Hi there,

Next spring we are going to Bonaire for diving...duh. Where should we stay. Capt Don's or Sand dollar?

Thanks

Alan

Welcome to BT Alan.
We've (wife Jean & I) have stayed at both; we'll be returning to our 9th annual consecutive stay at Sand$ in Feb/Mar 2006. Obviously, we recommend Sand$, but both are good (as are many many other places).
Chet

We will be making our 10th visit to Capn Don's a week on Sunday and our 11th at Christmas this year.

We have not stayed at at Sand$ but have walked around the facilities. As Chet says you pays your money and makes your choice; I have made mine based on the facilities, dive freedom, photo shop and not least the staff.

I would highly recommend Rum Runners as well; the food is first class and affordable and the view over to Klein is to die for.

My wife and I will be making our third trip on September 23. We'll be staying at Sand Dollar. We love the relaxed atmosphere, kitchens in the units save money and time eating, proximity of the dive operation, and the convenience of diving - whether right at Bari Reef or taking tanks elsewhere. The "Ride to the Reef" package includes accommodations, rental vehicle, and diving and is priced reasonably.

Good luck making your choice. I'm sure whichever you choose, you'll have a great time. That's just the way it is in Bonaire.

Marvin

I'll be making my 7th trip to the island and the 4th consecutive stay at Sand$, unit D-20 a three bedroom three bath unit, with several other divers. We have stayed a several other places in the past and I am sure we stay elsewhere in the future.
If you are traveling with a group of folks and don't mind close proximity to your "friends" then this is a great way to save money and have a "party" wherever you go.
Everyone is going to have an opinion, all valid I am sure, but either of the two resorts will work for you.

Jim

P.S. Rent a truck.......

Welcome, Alan

We stay at Capt. Don's! Everyone here on BT has their favorites but we chose Capt. Don's after arriving without a reservation for a two week stay and touring most of the resorts. We continue to tour the different properties each year. Read my '02 trip report to see why we first stayed at Capt. Don's. We'll be there again in March - April '06.

http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/1022/31140.html?1021997999

Our family favorite is Cap't. Dons and I could list more reasons than those named above. I've also read many reports of how great the Sand Dollar is. I think your question could better be answered if you let BT know which attributes you consider most important for your family's vacation. No matter which you choose you are going to have a great time!

we will be at Cap't Dons in six days for the fourth time. there are other great accomodations but the Captain has always treated us great and will probably use them in the future unless something changes.

Monte, My wife and I will be next door, well almost, at Sand$ starting the 21st of September. We are from Texas. I gather that you are as well from your nickname. What part of Texas are you from? Maybe we will meet someplace while on Bon.

Jim

Both are great places to stay. Also Buddy's and Lion's Dive are in the same great area so, look into those also!

We spent a week at Sand$ in August and will not stay there again. There is an extremely high degree of variability in the rooms. We were initially given a nice unit but after unpacking were rudely told we had to move. They tried to put us in a smaller really gloomy unit. Only after refusing to move to they give us another unit that was comparable to the one we were kicked out of. We toured Captain Don's and will stay there next time. And Rum Runners is a truly excellent restaurant.

Dear Gerry,

Hi. I work with Sand Dollar. Can you email me more about your experience. I will make sure the Manager gets in on this discussion.

Thanks in advance,

William Cline
for Sand Dollar Resort
And to be clear: THIS IS NOT A CONSUMER REPLY, I WORK FOR THE RESORT.