Okay, already bought tickets for the end of this month and since my family is of no assistance, I am seeking your help on the decision of where to stay.

Options:

(1)Belmar, Buddy Dive or Den Laman? All around same price

OR

(2)Do I go with Yacht Club Apartments or Happy Holiday Homes

Going with a choice of (2) will save approx. 800.00 vs. a choice of (1). I've stayed high and low end and easy to please (as long as the room is clean and the pool is clean) but think what is most important to me on this trip is convenience and relaxation with my 14 yo son.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Susan, take a look at Eden Beach cheaper than your #1's and a little more than your #2's but on the ocean and a nice beach. We have stayed there twice now and really enjoy the convenience. The rooms there run a little more than $100/night.

We stayed at Eden a few weeks back; check David and Melissa' trip report. It does have a great beach and pool too. You did not say if you'll be diving. That might fact into your choice.

Also check this web site for deals: www.InfoBonaire.com

Thanks for the input...our goal is diving for this trip. After chatting with friend I think I would be more comfortable on a resort with house reef and dive shop for questions or mishaps (hopefully, not the camera again!) especially since I have my son with me. If it was my husband instead I think I would be comfortable in a independent unit.

Now with that said...Would you chose the Belmar or the Den Lanman.

Susan, Eden Beach has Wannadive Diveshop on-site and a house reef. Both are the best (well at least the top 5) on Bonaire, IMHO. Our room in March was 30' from the dive shop, 20' from the pool, 30' from the restaurant, 20' from the beach, 40' from the car and 40' from the dive site, and it also had a full kitchen. Not sure you can find that anywhere else.

Sorry I cannot be of much help- I have only stayed at Eden- they do have beach, pool, dive shop and dive site. Den Lanman was nearby and we visited- it looks nice and new- they have a dive shop, but not much of a beach if any and I do not remember a pool. Did not visit Belmar.

Good Luck!

Looked into Eden Beach and awaiting quote. Thanks for the great advice

Hi Susan, Happy Holiday Homes does not have a pool if you are looking for a pool.

Personally, in my opinion, since you have your son with you, go with Buddy Dive, they have a pool and nice grounds to walk about. Your son could also just walk over to Lover's Ice Cream or go to Chat N Browse to hook up with internet and there is Sand Dollar Grocery for some snack items all within the area of Sand Dollar. He would be happy in that area versus the other areas I think. All the places you mentioned are fine accommodations, but location is everything when you have a child at times. Lots of restaurants to walk to really close by as well is another plus.

Hi Susan, I started replying to your question, then my son needed my attention and left it on the screen till now. I see you already got some responses. Eden Beach is nice too. Close to Buddy Dive as well. I was only replying to what you had listed. Divi Flamingo is also very nice and maybe you should look into them too if you are open minded as to where to stay.

Susan, lots of advice ! Chosing between Belmar and Den Laman I would choose Belmar. I have stayed there and it is very very nice.

As Cecil said, though, Eden Beach is a good option too, though; and they also have a pool. I like the beach there because it's one of the few sandy beaches in Bonaire; and the restaurant on-site - Bongos - is great for dinner or a quick snack between dives.

Debbie: people that stay at HHH get free use of my pool.

Susan..My vote is for Belmar... However no beach there. Den Laman is right above a restaurant..Don't know if that would bother you or not.

Kevin, great info to know! You are very close to them too!

You'll like Eden -- the reef right off Eden Beach is great (saw my first seahorse there, and frogfish) and the staff at WannaDive is just GREAT.

Hello Susan,
If your looking to stay at a Resort and diving is your main thing, I would go with Capt Don's, Buddy Dive or Divi !
All three have great facilities.
I assume you will have a vehicle and could visit the snorkling beaches etc (you can also snorkle right off Buddy and Capt Don's as we watched many teenagers and adults do this during our stay at Don's; Plus both have great dining facilities).
At Eden beach, Divi, and south to Bachelor's or Pick beach if the water is calm, best time snorkling, in morning for those.
Enjoy.