I asked today if Diveversity was still down there and open, he told me yes. I think as long as that is the case, they'll let people dive anytime. The question is how long will they be down there with no diver/renters coming in.
Habitat Closing?
- Thread starter muzicgirl
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From yesterday's paper (Amigoe):
WILLEMSTAD — Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Hensley Koeiman (MAN) promised he would settle the applications for the dismissal of the 48 employees of the Habitat Hotel as quickly and peacefully as possible.
The Minister spoke with manager Sybolt ten Hoopen yesterday. As known, the diving hotel (currently called Coral Estate) has been running at a loss for some time now. The association of owners of the apartments, which are rented according to a hotel formula, have decided to reorganize the exploitation. The hotel will be closed as of March 1st. The hotel has applied for a dismissal order for the 48 employees. The manager also informed Koeiman that the hotel was trying to place the employees with other hotels. “My impression is that the management is of good will. The most important issue now is that the employees retain their rights and that the liabilities are kept towards the employees.” The procedure for dismissal has been started in the meantime. The atmosphere amongst the personnel is somewhat tense; there is uncertainty, as Koeiman experienced yesterday during a meeting. “I can only promise to do my utmost in respecting their rights.” In two sessions, the personnel members would receive further information on the settlement of their dismissal. They will loose their job at Habitat per March 1st.
WILLEMSTAD — Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Hensley Koeiman (MAN) promised he would settle the applications for the dismissal of the 48 employees of the Habitat Hotel as quickly and peacefully as possible.
The Minister spoke with manager Sybolt ten Hoopen yesterday. As known, the diving hotel (currently called Coral Estate) has been running at a loss for some time now. The association of owners of the apartments, which are rented according to a hotel formula, have decided to reorganize the exploitation. The hotel will be closed as of March 1st. The hotel has applied for a dismissal order for the 48 employees. The manager also informed Koeiman that the hotel was trying to place the employees with other hotels. “My impression is that the management is of good will. The most important issue now is that the employees retain their rights and that the liabilities are kept towards the employees.” The procedure for dismissal has been started in the meantime. The atmosphere amongst the personnel is somewhat tense; there is uncertainty, as Koeiman experienced yesterday during a meeting. “I can only promise to do my utmost in respecting their rights.” In two sessions, the personnel members would receive further information on the settlement of their dismissal. They will loose their job at Habitat per March 1st.
This is very sad news indeed. I have been to Habitat 13 times over the last ten years. I even have a 1 week free stay voucher with me for being a loyal client.
Are there any other places in Curacao that have similar setup and cater to divers only (not interested in big hotels)?
Are there any other places in Curacao that have similar setup and cater to divers only (not interested in big hotels)?
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AllWest Apartments in Westpunt has an Ocean Encounters West facility on-site. Nearby Lodge Kura Hulanda has the main OEWest facility. The Lodge is a little bigger resort. It's a lot nicer than Habitat also.
They're both off the Playa Kalki/Alice in Wonderland shore dive - IMO about the best dive in that area. Westpunt is about as quiet as the Habitat area was - just a few restaurants - a few smaller resorts etc.
Another option might be Lions Dive - they're adjacent to the main Ocean Encounters shop and also the Sea Aquarium tourist complex. It's in east Willemstad so the area isn't as quiet as the west side of the island.
They're both off the Playa Kalki/Alice in Wonderland shore dive - IMO about the best dive in that area. Westpunt is about as quiet as the Habitat area was - just a few restaurants - a few smaller resorts etc.
Another option might be Lions Dive - they're adjacent to the main Ocean Encounters shop and also the Sea Aquarium tourist complex. It's in east Willemstad so the area isn't as quiet as the west side of the island.
jdcpa
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Right out the door from All West and next door for Lodge Kura Hulanda. You can store your gear at OEW so it is not much of a walk at all. Well, none really.
jdcpa
Contributor
The Lodge is not as expensive as you think.
Look at their special rates on their rate page. Rates start at $140 per night.
Not as cheap as All West, but not as expensive as you think.
They are different type properties, so you need to figure out what type trip you want to take.
Look at their special rates on their rate page. Rates start at $140 per night.
Not as cheap as All West, but not as expensive as you think.
They are different type properties, so you need to figure out what type trip you want to take.
chauncy19
Contributor
can't answer questions about the lodge but can about all west. All west is short drive away from the lodge. You could walk it but I never saw anyone do it. I am sure its a timing thing but found the dive in front of All West to be better than Alice in Wonderland. Way too much coral bleaching for me to get over at alice in wonderland. Loved the dive in front of All West, did it many different times of day, there is a turtle or two just waiting to say hello when you go in 
Agree that where you stay is about what you like etc for us All West was great for us and intend on going back next year. Just not again in November--was very rainy and came back with possible dengue fever--(not tested but ...)which is/was no fun.
Agree that where you stay is about what you like etc for us All West was great for us and intend on going back next year. Just not again in November--was very rainy and came back with possible dengue fever--(not tested but ...)which is/was no fun.
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