We are considering 2 weeks in Bonaire but reading the comments here and on other sites we are beginning to get the opinion that while the diving is great, the hotels are deteriorating due to lack of maintenance. Is this true? Can anyone recommend a good (3-4*) hotel/resort that also has an excellent dive operator (boat diving) and an excellent house reef?

robert, welcome to bonairetalk. i can't comment much on the hotels as we stay in our own place now. when we did stay in a hotel it was the carib inn which i think is a great place but probably wouldn't qualify as 3 or 4*...maybe 3 but it doesn't have a bar/restaurant. it is a small, well-maintained, quiet hotel with a great dive shop and even greater staff. carib inn offers great boat diving and a really nice reef (calabas).

on bonaire you won't find the luxury hotels and miles of sandy beaches that you'll find on other islands...and i think that's part of the charm.

Robert, welcome to Bonaire Talk. I'm not sure what you are referring to when you say that "the hotels are deteriorating due to lack of maintenance." There had been a report of one resort, but it was a while ago. I think that making a blanket statement as such is not in due justice to the resorts. If you to go www.infobonaire.com and click on "accommodations" and then choose your price range, and then look at the options. Once you have narrowed it down to 2 or 3 then post questions about those resorts and you will get a lot of good information and reports on the places you are interested in.

There are a LOT of resorts on the island so narrowing it down for folks based on your requests is a good idea.

Hi, Robert, and welcome.

Y'know, the definition of 3 or 4 (or whatever) stars has always seemed more than just a little subjective to me, but I'll try to answer your question as best as I can. I've never stayed at Harbour Village, but I believe that they are about as high on the rating scale as Bonaire goes. Otherwise, if you're looking for room service or concierges or fancy lobbies or upscale amenities, you're really not going to find much of that on Bonaire. However, we're also not talking about glorified summer camp accomodations either -- there's a number of places with clean, spacious accomodations, good restaurants, nice pool and....most importantly!...great diving.

I get the feeling that you are looking for a true dedicated dive resort with a restaurant on the premises, great house reef and great dive operation with on site boat diving. North of town you have Sand Dollar, Buddy Dive (which absorbed Lion's Dive last year) and Capt. Don's that are all right next to each other, essentially sharing the same reef, and have all the amenities I'm assuming that you are looking for. Sand Dollar primarily contains units that are equipped and decorated by individual owners, so there's some difference between units. There is a restaurant on the premises, the pool is in a weird location up by the road instead of on the water, and they have a dive op there with boat dives. Next comes Buddy Dive, which has been my favorite for 7 or 8 years and has all these amenities too. They have been updating their rooms pretty regularly and have a great dive operation. Feel free to send me a private message if you'd like details on what I find to be the best resort on the island FOR ME. Next comes Capt. Don's, also equipped with all these amenities; I've never stayed there;some folks say that some of the units are a little worn, but some folks love the place.

South of town I would say that Divi and Plaza fit your (apparent) criteria, and I've never really hung out at either so I can't comment.

There's literally dozens or scores of other accomodations on the island, but if you're looking for a resort on the water with a house reef, on site boat diving, restaurant, etc, these are the 5 or 6 that come to mind. If you do a search here on BT you'll find tons of comments on all of them.

Good luck!

Hi Robert,

As others have posted, the BEST resorts on island will be more like a Holiday Inn than a Radisson or SwissHotel. The better resorts will be at least at a level of the Super 8 and the good ones will be in the Motel 6 range of style. There are really no bad resorts to be found. You just trade amenities off for lower cost.

I agree that Divi on the south and Buddy on the north would be terrific choices for a first time visitor. I have stayed at both and would not hesitate to recommend them. Friends have enjoyed the Plaza and Capt Don's as well.

This is a small, quaint island and thank the gods there are NO "Sandals" type all inclusive mega-plexes to make it look just like every other mega-plex destination. There is still plenty to do and see to fill your 2 weeks, so pack your common sense, sense of adventure and above all your sense of humor and get ready for the trip of a lifetime.

Just one poor travellers opinion. From the minute I landed, the place simply touched my soul and I can hardly wait till I save up for trip #3.

