Queens Hotel: Central Paramaribo Stay with Pool, Casino & Waterfront Buzz
A lively, well-located hotel steps from the Suriname River and the historic old town.
Why Go
Set on Kleine Waterstraat right in Paramaribo's tourist heart, Queens Hotel puts you within a five-minute walk of the UNESCO-listed old town, Fort Zeelandia and the palm-lined Waterkant promenade. It's the kind of base where you can wander out for a river-view sunset, then come back for a swim, a cocktail at the bar, or a spin at the on-site casino.
The Experience
Queens leans more workaday-comfortable than boutique-polished, and that's exactly its appeal for travelers who want a central pad without the resort prices of neighboring Torarica or Ramada across the street. Large, air-conditioned rooms are the standout - guests consistently mention how spacious they feel, most with private balconies, satellite TV, and coffee-makers. The outdoor pool and jacuzzi are a genuine relief after a humid day exploring Paramaribo, and the small gym, on-site restaurant, breakfast buffet and 24-hour front desk round out a full-service stay. Staff are frequently praised for warmth and hospitality, and the buzzy little nightclub/casino downstairs means the property has a pulse into the evening - a plus if you want energy on your doorstep, worth noting if you're a light sleeper.
What to Try
Start the day with the breakfast buffet - reviewers repeatedly single out the spread as a highlight, with a mix of Surinamese, Dutch and Western options that fuel a full day of walking the old town. In the afternoon, claim a lounger by the pool with a Parbo beer before heading out to Waterkant for sunset. After dark, the hotel's own restaurant and bar are a low-effort dinner option, or drift over to the casino/nightclub for a nightcap. If you're staying multiple nights, book a massage on-site to reset after a jungle or river excursion.
Insider Tip
Ask for a room on a higher floor away from the casino and nightclub side of the building - the location is unbeatable but the ground-floor entertainment can carry late into the night. And don't overlook the position: you're a two-minute walk to the Torarica Resort riverfront (where the boat tours to Commewijne plantations depart at dawn), so you can enjoy the big-hotel views and jetty without paying big-hotel rates.
The Practical Stuff
Address: Kleine Waterstraat 15, Paramaribo, Suriname. Amenities include outdoor pool, jacuzzi, gym, on-site restaurant and bar, breakfast buffet, business center, casino, nightclub, massage services, laundry, free Wi-Fi and 24-hour reception. Payment in Surinamese dollars, euros and USD is typically accepted; card acceptance can be patchy in Suriname, so keep some cash on hand. It's an easy walk to Fort Zeelandia, the Presidential Palace, Palmentuin and the Waterkant food stalls; Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport is about a 45-minute drive south.
Pair It With
- Fort Zeelandia — The 17th-century Dutch fort and its riverside museum are a five-minute stroll from the hotel - ideal for a morning history walk before it gets too hot.
- Waterkant promenade — Paramaribo's palm-lined riverfront is right around the corner, best at sunset for warungs, snack stalls and views over the Suriname River.
- Commewijne plantation boat tour — Departure jetties for dolphin-spotting and colonial plantation cruises are two minutes' walk away, making an early start painless from Queens.
- 't VAT Sidewalk Cafe Guide — A short walk from the hotel, this local favorite is a reliable stop for a cold beer, casual bites and people-watching after a day of sightseeing.