Why Willemstad is UNESCO-Listed
The historic area of Willemstad was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 for its remarkably preserved Dutch colonial townscape adapted to the Caribbean.
Four historic districts — Punda, Otrobanda, Scharloo and Pietermaai — together form a unique blend of Dutch urban planning and tropical colour, gabled merchant houses, forts and canals built around a natural harbour. The hotel sits inside this protected zone, in Punda, so you are quite literally staying within the World Heritage site. UNESCO status protects the facades you walk past every day.
Good to know
- Punda, Otrobanda, Scharloo and Pietermaai form the heritage zone.
- The hotel sits inside the protected area.
- Look for the gabled "Dutch-Caribbean" architecture everywhere.
Questions & answers
When did Willemstad become a UNESCO site?
The historic centre and harbour of Willemstad were inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1997.
Majestic City Palace — a restored 1892 monument in Punda, steps from everything in this guide.