Locals Welcome: How to Reserve a Table at The Pen, Blues Restaurant, or Schooner Bar—No Day Pass Needed
If you live in Curaçao or are visiting the island by cruise ship, you may be wondering whether you can enjoy an oceanfront meal at Avila Beach Hotel without booking a room or purchasing a day pass. The answer is simple: yes. Non-resident guests are welcome to dine at The Pen Restaurant, Blues Restaurant, and Schooner Bar either as walk-ins, subject to availability, or by making an online reservation in advance.
That means you can plan a relaxed breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drinks by the sea without turning it into a full resort day. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to reserve a table at The Pen, Blues Restaurant, or Schooner Bar—no day pass needed, what each venue offers, and how to choose the right spot for your outing.
Can You Dine at Avila Beach Hotel Without a Day Pass?
Yes. Non-resident visitors may dine at The Pen Restaurant, Blues Restaurant, or Schooner Bar without purchasing a day pass.
You have two options:
- Walk in, subject to availability
- Reserve online in advance
For guests who want the best chance of securing a preferred time, reserving ahead is the better option. This is especially helpful if you are planning around a special occasion, meeting friends after work, or organizing a meal during a busy period.
This flexibility is useful for:
- Curaçao residents planning a breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drinks outing
- Cruise passengers looking for a beachfront dining experience
- Visitors staying elsewhere on the island who want to enjoy Avila’s restaurants and bar
Why This Matters for Locals and Island Visitors
Many people assume that hotel dining is reserved only for overnight guests or day-pass holders. Here, that is not the case for these dining venues. If your goal is simply to enjoy a meal or drinks, you can do that directly at the restaurant or bar level.
That makes Avila Beach Hotel a practical option when you want:
- A beachfront dining setting
- A meal in Willemstad, Curaçao with easy access to the city
- A choice between breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks
- A more spontaneous plan, thanks to the walk-in option
For anyone comparing dining locations, the ability to visit for food and drinks alone removes an extra layer of planning.
How to Reserve a Table at The Pen, Blues Restaurant, or Schooner Bar
If you want to reserve a table at The Pen, Blues Restaurant, or Schooner Bar—no day pass needed, the process is straightforward.
Option 1: Walk In
Non-resident guests may visit as walk-ins, depending on availability.
This can work well if:
- Your schedule is flexible
- You are already nearby
- You do not mind waiting for a table if the venue is busy
Option 2: Reserve Online in Advance
You can also secure an online reservation in advance.
This is the best choice if you want to:
- Plan your meal around a specific time
- Avoid uncertainty
- Arrange a dinner at Blues Restaurant during its operating days
- Coordinate a gathering with family, friends, or colleagues
Dining Venues at a Glance
Avila Beach Hotel operates three full-service restaurants and bar venues that give guests and local diners options from morning to late evening.
| Venue | What It Serves | Opening Hours | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Pen Restaurant & Terrace | Buffet breakfast, à-la-carte lunch, and dinner | Daily, breakfast 07:00–10:30; lunch and dinner until 22:00 | Relaxed restaurant and terrace setting |
| Blues Restaurant | Dinner only | 18:00–22:00; closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays | Waterfront dining with live jazz on select evenings |
| Schooner Bar | Lunch and dinner | 10:00–23:30 | Open-air beachfront setting with cocktails and light bites |
The Pen Restaurant & Terrace: Best for Breakfast Through Dinner
If you want the most flexible dining schedule, The Pen Restaurant & Terrace is a strong choice.
What to Expect
The Pen is open daily for:
- Buffet breakfast from 07:00–10:30
- À-la-carte lunch
- Dinner until 22:00
This makes it ideal for a wide range of plans, from a morning meeting over breakfast to a casual evening meal.
Who It Suits Best
The Pen works especially well for:
- Residents looking for an easy breakfast by the sea
- Guests who prefer more menu flexibility across the day
- Diners who want a lunch or dinner option in a comfortable setting
If you are planning a daytime visit, The Pen gives you the broadest window to dine.
Blues Restaurant: Dinner on the Waterfront
Blues Restaurant is designed for guests who want an evening meal with atmosphere.
What to Expect
Blues is open for dinner only, from 18:00–22:00, and is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It is described as a one-of-a-kind waterfront dining experience at the end of the pier, serving seafood and international dishes in a vibrant, laid-back setting. Live jazz performances take place on select evenings.