Hey Robert, what's up? Most, if not all, of the hotels are not deteriorating due to the lack of maintenance. Of course, there are some effects of heat and wind, but most places work at off setting these effects (i.e. new paint) from my observations on 6 trips to Bonaire. I think it might help to make clear that Bonaire is a kind of eco destination where the emphasis is on the sea, wildlife etc. It is not a good destination for those who are looking for what most of us would term a "tourist destination" such as Aruba for example. This is good thing IMHO and I personally hope it never changes. One of the other things you should consider is that most accomodations don't have central air - the air conditioning is in the bedrooms only. Seems small but I have talked to friends who would never accept that in a hotel/resort. All of that said, we stay at the Belmar Apartments. The apartments are clean and well maintained. They continually update and the house reef rocks with 2 docks to dive from a short distance from the apartments. Assuming you are not looking for a full blown resort, this is what I would recommend to you. Don't hate me Belmar BT'rs for putting this out. Have a great dive.

like randy said, there are no big, all-inclusives...which is a good thing. my (limited) experience with all-inclusives left me with the impression that visitors get so isolated from the rest of the island that they never experience the true ambiance of the place. sometimes it's a safety issue but other times it's just a convenience issue. this is not true of bonaire. you can wander around bonaire and not fear for your safety nor be harrassed by beach vendors, etc. bonaire is a small island with a small resident population and is easy and safe to explore. once you've visited bonaire you can truly say that you have "seen" bonaire, unlike those who go to jamaica, stay at sandals, never leave the property, and still say they've "seen" jamaica.

enjoy your trip.

Hi Robert! Bonaire is a truely beautiful island for diving and it's friendly people, however, when I see a post with a 3 or 4 star request, I get the impression of that you're looking for something Bonaire doesn't have. As said in earlier posts, Harbor Village is the best/highest resort on Bonaire, then you would have to look at all the others like Cyn said and then ask your question again. Look at their websites and see their amnetites and then decide. The website she gave you is a start, but there isn't any place like Sandals, Club Med on Bonaire for sure, I can tell you that. I love Bonaire and even bought my own place, but it is not for everyone. My parents will never set foot on Bonaire as neither of them dive/snorkel and my mom hasn't had her hair wet in years except at the salon! LOL Take a look at the other hotels and post again when you have looked at what they have. Almost everyone here on BT has their favorites and some try a new place yearly, so I am sure we could help you out better with a little more to go on. That 3or4 star thingie throws off a lot of us as to what you are looking for.

Robert,

Our experience during our three trips in as many years to Sand Dollar Condo Resort have been very enjoyable. Sand Dollar is not a hotel, as such, but very comfortable, convenient, and has a great dive operation on site.

If you're looking for a lot of amenities or looking to be pampered, maybe Bonaire is not the place for you. People who go to Bonaire go to dive. And the diving can't be beat. So, if you want great diving and are willing to sacrifice a little luxury, you'll love Bonaire.

Robert Sixberry, there is nothing for you in Bonaire. Harbor Village is as close as you could get to your 4 star resort. I do not think you would enjoy the island at all. I would rather discourage you now than have to read your negative trip report later. Good luck in your travels.

Robert;

Harbor Village is your choice. I stayed there my first and second trips not knowing what else was available. The rates were high then and seem even higher now but you get a nice beach, good diving and security that a drug lord would enjoy. In fact that is the bigest minus - you are in a kind of enclave and will probably miss out on the adventures of learning about the island.

I have always felt the people who are looking for glitz and lots of amenities and the like would much rather go to Aruba or to St Lucia than Bonaire I find Bonaire is a true natural place for those who appreciate simplicity and basics. There are not the long sandy beaches or women with fancy hair dos there are a great bunch of people who like clean housing. Simple please of Diving and Snorkling and seeing the natural wonders of the Sea. We have gone to many mnay islands and none can hold a candle to Bonaire is our book. `

Robert,
Welcome to BT! These BTers are usually very friendly....must have had coal in their stockings.

I re-read your post and nowhere did I see anything about fancy, all-inclusive, long white beaches, etc. which we on BT are all happy that Bonaire lacks. I do understand your request and have emailed you privately.

Please don't be turned off by some of these posts. Bonaire is a wonderful, friendly refuge.

Linda...lol on the coal...hopefully Robert will post back with some places he has narrowed his search down to and we can give him suggestions on the places he has questions about as I suggested. It's so hard to recommend a place when specifics as to what a person is looking for (on the water, kitchen, etc.) aren't provided.

Also, I must add that I probably should have made my post as a moderator. The statement "the hotels are deteriorating due to lack of maintenance" isn't fair to the resorts on the island. It makes a general statement based on no facts given as to specific resorts. This could be interpreted by other new BTers that it is true, when in fact, could be farther from the truth. Also, the title of the thread has "neglected" in caps so it's implied Robert was yelling.

Robert, as Linda said, we are really a nice group of people. However, negative first posts with generalizations and no facts (i.e. examples of where you read about the neglect) seem to get folks riled up a tad because of their love of Bonaire. I sincerely hope you look at www.infobonaire.com, choose your price range and then ask about some specific hotels. You will get a lot of nice responses.

