My wife & I are looking for some moderately-priced (75-125) accomodations for next Feb. & we can't make up our minds. I have been looking at the apartments & at the Carib Hotel. Any advice? Also, isn't carnival the first Sat. in Feb.?

I can tell you what properties I really like on Bonaire -- but wouldn't it be better if we told you what properties we think YOU would like?

A few questions about your preferences (given
that you have set the budget):

Are any of the following a priority for you:
a) Located on the water;
b) Quality of the House reef;
c) Quality of the dive operation and shop;
d) Rooms having a decent sized fridge;
e) Rooms having a full kitchen;
f) Access to a pool;
g) Within walking distance of town;
h) A 24 hour front desk;
i) On site (as opposed to a five minute walk) bar and/or restaurant;
j) Easy access to a casino;
k) TV;
l) Proximity to windsurfing;

A few more questions:
1) Do you prefer larger properties (i.e., more than 75 units) or smaller properties?
2) What things make you fall in love with a property? What things make you hate a property?
3) Dive, snorkel or neither? If you dive, primarily boat or shore?
4) Are you more a "as long as it is clean and located in a nice neighborhood" type or a "I really enjoy resort style amenities and luxury furnishings" type?

Ooo - can I get in on this? I'm currently researching properties also (I just posted my own thread - then I saw this one).

My answers:
a) Located on the water
YES
b) Quality of the House reef
IMPORTANT
c) Quality of the dive operation and shop;
WE'RE NOT DIVERS
d) Rooms having a decent sized fridge;
DEFINITELY
e) Rooms having a full kitchen;
DEFINITELY
f) Access to a pool;
YES
g) Within walking distance of town;
WOULD BE NICE, NOT NECESSARY
h) A 24 hour front desk;
WOULD BE NICE, NOT NECESSARY
i) On site (as opposed to a five minute walk) bar and/or restaurant;
NOT NECESSARY
j) Easy access to a casino;
NOT NECESSARY
k) TV;
WOULD BE NICE, NOT NECESSARY
l) Proximity to windsurfing;
NOT NECESSARY
A few more questions:
1) Do you prefer larger properties (i.e., more than 75 units) or smaller properties?
USUALLY SMALLER
2) What things make you fall in love with a property? What things make you hate a property?
OWNERS THAT TAKE TIME TO ANSWER QUESTIONS, FRIENDLY AND NICE ATMOSPHERE, WILLING TO HELP.
WE DON'T CARE FOR IMPERSONAL LARGE RESORTS
3) Dive, snorkel or neither? If you dive, primarily boat or shore?
SNORKEL
4) Are you more a "as long as it is clean and located in a nice neighborhood" type or a "I really enjoy resort style amenities and luxury furnishings" type?
WE DON'T NEED LUXURY, AS LONG AS IT'S SAFE AND COMFORTABLE.

Thanks!
Melissa

Melissa,

Now that I read the answers to your question I DEFINITELY have to say that Carib Inn is for you!

Liz

answers to questions:
Yes on water
Good on house reef
Non-diver
full size fridge
partial kitchen is OK
pool-NO
Town-yes
front desk- not really
bar would be nice
No casino & windsurfing
TV- yes
SMALL resort!
Clean, Friendly people, hot water, comfortable bed
the opposite would not be good
SNORKEL
clean & nice neighborhood

Bill/Melissa:

A great place to start with research is at http://www.infobonaire.com/hotels.html . There you can identify the size of every lodging and some basic amenity information (waterfront, pool, kitchenettes, etc.). From there you can link to individual websites. Another great option is to search those properties here on Bonaire Talk.

One think to think about: do you rent a car? My advice for anyone but a dedicated boat diver staying close to town is to rent a car.

Why? I think the shore based dive and snorkel opportunities are incredible. And, without a car, it is pretty hard to explore them all. Yes, you can do a ferry over to Klein or walk to nearby resorts. You can also do the Woodwind and Renee trips (both very highly regarded on this board). Still, nothing beats that ability to drive along the coast and go in basically anywhere you want (ok -- a bit of an exaggeration -- but not much). Given this, sometimes the desire to stay on the water becomes less important. (In the interest of full disclosure I tend to stay on the water whenever possible).

Another thing worth thinking about: most resorts on Bonaire are small by most standards. Even the larger ones are not that large. Grouped together to the north: Sand Dollar (76 units), Captain Don's (93 units), Lions/Buddy (77 units). To the south, Divi (129 units) and the Plaza/Port Bonaire (198 units + 64 units). (All sizes come from the infobonaire website).

