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Accommodations: $60-120? Snorkel Reefs? Beaches? Ambience?
Bonaire Talk: Accommodations: Archives: Archives 2000 to 2006: Archives - 2004-08-04 to 2005-05-09: $60-120? Snorkel Reefs? Beaches? Ambience?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Bonine (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #1) on Wednesday, April 6, 2005 - 2:16 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

We must soon commit to accommodations for 14 days and I have been pouring over BT, studying the online Bonaire maps, visiting web sites, and the like.

I'd like comments on several things, if you experienced folks would indulge me.

1. We are having a hard time convincing ourselves to spend $120 and more per day. Last summer we spent $75 at Maho Bay on St. John. I guess we'd be tickled to spend that or less, but it is dawning on me that we will likely have to pay more. As we are teachers, we have plenty of summer time but little cash, so travel but frugally.

2. Yet we prefer: almost walk-in access to swimming and reef snorkeling, morning and evening; a place to hang out and read during the hot in the middle of the day, preferably with a view; access to places to eat that won't cost an arm or a leg (for us, an arm is about $15 and a leg $20 and up).

3. We have been considering: Golden Reef, Black Durgon, Lion's Dive, Sand Dollar, Eden Beach, Hotel Rochalaine, Dive Inn, Carib Inn, and a few others. Have also just been reading a thread about Cap'n Don.

4. So what to do? Can we stay on the water for $100 or under and not be irritated by mold in the shower and such? Are Golden and Durgon just too far from the center? It appears that the reefs from Eden and northward are good shore snorkels, and that south through the town area we'll see fish but not reefs.

Perhaps I shouldn't be starting Yet Another New Thread, but I've also been searching archives, and so I thought maybe I'd get some feedback on my specific questions.

John

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By William Tweed (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #5) on Wednesday, April 6, 2005 - 9:12 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

1. John, you were in a tent at Maho Bay, right? It's going to cost more, especially if you want beachfront
2. Many places have kitchens. By shopping at More for Less and Warehpouse you can eat pretty cheaply.
3. Golden Reef is inland. Durgeon has only a communal kitchen, but is on the water for easy access. Carib Inn is a small place, kitchenette, no restaurant, but right on the water and a walk to town. Even if your room is not ocean view, it is only thirty steps away at most to hang out by the dock and watch the sunset.This might be your best bet
4. Stay on the water somewhere, mostly eat in, and bring backpacks to haul groceries back so you won't need a car. Bring any OTC drugs you might want with you, you probably won't find them on the island.
5. Teachers should get paid more.
6. No man is poor so long as he has friends.
7. Welcome to Bonaire Talk!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kelly Baum (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2478) on Wednesday, April 6, 2005 - 10:07 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I'd like to add that I think the reefs south of town are just as nice. You will see some different coral on different dives, but generally it's all very good. Divi comes to mind. They have great views, nice pools, lots of places to get out of the sun, and a stunning reef right outside your door. Dive Inn is good too, and Carib Inn. Dive Inn is just north of Divi, and Carib Inn is just south. All are within walking distance to town, and the Cultimara grocery store. Also, it is a nice walk, very scenic, and along the waterfront.

Good luck!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Andy & Dave Bartlett (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #194) on Wednesday, April 6, 2005 - 11:15 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

John, Check out infobonaire.com there is a lot of information on the different accommodations, ie: where located, amenities, etc. Also have info on eating establishments, grocery stores, etc. it is one of the best info sites I have found.
Andy

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Linnea Wijkhof-Wimberly (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #839) on Wednesday, April 6, 2005 - 11:28 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Was that $75 per person double occupancy? Most of the places on Bonaire are for the unit, not by person. The studios at Divi Flamingo will hold up to six close friends. But a max of four is better since numbers 5/6 will be on a sofa bed. The Golden Reef units are nice and clean, and Liz, Ed, and Renee are delightful people, but it requires a car. Divi F., Dive Inn, or Carib Inn are your best bets. On the edge of town, but far enough away from the noise of downtown at night. Depending on how far you want to walk, you can get to most restaurants on foot. The only exceptions are the ones onsite of the hotels/resorts north of town, but a cab ride or two won't break your bank.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Bonine (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #2) on Wednesday, April 6, 2005 - 1:46 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

One reason that we have been thinking we should be north of town is that someone posted in a thread that staying at Divi Flamingo resulted in being awakened by jets landing at the airport at 1 am and taking off at 3 am. If that's so, wouldn't that also apply to Carib Inn and Dive Inn?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kelly Baum (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2484) on Wednesday, April 6, 2005 - 2:17 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I've stayed at Divi several times, and haven't heard any jets landing. However, I sleep with the airconditioning on which probably buffers that. Yes, you are right, if that applies to Divi, it would apply to all three.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Andy & Dave Bartlett (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #195) on Wednesday, April 6, 2005 - 2:24 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

You might hear the jets coming and going from the Plaza but I doubt you will from the Divi.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Lorraine Meadows (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #927) on Wednesday, April 6, 2005 - 2:28 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

We've been going to Divi for over 18yrs and have never been bothered by the jet noise.
When we stay at a villa in Belnam, south of the airport, we don't notice it there either.
The jets come in over Windsock Beach, between the two.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Denise Kacavas (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #970) on Wednesday, April 6, 2005 - 2:29 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I have stayed at the Divi for 5 years of visits and never heard the planes. I've seen them off in the distance from there, but never heard them.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Belinda Z (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #298) on Wednesday, April 6, 2005 - 2:29 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

We stayed at Carib Inn and the only time I heard the 3:00 a.m. KLM flight arrive was the couple of nights I was still awake. It did not disturb my slumbers (we were using air conditioning so the windows and doors were closed in our bedrooms).