Cynde

United we stand, divided we fall.
We will defend Bonaire to the death.

Robert, check out the hotels that might interest you, then look up there web pages, most are very nice, in good shape, and most of all, allow you to dive , dine and sleep in style, like no other place on earth.

But if I was you, I would go to Aruba. Less people here on Bonaire for the rest of us.
Enjoy your vacation!

Cynde,

Note that "GREAT" is also capitalized. I don't think this was meant as shouting. Also, we seem to be talking to ourselves. Robert has been conspicuous by his absence since his initial post Friday.

David

Ah...David, I did miss the "GREAT." And you are correct, we seem to be talking to ourselves...troll maybe?

Cynde,

I myself do not understand why there are some people who attack anybody for posting a question on this board. A lot of people do not understand the correct way to post something, i.e. (like capital letters). I myself did not know that was shouting out loud. So some people need to get a grip on how they post there negative feed back on this board. I think nobody has the right to attack some one because of what they post or how they post it, because maybe they are computer dumb like me on some things. It's a learning thing. END RANT

Yours BT Friend Patrick

ps. I thought this was a public forum on the good and bad!!!!!!!!!

I can understand Robert's concerns. We are in a similar position. Much of the available information in "impartial views" focuses on the negative aspects and many of the traditional sources of information for travellers no longer appear to provide comment on the quality of the accomodation, service or for that matter the diving. I appreciate that Bonaire is about the diving but who wants to get to "paradise" and find the experience tainted by some of the experiences which many people have posted on this information board.

I don't think anyone actually attacked the absent Robert Sixberry. I gave him my considered opinion, that if he is looking for four star amenities, another island might be more suited to his desires. If he decided to go ahead and go to Bonaire, he has been warned it may not have what he is looking for. I cannot comment on Harbour Village as it is one of the few places I've never stayed on the island, but I do not think of Bonaire as being a four star destination, It is a very laid back and casual place, virtually no soft sandy beaches, shore diving often presents challenging entry and exit, and petty theft is sometimes a problem. But almost no crimes of violence, and women walk around at night unescorted and unafraid.
I think that every trip is an adventure, and if you get caught up in minor problems you will crush your own groove.

Seb - I agree that Bonaire is not a 4 star destination - I describe it as a middle class vacation spot - which is exactly what I am looking for. I can only comment on the one resort that I stayed in and it was clean and well maintained. Other than that I have stayed in houses and condos - all of which were equally clean and well maintained - but by no means luxurious. But again that is was I like.

Andrew - paradise is what you make of place you are at. To some paradise is luxury accommodations on a lush tropical island. To others is it average accommodations in a place that you feel comfortable. Each person makes his own paradise and none of us should think that we know what pleases the other person. In every place there is issues - you just have to decide what issues will ruin your vacation.

I personally will go to Bonaire at least once a year - but normally I seem to go 3 times a year. I understand all of issues that are on the island and I accept this - actually that is part of why I go there - it is a real place with real people.

I will get off my soap box now!!!

"crush your own grove" good one Seb...I need to remember that one

Thanks Cyn! I have to wipe off my computer screen. "crush your own grove" What is that? Are we crushing apple groves now?

I think you really do need some Christmas cookies.

Seb, perhaps Robert Sixberry is absent because he found your first post to be rude, abrupt, and offensive. I know I did. I don't think you should be a moderator on this board and basically tell people you personally think there's nothing for them on Bonaire, and to go travel elsewhere. I don't find anything offensive about Robert's question, and can not imagine how one can assume that he would not enjoy the island at all, from the 3 1/2 lines posted. (As I am entitled to give my considered opinion.....)

Seb seems to be a basically unhappy guy, this leads to the crude sarcasm Seb spews at every oppurtunity. He wants Bonaire to be successful but wants only his friends to visit. At one time this was an inviting site to discuss all things Bonaire, but now any hint of a negative idea brings the wrath of God, Seb or some other moderator upon you. The moderators need to lighten up, look back on the way Jake initially set this site up, the upbeat nature of his posts; never do I remember him denigrating a new visitor to the site. Bonaire is a great place and I have been there many times but it is not for everyone, surely there is a way to discuss what Bonaire is and is not without insulting the questioner.
No one likes or repects a bully!

Folks lets all lighten up here!!! Back on track...
Robert if you are out there and Andrew if you are still with us..Have you found any information on www.infobonaire.com that you would like to share with us???