Melissa:

I agree with Liz -- the Carib Inn sounds like a nice fit. The staff are great (helpful and friendly -- Edward has got to be one the nicest people I have ever met -- anywhere). It is small at ten units and has a nice pool and is on the water. All but the standard rooms have a kitchen (if an oven is important, you might ask as I think a few rooms have only a fridge, stove top and a micro). The house reef is nice and it is a short walk to town. The rooms have TVs and a/c but no phones. It is safe and comfortable. I think both Renee and the Woodwind operate nearby.

What are the downsides? It can be hard to get a reservation (as they have a pretty steady clientele). The desk is a strictly 8am to 5pm affair. The furnishings are fairly plain but functional. Note: The units tend to use two twin beds which can either be pushed together or not depending on the sleeping arrangements.

While I am not a huge fan of their house reef (others are!), Eden Beach is another choice -- although it would be a long walk to town.

If these end up being outside your budget, what about Casa Oleander / CoCo Palm? While not directly on the water, it is a short walk away. They have a pool but walking to town would really be out of the question.

Enjoy!

Bill:

I think the Carib Inn may be a nice fit for you as well (please see prior post). The one thing others have found to be an issue is plain furnishings and the two beds pushed together thing. (Although if you tie them together that helps prevent them from splitting during the night). Also, no on site bar.

While I am not a huge fan of their house reef (others are though!), Eden Beach is another choice -- although it would be a longer walk to town. Or the Dive Inn? (I have never stayed there but it has a good reputation here and is basically in town).

A whole 'nother option: stay near but not on the water and get a rental car. For example, what about Casa Oleander / CoCo Palm? While not directly on the water, it is a short walk away. Happy Holiday Homes is great but has no pool and is not on the water (although I think they have a place that is). Golden Reef is similar (not on the water and no pool) but nice and affordable. I have never stepped inside Great Escape but it is always seems to be nicely maintained.

And I am sure that others have their favorites as well! Regardless of your choice, I am sure you will have a great time.

The BelMar Apts are nice with only 22 units. They have a pool and a dive shop on site. It is across the road from Great Escape where there is a small resturant and bar. If you like to walk it is about 20-25 min to town but would recommend a rental car.

We are Eden Beach fans. We always stay upstairs in the studio apartments. Nice little kitchenette with fridge, oven, coffee pot, 2 plates, 2 cups, 2 pots etc., TV on the wall, little couch, double bed, nice little table and bar, good sized bath, screens on windows, AC, good breeze, good view. Nice pool, walk about 50ft and you are at Bongos for easy food, drinks yakking etc., nice little sand beach to sunbath on, couple sized beds (did I mention that), clean and neat and all tiled, nice house manager who is very accommodating. Most excellent WannaDive Dive Ops on site. Lots of regulars (Dutch and American) so it's quiet and laid back.

My husband and I are looking for a long term rental for Jan/March of 2006. 10 weeks in all.WE have never been to Bonaire so need all the help we can get to find a suitable place. We would of course need a kitchen, cable tv. a/c and a pool would be nice, but not necessary.
We are not divers (yet!) but avid snorkelers. We are retired, but do like to have fun.
Our budget is max of $2,000 per month including the taxes.
Would anyone have any ideas for us of good places to stay.
I am gathering that transportation is probably necessary..any thoughts on this?
Thank you.

Barbara,
There are many places to stay that offer long term rentals in the price range that you are looking at... may I suggest checking into Hamlet Bonaire... you might be able to rent the full 2 bedroom for that cost... not sure... you can check them out at www.hamletbonaire.com... you can also check with Bonaire Partners... Also go into www.infobonaire.com... There is a full listing of places to stay... and a great place to start your search

You've got to try Sand $$$. It is the hottest property on Bonaire right now. Great dive and snorkel packages. House reef is Bari Reef - the #1 reef in the Caribbean for species diversity. You'll have your choice of 3 great restaurants all within walking distance of one another, an icecream shop a few feet away, tennis courts, full internet access, and there's even talk about meals being delivered right to your condo. The accommodations are all oceanview, spacious, lots of floor space, full sized appliances, and great people. Junny, the new manager is hard to beat, and they now have Tasmi who is dedicated to Guest Relations. Mary is in charge of reservations - you'll love her. It's a great experience!!

Betty,
I just looked at your website, and you appear to have some kind of business relationship with the owners of Sand Dollar. I think you should be up front about this.

Hello, Susan - I was not aware it was a requirement to state affiliations with each post, so if I've done something wrong, I apologize. I responded to questions on this forum back in 2003 when I was a dive leader, and had experienced Sand $$ during a fam trip in January that same year. I fell in love with the island, and eventually bought a condo here at Sand $$, but I do not rent my home. I am President of the SD Condo Owner's Association, which is a volunteer position, so hopefully this post will help clarify my affiliation. I am also a resident of Bonaire. Regarding the reference to Sand Dollar at the Earthwave Society website, please be advised that Earthwave Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to information about conservation and the environment. The focus of Bonaire at the earthwave.org website has to do with Bonaire's pioneering role in conservation. Sand $$ donated logistical support and accommodations, which is the extent of any affiliation between the two entities.

