The Avila is set right on the beach and has it's own coves and open air restaurants. It is a beautiful hotel and provides a very relaxing , laid back setting, perfect for vacations. We booked a room in the Blues Wing which is right on a jetty jutting into the ocean. The view from the balcony was amazing. Only problem was the air conditioning did not work and there were ants all over the bathroom. We informed the front desk upon arrival and they said it would cool down and just took time. I guess the ants were just part of being on the jetty. After the second day with no air, we complained again and they had a repairman look at it, stating it worked. After the third night with it still not working, the manager finally came down and after walking into the stifling room, could not deny it was broken. They moved us to the Octagon wing into a very nice room with a free bottle of wine. Sad that it took three nights of us sleeping in sweat to get this done. The front desk staff were terrible...they seemed put out when asked to call a taxi and did not want to hear complaints. Major attitude and for no reason. The hotel was under construction and the noise from it was quite loud and unavoidable throughout the day, never mind the dust clouds that would descend on the bars below. The spa was pretty plain and third world. A massage with no peaceful music?

Despite the room problems and tacky front desk, we still had a great time but that is due to the beauty of the island and hotel setting but not the hotel management. There's a great European flare to the hotel and it's very modern and laid back, but not sure I'd be running back to the Avila any time soon.

We went to the Avila for a destination wedding. We agree that if you are not Dutch you are not treated as well but if you are spending money they treat you nicely. Service is terrible. But it is not just this hotel. It is everywhere on the island. They just do not understand how customer service works. we always waited for meals and drinks forever. We teased that they are all on "island time". But besides that the front staff were always helpful in getting cabs, making reservations, etc.

First let me say the rooms and beach are nice. I'm sure it is a great place to stay if you're Dutch. My wife and I honeymooned at the Avila and received second rate service. We found that you were given preferential treatment at the restaurants, bar, and lobby if you spoke Dutch. We were treated rudely more than once by lobby and security staff when trying to arrange for taxis and other services. We also purchased the "Honeymoon" package ($420 US) which amounted to a glass of fruit juice on arrival, fake flowers in the room, a dinner on the beach (same menu as the restaurant), and a mediocre massage. None of the visit was worth the premium rates.

We have stayed in the newly built Octagon Wing. The room was tastefully decorated, the view at the garden and beach was great. The hotel staff was really friendly and helpful. The beach in Avila is one of the nicest we have seen and very quiet. If I went back to Curacao I would stay there again.