Freddie (and Seb),

Sorry, but I had exactly the same reaction to Seb's post as Ron did. I just didn't want to get involved in a typical BT imbroglio. I showed it to my wife who was also incredulous. I have been around this board long enough to know that Seb is a bright witty person with strong opinions. But that comment was uncalled for especially from a moderator. I don't think people should have to parse their casual posts for shades of meaning and possible misinterpretation to avoid being told "you are not wanted. Stay home".

David

If all of us had the same opinion, and agreed with each other all the time, this site would just be another fluff site.

People who are coming to Bonaire for the first time might have some questions? They might have received info from other sites as well. Mixed reviews can make one feel a bit uneasy. These people will , or might ask a question worded a tad on the DARK SIDE?
Not everyone that comes to Bonaire loves it to death, as I do, and most of you as well.
I remember some people staying at the Divi some years ago. She was to hot, he did not like the food, she hated all the fish in the water, he got a major sun burn day 2. She got shut-off at the nest, could not stand up on her own! Best part, one of the DV, I believe Bass, stopped them from diving as they tried to remove a tube sponge to bring back home. What do you think there trip report looked like?

As I have said in the past, "we all have to play nice".

Hi Jerry (and everyone else)! I want to comment on other boards. I followed a restaurant review link offered here on BT that led me to Frommers. They had a chat section on Bonaire and it was dark. I was quite surprised and it made me appreciate BT that much more! Plus, they had some seriously outdated information...did you know that the Plaza has the ultimate in Casinos on Bonaire according to Frommers? They really play it up. Been to the Plaza twice, it wasn't open either time. I appreciate BT, even the more negative posts. At least we know everything here is current and the people are truly passionate about Bonaire.

You are correct about outdated reviews. One I read last summer was on Peter Hues (spelling) at the Divi. Talked about the nest, God, that was years old!

What ever happened to Robert?

What a place to jump in for a first time post. I have been lurking on the BT site for almost a year and have found it an invaluable source of information.I read it everyday. We have visited Bonaire Aug. Oct. and Dec.of 2005(yes I'm writing a trip report). Someone said it well,"Bonaire touched our soul." In fact, we were on our way to Gibi's for our first BT dinner(following Renee L.from her house)when she called us from the hospital to say she was sorry she couldn't go.We had just been with her Sunday on a wonderful trip and were too upset to make the dinner that night.My point is that I was slowly wanting to become a part of this community of people who love Bonaire. I already am seriously in love with Bonaire. I read the man's post asking about the 3 or 4 star accommodations and noted that he the now absent Robert) made a statement and asked "is this true?" I think the reply from one of the posters, seb," there is nothing here for you in Bonaire " is way harsh and turns me, and it looks from some of the posts, others off as well. Just a comment about rating hotels in "stars". It is very subjective, but many of the travel books and sites like "trip advisor" still use them. Sam, my husband, has a water conservation business and we have made a trip to St. Maarten, 2 to St. Croix and 3 (mostly pleasure) to Bonaire in 2005. Our accommodations run the" star" gamut. To us clean, a kitchen and a view of the ocean (definitely no concierge neeeded)are our requirements. Also, Sam grew up on the Gulf Coast of Texas and wind and salt are hard on the exterior of buildings.We expect to see this. We have found our accommodations in Bonaire "5" star in our book. Everyone has a right to there opinion, but when it is unduly critical it can run someone off that was only asking a question the best way that he knew how.(or he could be a troll) no matter be an ambassador for "your" beautiful Bonaire. There's "everything for us" there.

I don't agree. To simply state that Bonaire has something for everyone is inaccurate in my opinion. Bonaire is suited for a certain type of individual and I personally know of many people who would not be happy vacationing there. How do I know? Once I explain Bonaire to them, they usually say they would not spend vacation dollars on a destination that does not have large beaches and hyper active night life for example. It behooves those of us with extensive expirience on Bonaire to be honest about the island and to not withhold or misrepresent information just so we can be seen as politically correct.

Well put Marcus. Most of my friends would go nuts on Bonaire. If one does not take part in water sports, it's a dud for some.

I think truth in advertising is best. We have friends who crave hiking, desert type environments, and love seeking out wildlife. They do not dive (yet) but still want to see Bonaire because of the park, the people, and the relaxed atmosphere. They went absolutely nuts when I showed them the picture I got of a caracara. This couple can spend days exploring a relatively small area of indigenous flora/fauna. They can't wait to get to Bonaire.

That was well put as well. As one can see here, Bonaire might have a lot to offer. So what else is there to do on Bonaire.
Diving
Hiking
Biking
Birding
Sailing
Wind surfing
Dinning
Relaxing
Doing nothing at all.
Swimming in the nude(at Lac Bay)
T shirt shopping
Caving
Reading all the Littmans adds
Counting all the (still) unfinished building projects.
Trying to guess what the catch of the day will be?
Watching for the GREEN FLASH.
Cuban Cigars.
Did I mention the Littman adds?
Sorry,I always seem to read them twice!