Betty,
Maybe it would help to clarify any future posts if you updated your profile with some of the above resident/Sand$ affiliation info. Also, how about updating with a picture.
-Countdown to Bonaire 2006=approx 49 weeks

Betty,

Then you know Alan and Joan Zale who also post here. In each of their posts when they reccommend Sand Dollar, they identify themselves as Time Share owners, and so prejudiced. That's cool.

I have nothing against Sand Dollar. But your statements like "It's the hottest property on Bonaire right now" when elsewhere on the board there are people posting who are upset about the current state of the pool, sound like spin from a marketing manager. For you not to have identified your relationship with them is at the least discourteous.

As President of the SD Condo Association, I'm sure that you know that other members do rent their properties. It profits them and Sand Dollar for you to rave about Sand Dollar. And even though your Earthwave Society is non-profit, it needs money and help to continue, and donating services and housing come down to money. As such you are not a disinterested party.

I agree with Chet on the idea that you should update your profile.

Betty,

I agree with Susan and Chet. I was a little taken back from your comments on several topics and posts that you made all in regards to Sand $$. I was going to ? it myself, but I see Chet and Susan have it covered. I would certainly not call you a disinterested party, 100% sheer promotion is what I read.

I think Betty has now clearly stated her affiliation with Sand Dollar and apologized for her omision in the first place. I don't see where she has any personal gain for her overly enthusiastic recomendations of the facility, so if she wants to cheer them on, and identifys herself as a current owner of a unit, so be it. I'm a big fan of the Black Durgon, haven't stayed any other place in 6 trips.... Susan's a big fan of Capt'n Don's, and Debbie's a big fan of being one of the lucky "elite owners" of her own place. And I also agree that updating her profile would also be a step in the right direction for Betty, especially if she is now a resident.

Ok it is a shame that this thread has gone downhill since Betty's post..
Betty the rules and regulations of self promoting posts are on this thread.. Please read them and abide by them..
http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/25/152184.html?1078174978
I suggest that you identify yourself in your profile as well as your post. Perhaps you would like to put your affiliation in your name that appears above the posts as well, similar to Ruth or Liz G.
For everyone else, It is much better if you notify the moderators if you think there is a self promoting post.. that way we can handle it and send a note to the offending party, and delete the post if we deem it necessary.. Now I cannot take the post out as there are too many responses to it..

Kind regards,
Freddie Hughes
Co-Moderator www.oldbonairetalk.com

Gail,
Some might call me a rabid supporter of Captain Don's

Freddie,
I don't agree that this thread has "gone downhill". Isn't it better for others to see this than to have "Message deleted by Moderator" be seen? That tells nothing, and adding "for blatant self-promotion" wouldn't really describe this situation. Besides, Bettie apologized.

To go read the "rules and regulations" assumes one is aware they exist.

I was under the impression that Jake and Linda intended this board to be to a certain extent self-governing. If I'm wrong, I apologize.

Betty: if more people stay at SD, does that bring in more money to the Co-op that can be used to improve the facilities? If so, then I think your string of superlatives about SD are out of line, unless you clearly state your affiliation as a shareholder and officer of the corporation. Which you can easily do by changing your profile and/or screen name, and thus avoid a "warning" with every post. Most reasonable business owners who post on BT have done this.

I detect very little difference between Betty's "I've died and gone to heaven" attitude towards SD and Susan's zero tolerance for criticism of Cap'n Don's. They are both radical stances.

Mr Tweed, why do you choose to post under an alias? and such a corrupt one? :-) http://www.nypost.com/learncenter/cextra/050604/class.htm

Denise

Susan,

Please don't invoke my name or Linda's in terms of trying to define BonaireTalk's operation, as neither of us are involved in any way in the day to day operation, management, guidance, or moderating of BonaireTalk any more.

Freddie, Martin, Cynde, Tom, and Seb are the directors of Bonaire Talk Community, Inc. (a 501(c)(3) non-profit) which owns and operates BT these days (for the last two months) - they are also BT's most excellent moderators. Give them the respect they are due. We believe in them and trust them, and I would hope you would too.

That said, at least one other person who posted regarding a particular property also has a vested financial interest regarding the property they posted about but did not indicate that in their post, so I would think that poster may want to take notice too :-)

Jake (NOT a BT Moderator any longer)

Susan -- the Zales are friends of mine, but they are not time share owners as you indicated -- they own their condo outright, the same way I do mine. The Zales' rent their condo, but I do not rent mine because it is my home.