Belinda

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Josie (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1057) on Wednesday, April 6, 2005 - 5:43 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

It's hard to imagine you'll find a place on the water for under $110 a night. We've been to Maho Bay also, and enjoyed it very much -- but there's nothing like that on Bonaire.

We always stay at Bonaire Town Homes, which has a great one bedroom unit (with full kitchen and lovely quiet outside lounging/hammocking area outside), about 1 km away from the center of town/waterfront, at a rate of $60/day, plus 10% service charge. Walking is certainly possible, but we prefer to rent a car, which would still keep you around $100/day. You can check out their website at: www.bonairetownhomes.com.

I've just returned from 6 weeks there, which I certainly couldn't afford at a more expensive location. But, the place and the people are so nice, I'd probably stay there even if I could find something quite a bit (but still reasonable) more expensive on or closer to the water...which I very much doubt would be possible. Being on the waterfront is delightful -- but out of my price range...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #13396) on Wednesday, April 6, 2005 - 6:22 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

John...


quote:

Golden Reef, Black Durgon, Lion's Dive, Sand Dollar, Eden Beach, Hotel Rochalaine, Dive Inn, Carib Inn




I've never heard of Hotel Rochalaine, so I can't comment, however, you can't go wrong with any of the others. It comes down to whether you want a kitchen or not...and how much you are willing to pay...and what other amenities you want where you stay. For example, Dive Inn and Carib Inn, don't have on site restaurants, but the Divi is just a hop skip and a jump from there...Dive Inn, no dock per se to watch the sunset. They have picnic tables outside of the rooms, and then there is the street, then the beach. Some of the other mentioned above have docks at the resort, which is kind of nice to go hang out and watch the sunset...

Let us know what you decide, and have a great vacation!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Andy & Dave Bartlett (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #197) on Wednesday, April 6, 2005 - 7:32 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Cynde, the Hotel Rochaline is next to City Cafe with the entrance one block over from the waterfront. John put one to many a's in the name.
John. Rochaline is a hotel and to my knowledge only has hotel rooms without kitchen or kitchenette.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #13399) on Wednesday, April 6, 2005 - 8:11 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Andy, thanks! I don't remember anyone ever posting a trip report on it, so it didn't sound familiar, but I can see it now in my head!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Edison (BonaireTalker - Post #55) on Thursday, April 7, 2005 - 8:03 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

We stayed at pricey Caneel Bay in St. John for our honeymoon. It was great, but I doubt we'll ever spend that much again. At Sand Dollar in 2003, the Ride to the Reef package included a studio (far larger and more comfortable than our beachfront Caneel Bay unit), full kitchen, an ocean view, unlimited shore diving, car rental, all for about the same cost as two days at Caneel Bay. The only thing we missed was a sandy beach, but you'd be hard pressed to find that anywhere on Bonaire.

You'll find similar packages for Buddy's, Lions, Divi, Carib Inn, and other shoreline resorts within 10-15% of that price range.

Restaurants on Bonaire offer far more variety, equal or superior quality, and significantly lower prices than those on St. John. (We used our Sand Dollar kitchen and groceries for some meals. The kitchen had all pots & pans, oil, and some spices.)

Best of all, they drive on the proper side of the road in Bonaire. (Usually.)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Lydia S. Segal (BonaireTalker - Post #60) on Thursday, April 7, 2005 - 8:54 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi

If you are looking for quiet relaxed, unassuming atmosphere/ambience, I recommend the Carib Inn. Wonderful house reef, easy walk to other great house reefs, easy stroll to townfor drinks/restaurants and for groceries. And there is something just special about mid day reading by the water at the Carib, like being family. You only hear the jets if you are awake, windows open or closed. Lydia (Aug will be the fifth time in three years - unassuming, relaxed and friendly)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Snorkeljohn (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #5) on Saturday, April 9, 2005 - 6:10 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Can someone tell me how far it is to walk from Eden Beach resort to Bari Reef and any other ones suitable for casual snorkeling?

My question revolves around the question whether a snorkeler staying at Eden Beach resort could get by without a vehicle for some number of days, renting one only to go farther afield.

A related question: wherever one is along that coast north of town, is there any practical way to get to snorkel spots without renting a vehicle?

