We need help. We're trying to decide which place to stay. Would love input from experienced travelers. We've got it narrowed down to either Sanddollar or Divi Flamingo or Eden Beach. We're booking now for Feb. 19, 2005 for two weeks. There a specials posted for early bookings. That's why we/ve got to decide now. $1800 for lodging only at Sanddollar. $2200 for lodging and breakfast at Divi or $1560 lodging only at Eden Beach. What to do, which one to book with. Help!!! We love diving, beaching, eating. And we will have a car.

Welcome to BT, Marge! You will love Bonaire. The hardest part is what you are going thru right now. We love the Divi and have a timeshare there. It is so close to town you can walk there along the water's edge. Lots of restaurants in town as well as the veg/fruit market and lots more. The price seems to be higher for the Divi than Sand Dollar but I believe, locationwise, you might like where the Divi is situated. I have never stayed at Sand Dollar but have only heard great things about the place, as well as Ruth's Mango's Restaurant located there. (We have eaten there and it is outrageously good for lunch and dinners...very casual, too.) But, Divi has restaurants, mini mart, dive shop, beauty parlor, health club (small, but it's there!), massages, gift shop, etc. etc. and a nice intimate beach you can sit out on with the beach chairs. Also has a tanning pier on the water and the dive pier and two pools, too. I have never been to Eden Beach at all so I cannot commment on that resort.

As you can see, my husband and I are very partial to the Divi and return there year after year after year! The waters right at the Divi are great for diving (Calabas Reef) and snorkeling and swimming, wading or whatever you like to do. Small, but easy access and tons of fish at your toes, literally, when you walk into the water. Some of the hotel rooms are right on top of the water so you look outside and see nothing but Caribbean Sea and fishies all over the place.

I know lots of folks will respond to your inquiry. I vote for Divi Flamingo Beach Resort...oh, the Divi has a small, intimate casino right there, too! Only one open on the island right now as I think the Plaza Casino is still closed for the moment.

Keep us posted as to your decision! Good luck! Carole

Carole forgot to mention the diving at Divi. They have a wonderful diveshop and great staff of friendly divemasters and I believe 5 diveboats. You can rent tanks for shore diving too. The ease of diving is right at your footsteps. The boats go out twice a day. No site is very far. We love just diving at the Calabass infront of divi.(there's a few tarpon we always see when we go, among many other fish and critters) We keep our gear in the dive shack. Divi's motto is "Easy to Be" The hotel is newly renovated too. Wherever you stay I'm sure you'll love this friendly,laid back island !

My wife and I stayed at the Sanddollar last month and liked it. Everything was clean and in good order. Not as many amenities at the DIVI but if you want to prepare any of your own meals, the units have fully equipped kitchens.