Ok, your turn.

Maybe it would be better to say what you CAN'T do on Bonaire, like:

Dance all night in a club
Walk on endless white sand beaches
Stay in a highrise all inclusive megaplex (thank God!)
Be waited on hand and foot

Anyone else?

Sorry, looks like I've been misunderstood. Of course, Bonaire isn't for everybody,and that goes for many of the Caribbean islands as well. I laughed when I read Debbie B.'s comment about her mother not getting her hair wet except for the salon.That's my mother. The majority of my family is Ritz Carlton all the way. It must have been those years at summer camp that clued me into a different kind of luxury-unspoiled natural beauty.When I said Bonaire had "everything for us" there, I was speaking of my husband and myself.There's nothing wrong in being honest-it might save someone from a costly trip they did not like.But how about just the facts as the poster sees it. This guy asked for a (3 or 4 star) hotel-yes( depending on his subjective "star" criteria) with excellent boat diving and and house reef-yes. That's all, except wanting to know if the hotels are neglected--answer they're not.It was" there is nothing for you here" comment that I felt was just dismissive for no reason I could find after re-reading the original post. I find this site so informative and I was new to it last year.If I had got the reception given the poster by basically one person would I have quit coming back ,well no, but I might have been wary of posting. When I read reviews for places to book for our business trips to the caribbean- I immediately throw out"there is nothing for you heres" and also comments like the iguanas were intrusive,bugs were in the sink, and there was mold..as my niece says, "that's just nature".And "nature" isn't for everybody.

Ok, as I understand it, it's Zen thing, one with nature. If you like a nature type vacation, Bonaire is it.
But if you are looking for anything other then nature,or relaxing, go someplace else.

That was easy.

Jerry,

---

quote:

1. Reading all the Littmans adds
2. Counting all the (still) unfinished building projects.

---

LMAO?
Lost- My -Alternate -Oring?

Groan - not the O-Ring thing again.....

Thanks for the clarification Stephanie.

LMAO? I must be slow?


No more o ring stuff.
How about fin straps?

laughing my arse off Jerry...geez! LOL!

Actually, o rings could be added to the not suited for Bonaire List: You are not suited for Bonaire if you are unwilling to install your own o rings.

Will someone please tell me what LMAO means.

Cynde already told you!! ROTFLMAO!!!!!

(Message edited by scubahb on January 6, 2006)

Ok, if you guys want to play that game, I'll have to open the cage to my wild O-RING and let him out.

Jerry YGM ROTFLMAO!!!

errr that would be "You Got Mail!!!"

Jerry - LMAO -
"L" = Laughing
"M" = My
"A" = Arse
"O" = Off

Marcus - good one to add to the list

Jerry, put your wild O-Ring back in it's cage please.

Thanks for the email.
The cage has been relocked.

DYFSN?

Did you finish supper Nancy?
What's that got to do with NEGLECTED hotels?

More codes, that's it, I'm opening the cage!
Can you feel the pressure building?
Where's Robert when you need him? He started this!

Many thanks to you all for your considered and knowledgeable advice. For our part we are coming to Bonaire - sorry Seb or anybody else whom we may offend by this action. We have the opportunity to step off our plane on the return leg from Peru for no additional cost and to sample Bonaire - a place we might not otherwise get to visit given it's location and routes from Europe. Although like Robert, we have noticed negative comments on just about all of the accommodation options on the island we think this just proves that you cannot please all of the people all of the time and we are coming down on the Divi as our choice.

Once again thank you all for your advice.

Your welcome. Have a nice time.

Hi Andrew,

Thanks for letting us know where you ended up! You will love the Divi! I have never stayed there, have my own place, but I always go there to have dinner at least once when on island and also to snorkel or dive a few times each trip. I have always been treated nicely there and if you have kids, they will love it too. Have a great time! I just went back and read your posting and I can say the snorkeling there and diving are very good! The service has always been good, only thing is order two drinks at a time as they take "island time" and my Bright always seems empty! LOL! Their dive facility is very nice and they just put in a new dock recently or pier whatever you want to call it and easy access to the water from there. I think they keep up the place very good. Hope this helps.

Debbie

Andrew

Enjoy Peru and Bonaire, this forum is fairly open and I am sure you find more positive reports than negative. The negative ones just get more posts. We are regulars to Bonaire from the UK and have no complaints, if you need any tips then let me know.