Thanks!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cheryl Gibson (BonaireTalker - Post #14) on Thursday, April 14, 2005 - 11:44 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

John,

We stayed for two weeks over Christmas/New Year's last year at Buddy/Lion's Dive. We snorkeled because I had been sick for two weeks before we arrived and had trouble clearing my ears. But to the point - we had a truck the first week, but the second week we used sea kayaks to snorkel all along the coast up to Karpata and also along Klein. The best thing is you just drop in the water whereever you want. You can either use the tow method for the kayaks or clip up to a mooring buoy. For example, we went to 1000 Steps the first week in the truck. We went back several times the second week on the kayaks. We used the buoy once, and we just pulled up on the beach once. But we spent several pleasant afternoons on and off the beach snorkeling and didn't have to worry at all about anything we left on shore.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cam (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #188) on Thursday, April 14, 2005 - 12:02 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi John

We stayed at the Sand Dollar and really enjoyed it....a general comment on Bonaire...though it is in the Carribeean, it is not like Mexico or other places, in that you can't (easily) find cheap beer and food. We were finding that a couple of burgers with fries and a beer each would easily total $20.00 + tip and a good dinner with wine could run you $75.00 and up. I'm am in no way saying that they are gouging tourists...on the contrary the food and drink are great, just don't expect paying Mexican prices. If you are prepared (budget-wise) you will have a great time. A couple staying at the Sand Dollar when we were there did nothing but complain about the prices all week and kept comparing Bonaire to Mexico....having been to Mexico a number of times, I found Bonaire extremely refreshing. If you are looking at $120.00/day or less, you will not be getting a room at the Sand Dollar....their studios start at $155.00/night plus taxes....be prepared and have a great time.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Andy & Dave Bartlett (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #206) on Thursday, April 14, 2005 - 7:08 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

John I agree with Cam. DON'T compare Bonaire to Mexico or other inexpensive places. On Bonaire they have to import most of their food stuffs as the island is like the desert southwest of the USA. There is only subsistence farming on Bonaire. Also most of the furnishings in the resorts, restaurants and local homes is imported. Because of these things prices will be higher. But on the whole it is worth it to pay the extra.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Snorkeljohn (BonaireTalker - Post #11) on Sunday, May 1, 2005 - 12:50 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

As I asked my questions two weeks ago and have been actively exploring alternatives since then, it seems fair that I report back on my choices and reasons.

First, I have to say that Golden Reef Inn ($65 for apartment), Sand Dollar (a studio, rented privately, that worked out to about $105/day), and Eden Beach ($100 for "hotel room") almost won out with us because the first was far enough north to be near the better reefs and the other two were smack on the water. However, we concluded that all three would require a vehicle for sampling restaurants in town. Also, Eden (which looked the loveliest from the hang-out-under-the-trees-on-the-beach point-of-view) seemed a bit far from real reef and didn't have a kitchenette for their lowest price; Golden Reef was absolutely the best for facilities for the price, but swimming was more than a step off the property into the blue, which others offered. Sand$ had a good kitchen and seemed a pretty good reef location.

But finally we decided that we wanted six features that could not all be found in one spot:

- Step off into the water at any time, day or night. (My wife was surely born a fish.)
- Having cooking facilities to save money and NOT eat out all the time.
- On the other hand . . . be able to walk to town easily for meals.
- On the other hand . . . be far enough north to be close to great reefs.
- On the other hand . . . be not dependent on a vehicle save money.
- On the other hand . . . have a vehicle for easy all-island access to snorkeling spots.

(Is this starting to sound like one of the songs in Fiddler on the Reef -- I mean, Roof?)

Fiddling around with a plethora of choices and requirements, we decided that we needed to move the reefs at the Black Durgon Inn next to the location of the Carib Inn, so we would be within walking distance from town -- and we wanted to have a vehicle while saving money by not having a vehicle.

But neither Bonaire nor the universe seems to have been designed that way, and we don't have the power to rearrange either. Only the Chronosynclastic Infundibulum (“those places ... where all the different kinds of truths fit together” -- Vonnegut, The Sirens of Titan, which I've never read, but know how to use Google to find things) could make it all work, but that wasn't working for us.

Faced with a few weeks of feeling like a Bonaire donkey, unable to decide between two delicious-looking shrubs, we decided to choose everything, or at least both. Don't split the difference; embrace it.

In other words, with two weeks on the island, we'll spend half the time at Carib Inn (on the water, walk to town, kitchenette, no need for vehicle during first week of bedazzlement with Bonaire, take boat out to Klein Bonaire, and my wife can finish her Open Water Diver training, good people) and half the time at Black Durgon Inn (on the water, near great reefs, group kitchen available, have a vehicle to roam farther afield, good people). Maybe next time one of the other three (or another half-dozen that we considered but bypassed as well) will be what we need. "Next time . . . ." You can see what reading Bonaire Talk does to a fella.

Seems to me that Bonaire just has too much of too many good things.

John

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Wally and Eva (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #803) on Sunday, May 1, 2005 - 8:54 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Wally's vacation rule no. 1....Plan like crazy before vacation.

Rule no. 2....as soon as vacation starts, begin immediate deviation from plan. Helps to leave plan in car at home airport.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Carole Baker (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4827) on Sunday, May 1, 2005 - 10:52 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Bonaire is such a wonderful place to "have" to make so many hard decisions.....best one...relax and enjoy it all. I know you will! Carole

 


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