Hi Everybody - We are on our 4th trip to Bonaire from the states and have stayed at the Plaza every time, We both think its time to look around the island at different accommodations this visit,( While staying at the Plaza one last time) The Plaza is slowly going downhill while the prices are rapidly going uphill, We always stay oceanfront and have not had a bad experience there but I really am starting to see some negatives feedback on the Bonaire Talk.

So that being said we plan on spending some time looking for Oceanfront with a Beach and a good bar and friendly people (We are casual snorkeling people not divers) We go for the island, the beach, the people, the great food, and the drink. I saw the piece on Bongo’s so they are definitely on our visit list.

If anyone out there has had good or bad experiences anyplace with a beach and oceanfront rooms please help make our visit list

PS I have read the articles on the proposed development of a high-rise hotel to attract tourists. If anyone cares about our two cents- we go to this island because it not overdeveloped, we see the high-rise as a negative , If we wanted to stay in a high-rise we would go to Aruba which is cheaper and easier to get to .

Ron

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PS I have read the articles on the proposed development of a high-rise hotel to attract tourists. If anyone cares about our two cents- we go to this island because it not overdeveloped, we see the high-rise as a negative , If we wanted to stay in a high-rise we would go to Aruba which is cheaper and easier to get to.

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I expect you'll be seeing posts about EVERYONE's
fav places so I'll just include two full service resorts where I've stayed and had a WONDERFUL time, great dive ops, very nice general facilities, terrific bar and restaurant and of course EXTRA friendly staff. Divi Flamingo - a short walk to town and Buddy Dive.

I would not hesitate for a second to recommend either to anyone.

Belmar gets my first choice...although no bar...Buddy's is great and there was a new swim up bar being built on our visit in November(anyone have more info on this?)

We stay at the Carib Inn which doesn't meet your criteria, so I can't help you there.

As far as development is concerned, I don't think Bonaire is going to stop developing because most of their current customers prefer it the way it is. I think in the long run, those of us who avoid crowded vacation destinations will have to look for a new destination.

Enjoy your visit.

I agree with your plaza statements, and would happily submit Buddy Dive as my preferred place to stay.

Meryl -I just got back from my trip in January and stayed at Buddys. The swim up bar is finished and came out beautiful! It is a great addition the property.

Ron- I would have to give Buddys my vote as well, although thats the only place I have stayed. Just note there is a beach, but there is no direct access to the ocean from it. The ocean is just a few steps down. There are two nice pools though and the restaurant and bar are fabulous! Hope you enjoy when you've made your decision!
Kristin

Thanks for the update Kristin looking forward to seeing it!

As for a bar at the Belmar ... I will point out that I am only 100 meters away. Our bar and restaurant are closer to most Belmar apartments than most "on-site" bars and restaurants are to the rooms at the larger resorts.

We are getting some go info here, Will be on the Island the 25th ( Can you say Carnival!!!) Thanks to all who have answered

If you already stay 4 times in big resots, why do not try a guesthouse?? Ambiance is more normal and friendly than in these resorts. You will find new friends. Bonaire is full of these B&B and lodges. We stayed in one of them, and we are enthousiast of this experience. Never again in luxuriour resorts, too much expensive and not the real best service. especially in Bonaire.

We just got back from Bonaire a week ago, having stayed at Bellafonte for the first time. (We used to stay at Sand Dollar, found it going downhill.) It's quiet despite being near the airport, right on the water, pier & steps right in front. Beautiful big condo, view, porch with eating area. Just a few problems, nothing serious. We had car, so could drive to restaurants & snorkeling spots. I'd give it 4 stars.

If you want a REAL beach experience, try Sorobon Beach Resort. The accomadations and the place are TRUELY amazing. It has by far the best beach on Bonaire. You will feel as if you are stranded on a desert island. And the snorkeling is amazing in the bay, all of the critters are VERY close up cuz the water is shallow.

http://www.sorobonbeach.com/