I responded to the posts regarding the pool issues, and explained the pool is being refurbished, and the work is nearing completion. Unfortunately, it is not possible for the new owners of Mangos & the pool to remodel, refurbish, or reconstruct their properties without temporary closures. SD management accommodated its guests via the Lion's Dive pool, and Junny (SD Property Manager) did everything possible to make guests happy.

My statement about SD being the hottest property on Bonaire right now is simply the truth. At least 10 condos have sold in the past 7 or 8 months which is a pretty good sign SD has guests who love it here. In fact, they loved it so much, they bought a condo!! I personally don't know of any other properties on Bonaire which are selling as fast. There are also three new restaurants nearing completion, all within a short walk from the condos. Regardless of whether or not I'm a prior guest, an owner, or on the Board of the Owner's Association, my feelings about SD remain the same, and I am happy to share whatever information I have. I don't consider my input insignificant because I'm an owner, and I certainly don't think I was being discourteous simply because I didn't advertise where I live. If I wasn't happy and/or proud of my "neighborhood", I certainly wouldn't live here, nor would I encourage others to do so.

Jake,

I thought you defined the rules initially, and from what I can see, they have not changed. I did not intend to ruffle your feathers by mentioning your name here.

However, I do not think questioning Freddie's statement that I should not have said anything directly, but instead have complained to the moderators, was either out of line nor disrespectful. I have an opinion about it. Last I checked, opinions were allowed here. Does becoming a moderator here make one sacrosanct? Are we only allowed to disagree if it's not a moderator making the statement? Sad.

Other people have raved about Sanddollar, about Divi, yes, other people besides me have even raved about Captain Don's. But Bettie's superlatives were so gushing that I questioned her disinterest, and found that there was reason to question it.

Susan, There is a small difference between disagree and letting people know (and I know you have a direct kind of way of saying it ;) directly that they sould not post things that are self-promoting in one way or another. That is, was and will be something that has to be done by a moderator. So please, if any of you (talkers and lurkers) are under the impression that a posting is not allowed, please let the moderators know. Our mutual email address is moderators@bonaireTalk.com. And Yes the rules are still the same as last year, or the year before that.

Martin,

I am not trying to be a jerk. Apparently I stepped on some toes.

What I meant in what I said to Freddie (quite nicely too) was that I disagreed that the thread had gone downhill.

I also disagree that it's better to see "Message Deleted By Moderator" than to have an explanation why they should be more up-front about their affiliations.

I've seen these admonishments on this board in the past, as well as mysterious "message deleted" ones. Is one more "embarrassing" than the other? I don't know. I think one is more informative (and useful for others in the same boat) than the other - and more accessible than that link mentioned above, which is only going to be found if one knows to look for it.

So, the whole thing boils down to this: I've offended a moderator for doing something that I never saw listed anywhere as something ONLY moderators can do, something it seemed that users on this board were allowed to do as part of the self-policing format. Fine.

And Freddie (and this aside is in response to private email Freddie decided to send me, to let me know that I've horribly embarassed her, too), I've seen SOME MODERATOR say "Blatant self promotion", perhaps not you, but a Moderator. I said when mentioning that phrase that I realized it was not applicable here.

just to set the record straight since we are being so straight forward here is the private letter I sent to Susan and her response....

Dear Susan,

If you or others had notified the moderators, No one would have been
embarassed. We certainly would not have post "BLATANT USE OF SELF PROMOTION"
in this case, as a matter of fact I for one have never used the word
BLATANT". Now not only is Betty probably embarrassed and probably will not
post again, but you have embarrassed me as well.

Very Sincerly,
Freddie Hughes
Co-Moderator
www.Boaniretalk.com


Her response:

Excuse me??? I think you take your position a bit too seriously. Please do
not email me again. If you have anything to say to my on-line persona, say
it online.



there ya go!!!


(Message edited by scubahb on March 20, 2005)

Betty,
I like your new "Profile". Nice picture; now I'll recognize you and will be sure to say "Hi!" next year during our annual stay at the Zale's unit.

Good job on the profile update, Betty! I hope to "see you around" more often!

Chet and Gail,

Thanks for turning this thread in a wonderful new direction. Hopefully it won't get off-track again now that everyone has had their say.

Belinda

Hi Betty,

Thanks for updating your profile. Went to your website and found it fascinating indeed. My daughter, now 17 y.o. wants to be a marine biologist and I am going to have her visit your site. All kinds of interesting facts on there I never knew!

Thank you for the kind words Chet, Gail, Belinda, & Debbie. I've always been a team player, and certainly try to play by the rules whenever I'm aware of them. Anyway, happy to hear my profile changes are acceptable. *smile*

Debbie -- if your daughter has any questions about the Earthwave Society website, or agencies like the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, NOAA, or National Marine Fisheries, etc., please don't hesitate to send me a private email. I've worked with practically all resource agencies on both the state and federal levels.

Bill....come back....don't be afraid