Continuing...

A few observations about the Plaza Resort:

We were glad to see that the activities/towel hut is now back at the north end of the beach. Last September it was in the middle of the beach and blocked the view. The Plaza Resort’s Casino is still closed. There’s a sign over the door that says “Ballroom,” although the slot machines are clearly visible. Last year, the sign said the casino was closed for repairs. Our understanding is that there’s no one to manage the casino operation. Divi’s casino is fairly close, for those who indulge.

Breakfast in the Caribbean Point restaurant is still great, with lots of choices. The fruit was outstanding, and the Omelette Lady is a gem. The staff remembered us… it’s nice to start the day with smiles. It seems there are even more hungry iguanas waiting just outside for a breakfast treat. They liked cantaloupe fine, but a couple seemed to prefer licking Matt’s toes. Eeeeeuuuu!

The Coconut Crash 2-for-1 happy hour still runs from 5 to 6pm daily (it’s extended for an extra hour on Tuesdays, when the beach barbecue is held.) Bartenders Giovanni and Alfredo work like crazy during these happy hours; unfortunately, there wasn’t much business for them in the evenings.

Toucan Diving was hopping – all three Island Hopper boats were full each morning (12 divers each), and there was a big group on the SE Aruba as well. Steve no longer manages Toucan… Simone is in charge now. Luciano and Monique are assistant managers. Most of the long-time divemasters are still there, along with some new additions. We dove with Luis, LaLa, Jackson, Carolis and Mark. Toucan is a great dive operation – very efficient, with an easygoing, fun staff. They offer a “Toucan Dive for One” special several times per year and Nitrox is FREE. There are tanks for shore diving near the parking lot, near the pool and near the Tipsy Seagull. A locker hut with a wetsuit hanging area is right at the dock. You do set up your own gear on the boats… we don’t mind, but some folks might. I noticed my gear bag gained about 50 pounds during the week. I wasn’t far behind… :o)



The Plaza Resort is under new management (as of last fall.) It’s still a Van der Valk property, but a different member of the family is in charge now. We heard the Junior Suites were being renovated and that other upgrades and improvements are planned. The resort was pretty much the same as always, in our opinion.

And as always, the staff doesn’t seem to get the information when there are more than two people staying in a room. So we had to ask for an extra towel the first morning, and when the housekeeping staff changed, we’d find ourselves with only two towels again. So I just left a note in the bathroom, which was easier than continually calling. One night we ordered from the Room Service menu, and along with food for the three of us, we received napkins and cutlery for two. It’s probably a good idea to mention how many people are in the room when ordering Room Service, and not assume that if three entrees are ordered, they’ll understand that three people are eating.

Our room was very clean and in good repair, with excellent air conditioning. Most days housekeeping got to our room before 1pm, when we’d return from our morning dives. A couple of times the room wasn’t done until later in the afternoon, which was slightly inconvenient. It would be perfect if housekeeping was informed who was diving and who was “beaching.” That way, the divers’ rooms could be done first (since we’re out of the room and at the dive boats by roughly 8am) and the beach people could sleep in, if they wanted. Probably too difficult to figure out that kind of system, though.

We had no security problems during this (or any Bonaire) trip. There was an additional peg-type lock on the sliding glass door to our little patio (which wasn’t there last year.) We also noticed several “Security Checkpoint” stations around the resort; one was just outside our room. We’d see guards making the rounds from time to time. The grounds were tidy and the colorful flowers were magnets for tiny hummingbirds. I believe there may have been some plumbing problems in a couple of areas during our stay… a couple of times there were sewage smells near the Banana Tree restroom and along the path between the higher-numbered Grand Suites (closer to the Tipsy Seagull.) These appeared to be dealt with quickly.

In our opinion, the Plaza Resort could really use a lunch option other than Banana Tree and Room Service. Supposedly there were sandwiches available at the Coconut Crash occasionally, but whenever we asked, they had none. They’d routinely run out of sodas in bottles, too. Yes, it’s low season, but the resort appeared to be close to full, so one would think they’d stock up. We rarely wanted to take time for a sit-down lunch at Banana Tree, but except for a (much better) lunch in town at the City Café, we ate lunch “on campus.” The burgers and chicken quesadilla at Banana Tree are good choices. It would be nice if they’d refill the water pitcher a time or two.

The Plaza’s Tuesday beach barbeque was dismal, compared with last year’s. We got stuck on Bonaire for four extra days last September, because of Hurricane Ivan, and enjoyed two Tuesday barbecues. But this year, the pickin’s were slim. There seemed to be an enough dry chicken on sticks (with peanut sauce available), but very, very few hamburgers and ribs. Last year there were several side dishes and bread, but this time we found TINY bowls of dead lettuce, cole slaw, a pasta mixture and some green olives. Sodas cost extra, but there was punch available. The barbecue was well-attended; however most of the folks in line with us agreed it wasn’t worth $10.00.

More about food:

We had good meals at Richard’s (twice), the Old Inn and Casablanca. Peppercorn steak at Richards is a favorite; the rice and steamed vegetables are excellent. Mike says the escargot are among the best he’s had, anywhere. Matt and I are unwilling to confirm that, unable to get past the idea of eating snails. Go to the Old Inn with an appetite, as they give you mountains of food for a very reasonable price. We passed on the mixed grill at Casablanca… just too much food. Matt and I enjoyed our filet mignons (wine sauce for him; mushroom sauce and chimichurri for me), but Mike’s T-bone was the best. Oh, and the shrimp cocktail in “pink sauce” at Casablanca is fantastic. Never did make it to the Tipsy Seagull. Their menu has changed; it’s primarily seafood (including carpaccio of eel… yuck!)

On to Part 3...