it seems that you may not get what you think your getting at the sand dollar as they can't promise fold out bed or ocean views. buddy's says they are ocean front but tha map shows alto of units that are far form the beach.

it looks like divi is right on the beach but comes less recommended because it is more hotel than condo.

everyone seems to love the belmar but some say its too 'quiet' (unless your a couple).

i am going with dad (i'm an adult too ) from august 29 – sept 5 and we want somewhere nice with 2 beds, a good dive shop (he's pretty rusty) and an ocean view (close to the ocean would be great).

it seems that prices are comparable between the belmar, buddy's, sandollar, and a bit more at divi.

help! where should i book?

Hi Dana

Cap't Don's, the Black Durgeon are a couple that come to mind...CD would have the dive shop you're looking for....Buddy's has a great dive shop, but you are right that most of their units aren't right on the ocean...we stayed at the S$ and really enjoyed it..there are untitys pretty close to the ocean, but you would have to request them.

www.diveinnbonaire.com Take a look at this place it is right on the sea with a bathroom, kitchenette, and a beautiful community porch. Just north of the Divi and has a Diveshop and a boat. The price is right... We have stayed there 5 times and love it. Ron

Dana, at Buddy's you have an ocean view, it's just not facing the ocean like the units at Belmar are. You would have to request a unit that is right on the ocean at Divi. All of the units at Belmar face the ocean (I think, please correct me if I'm wrong!). They don't have a restaurant or bar on the property, but the view is absolutely spectacular and the house reef is great as well. There is a dive shop on the property. The pool is also at the docks edge. I guess it depends on what amenities you are looking to be on the property.

You really can't go wrong with the properties mentioned, it's a matter of how front and center you want the ocean view, and what you want in the unit/resort.

(Message edited by cyndelee on July 19, 2005)

delux rooms at Divi (not efficiency) are on the ocean...timeshare (efficiency units) have great views ...the dive shop is at the time shares ...if your Dad is rusty, you couldn't go wrong at Divi..also great pool which overlooks the diveshop and ocean...50 ft from your door

Have stay with my wife at Belmar and our adult daughter has joined us several times. The living room and balcony/patio of each of their 22 units face the water. One-bedroom and 2-bedroom units are the same size - only difference is the size of the living room. We opt for the standard 2-bedroom unit on the ground floor even when just my wife and me because they all have sliding doors to their patios and direct access to the dive docks. The "master" bedroom has a king-size bed and the smaller bedroom has 2 twin beds. Each has its own bathroom. Only the bedrooms are air-conditioned, but if you leave the front door and patio doors open when you are there, you get a nice cross breeze. "Too quiet" is a subjective issue. To us, it is perfect.

We have also stayed at the BelMar and love it. Like Dr. Director we also opt for the 2 bedroom on the ground floor. We use the second bedroom for all of our dive gear and this keeps it out of sight. Across the street from BelMar is The Great Escape hotel and it has a restuarant and bar. We like a condo because we eat breakfast and lunch in and dinner out so the kitchen is a must for us. I don't know about the other resorts/condos except Happy Holiday Homes but it is not on the water. We found BelMar and that is it for us. Hope you find what you need. Check out Carib Inn it is small but quite close to town.
Andy

BelMar is south of town and pretty close to the airport. about the same distance as the crow flies from the center of town as the north hotels(but longer driving). S$, Buddy's, and Don's are on the north end. Divi's is on the south edge of town and houses the casino. I would gravitate toward the north end. There is more stuff up there also seems quieter and less traffic. BelMar always seemed to be chaotic on the street in front of the hotel every time we drove past (>2x/day). I got the impression that the street is a lot closer to the units as well. I think all the hotels except for Harbour Village and Plaza are about the same from what we just saw. It was our first visit to the island.

We were at S$ and kept to ourselves and it was very quiet. They have a mix of owner-occupied and rented units so I think the atmosphere there is more quiet and you are left alone if you want to be. In the next day or so I'll be posting pictures of our room when I finally get to typing out the report.

Dana: Take a look at Den Laman next to Sand$. Peter

I have a townhouse just up the road from Bel Mar. Last trip (and for many to come) I enjoyed the hospitality of the dive shop and diving at Bel Mar. I found the dive shop accomodating, the diving at their house reef was great, the pods of dolphins coming thru the channel a real treat, even the iguana's were friendly. The views are great too. I love Habitat, it was my first home on Bonaire. Comparing the 2 is like comparing apples to oranges. Both offer great diving, friendly staff and wonderful accomodation. I doubt if you would be disappointed in either choice.
Shelley

How does the plaza resort compare to these?

Dana, you are going to have a hard time making a decision, as all of the one's mentioned are great, and you really can't go wrong. I've stayed at both Sand Dollar, and Belmar, and they both have different things to offer...as do the rest!

Here is my latest trip report when we stayed at Belmar...
cynde's trip report

Dana,
One word.
Belmar.
Yanagirl