Why People Choose Blues
Blues is a natural fit for:
- Date nights
- Special dinners with friends
- Visitors who want a memorable waterfront setting
- Anyone who enjoys live music with dinner
Because Blues has a more defined service window and specific closing days, an advance online reservation can be especially helpful here.
Schooner Bar: Beachfront, Casual, and Easygoing
If you want something more relaxed, Schooner Bar offers a casual beachfront option.
What to Expect
Schooner Bar is an open-air beachfront spot serving lunch and dinner from 10:00–23:30. It also hosts Happy Hour from 17:00–18:00.
It is described as a place for:
- Light bites
- Refreshing cocktails
- A relaxed setting right on the beach
Best Reasons to Choose Schooner Bar
Schooner Bar is ideal if you are looking for:
- A laid-back lunch by the water
- Drinks with friends after work
- A casual dinner without a more formal restaurant feel
- A beachfront setting with a long service window
For locals, this can be one of the easiest options to fit into a spontaneous afternoon or evening plan.
Is Beachfront Dining Available?
Yes. Beachfront dining is available at Avila Beach Hotel.
That matters if your priority is not just the meal, but the setting. Dining by the Caribbean Sea changes the pace of the experience. It works for everything from a quick lunch to a slower dinner with drinks and conversation.
Among the three venues:
- Schooner Bar offers a right-on-the-beach atmosphere
- Blues Restaurant delivers a waterfront experience at the end of the pier
- The Pen Restaurant & Terrace adds another on-site dining option with service throughout more of the day
Do You Need a Day Pass for Dining?
No. You do not need a day pass to dine at The Pen Restaurant, Blues Restaurant, or Schooner Bar.
This is one of the most important points to know before planning your visit.
A Beach Day Pass is available for non-hotel guests, cruise passengers, and locals, but it is a separate offering. If your plan is specifically to eat or drink at one of these venues, the FAQ confirms that dining access is available without purchasing a day pass.
That distinction helps guests choose the right option:
- Dining only: Reserve a table or walk in
- Resort day experience: Explore the separate day pass offering
Practical Tips Before You Go
If you want your visit to go smoothly, keep these quick tips in mind.
1. Reserve Ahead for the Best Choice of Time
While walk-ins are welcome subject to availability, a reservation gives you more certainty.
2. Match the Venue to the Occasion
Choose based on the kind of outing you want:
- Breakfast, lunch, or dinner: The Pen Restaurant & Terrace
- Dinner with a waterfront atmosphere: Blues Restaurant
- Casual beachfront drinks or a relaxed meal: Schooner Bar
3. Check the Hours Carefully
Hours vary by venue, and Blues Restaurant is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
4. Consider the Setting You Want Most
If the main goal is to dine as close to the sea as possible, Schooner Bar and Blues Restaurant stand out.
5. Explore Related On-Site Experiences
If you are planning a longer outing, you may also want to look into related topics such as:
- Meal plans and add-ons
- Dinner on the Beach by advance reservation
- Offers for locals
- The separate Beach Day Pass option for non-hotel guests
Quick Answers
Can locals eat at Avila Beach Hotel without staying overnight?
Yes. Non-resident guests may dine at The Pen Restaurant, Blues Restaurant, and Schooner Bar without purchasing a day pass.
Do I need a day pass to eat at The Pen, Blues Restaurant, or Schooner Bar?
No. A day pass is not required for dining at these venues.
Can I just walk in?
Yes. Walk-ins are allowed, subject to availability.
Can I reserve in advance?
Yes. You can secure an online reservation in advance.
Which venue is open latest?
Schooner Bar is open until 23:30.
Which restaurant serves breakfast?
The Pen Restaurant & Terrace serves buffet breakfast from 07:00–10:30.
When is Blues Restaurant open?
Blues Restaurant is open 18:00–22:00 and is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
A Simple Way to Enjoy Avila’s Dining Scene
The best part of reserving a table at The Pen, Blues Restaurant, or Schooner Bar—no day pass needed is the simplicity. You do not have to book a room. You do not have to purchase a day pass just to enjoy a meal. You can choose the venue that fits your mood, reserve ahead if you prefer, and enjoy the setting that suits the occasion.
Whether you are planning a beachfront lunch, a casual cocktail, or a waterfront dinner with live jazz on select evenings, there is a clear path to making it happen.
Plan Your Visit
Ready to dine by the sea? Choose The Pen Restaurant & Terrace, Blues Restaurant, or Schooner Bar, then make your online reservation in advance or visit as a walk-in, subject to availability. If you are also considering a fuller resort experience, explore the separate Beach Day Pass and offers for locals to plan the outing that fits you best.