms, most offering fantastic views of Santa Anna Bay and Punda

Guest rooms at E M City Hotel are spartan and generally tidy, but not immaculately clean. The decor is dated in most rooms -- think lifeless brown color palettes, generic artwork, and old-fashioned furniture. Some rooms have faded carpeting, while others have tile floors. Renovated suites are more cheerful and feature colorful fabrics, but the decor still has a low-cost look. 

Most rooms feature flat-screen TVs, but some still have tube TVs, and the Wi-Fi signal doesn’t reach all rooms. Work desks are standard, while mini-fridges can be rented for a fee. Irons and kettles are also available, but guests need to pay a deposit for them. Bathrooms are standard size but equally plain, with shower/tub combos and older fixtures. Most have wall-mounted hairdryers, as well as magnifying mirrors, and some include bidets. Pump bottles of shower gel and off-brand bars of soap are provided. 

Almost all rooms offer wonderful views of the Santa Anna Bay, or partial views of the bay along with the Queen Juliana Bridge -- the remainder overlook the parking lot. Some rooms have unfurnished balconies. Suites add sofa beds, while Presidential Suites include large separate living areas and some also feature additional half bathrooms. 

See More Rooms

Features

Pleasant lap pool, small casino, and free parking

E M City Hotel’s modest array of on-site features includes a medium-sized outdoor pool. Set in a courtyard surrounded by colorful building facades and greenery, it’s one of the more attractive areas of the property. There’s also a 1,500-square-foot casino adjacent to the hotel, and a rental car desk located in the lobby. A parking lot in front of the hotel offers a limited number of free spots. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby, pool area, and hallways. There are also a handful of vending machines located near the pool and in the lobby. The property provides coupons for several nearby restaurants, including a Subway and La Bahia Seafood and Steakhouse at the nearby Otrobanda Hotel and Casino. 

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Basic Television

  • Cable

  • Casino

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Pool

  • Rental Car Service Desk Onsite

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.