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Accommodations: Hotel map?
Bonaire Talk: Accommodations: Archives: Archives 2000 to 2006: Archive - 2006-03-01 to 2006-08-31: Hotel map?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Christine Albro (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #1) on Wednesday, August 9, 2006 - 3:03 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi all,
I'm looking for a map with hotel/restaurant locations so that I can start on my short list. I sure did find dive site maps! I prefer to stay away from the crowds but not too far from town. Lac Bay looks like a convenient area. Any good places to stay there? Looking for the following:
A/C
room safe
ocean view
beach (not a must have but how nice to enjoy in the evening!)
bar
Don't want to pay a fortune, not needing all-inclusive, but very clean and recent remodel is preferred. Very excited to plan my first trip to Bonaire and look forward to your responses. Thanks everyone!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cecil (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4918) on Wednesday, August 9, 2006 - 3:31 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Welcome to BT, Christine. First a few misconceptions, there are no all-inclusives on Bonaire and pretty much no crowds. It's a very different place. All the resorts are on the west side (lee side) with the exception of a few places on the west side near Lac Bay. The nicest place over there is Sorobon but you may be overdressed (clothing optional). All the diving is on the west side (no surf). This is also where most of the resorts are.

Now which one is a tough decision, but don't worry about it either they are all nice. Go to www.bonaireinfo.com and you can peruse the choices by cost. I personally like Eden Beach which is a nice small resort that is reasonable and very convenient.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Christine Albro (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #2) on Wednesday, August 9, 2006 - 3:58 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks so much for the quick reply Cecil. That is refreshing to hear. It seems like every place I've been to recently has been plagued with high-rise resorts. We tend to end up on the far side of the islands we visit for theat very reason. I have another window open right now on the site you mention! Eden Beach looks very nice. Any thoughts on Den Laman?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cecil (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4920) on Wednesday, August 9, 2006 - 4:31 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Personally I am not familiar with that place but have heard of it. Most comments have been favorable. You can always search for it.

The thing to remember about Bonaire is it's pretty much only a dive destination. No long white sand beaches, spring break crowds, cruise ships (well occasionally small ones) or casinos (two small ones). Divers are not exactly party animals, it cuts into your bottom time. So most places close early. What Bonaire is, is laid back, island time, no traffic, no high risers, dry (desert island) and 3 miles from the sun (very close to the equator).

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Christine Albro (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #3) on Wednesday, August 9, 2006 - 4:38 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Sounds like the perfect place for my husband and I. We pretty much like to explore, snorkel most of the day then have a nice dinner and sit near the sea before bed. We're avid snorkelers and from what I see, there are plenty of great snorkel spots as well. Thanks again for your thoughts Cecil.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cynde (Moderator) (Moderator - Post #304) on Wednesday, August 9, 2006 - 6:11 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Christine! Welcome to Bonaire Talk! Cecil describes Bonaire perfectly:-)

I think if you take a look at the links Cecil provided, choose your price range, and then narrow it down to a few places, then post and ask for comments on those you will get a good response. All the reports from Eden and Den Laman have been good. Den Laman is small, right on the water, new, but no pool.

Here is a good Map of Bonaire

Again, welcome to Bonaire Talk!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By michael gaynor (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2215) on Wednesday, August 9, 2006 - 6:15 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

there are a few nice small properties as well..Coco palm, Happy Holiday Homes, Bonaire Ocean view villas to name a few...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Christine Albro (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #4) on Wednesday, August 9, 2006 - 7:03 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks everyone. Promise to do my research and then bug you with all of my questions. :-) I definitely have island fever! Just went to Antigua in April and am already having urges to plan another trip. Bonaire definitely looks like a winner.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By seb (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #2891) on Wednesday, August 9, 2006 - 7:45 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Yes there are Michael, but none of the properties you mentioned allow one to "sit near the sea before bed" without a short (or long) hike. Not even "Ocean View" Villas.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Julia Graves (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #932) on Wednesday, August 9, 2006 - 8:31 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Look at Pelican Reef House. We love it!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Grasshopper (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #18951) on Wednesday, August 9, 2006 - 9:40 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Julia, is Pelican Reef also known as "Larry's Place?" It looks like where we met up with some folks that were staying there and dove last Oct...and they called it "Larry's Place."

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Julia Graves (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #933) on Thursday, August 10, 2006 - 4:22 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I think so, the owner's first name is Larry! It seems popular and I know Mare, Tom and Smack liked it when the came to dive with us. Wanted to go this October but it was already booked.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Andy & Dave Bartlett (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #555) on Thursday, August 10, 2006 - 5:50 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Look at Belmar Oceanfront Apts they are really nice and are right on the water, no beach but nice pool side and 2 piers to sit on and watch the sunset. Belmar is a small resort with only 22 apts. thier web site is www.belmar-bonaire.com They have 1, 2 or 3 bedroom units with fully furnished kitchens. Also check www.infobonaire.com

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Andy & Dave Bartlett (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #556) on Thursday, August 10, 2006 - 5:55 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Forgot to mention, even though Bonaire is small you will need to rental a car/truck to get around, the taxi's are few and some what expensive.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Susan Davis, InfoBonaire (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #116) on Thursday, August 10, 2006 - 8:52 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Christine, Just to add to all the good advice that's already been provided, there's a map with hotels of more than six units at http://www.infobonaire.com/hotels.html. Susan

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Grasshopper (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #18954) on Thursday, August 10, 2006 - 10:01 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Julia, that's the place! It was wonderful! I didn't know what the name of it was, thanks!

Susan, thanks for the link, is that a new are to the infobonaire website? I see changes have been made to it:-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Denise Kacavas (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1275) on Thursday, August 10, 2006 - 12:25 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I vote delux room on the water at Divi :-) But as has been stated there are many great choices . . .

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Edison (BonaireTalker - Post #100) on Thursday, August 10, 2006 - 1:59 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

That's a great map, Cynde. (The only key thing missing is Cultimara grocery.) I had a similar laminated map from Amazon.com (with very tiny print) but we found the free map we got at Sand Dollar more useful (and more legible).

It's possible to get the impression from the map that Bonaire is something of a built-up metropolis, like 7-Mile road in Grand Cayman. Actually, it's more of a pastel-hued Mayberry. (BTW, the map doesn't show the stop sign.)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Christine Albro (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #5) on Thursday, August 10, 2006 - 3:44 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

WOW! Thanks for all your replies! OK, so I think I have a short list forming but really do need to know one thing - are there any hotels that don't have many kids around? I know I'm probably going to irritate someone with that one but I'm just not a kid person. No offense, really!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Edison (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #101) on Thursday, August 10, 2006 - 5:31 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Because of the lack of sandy beaches, you won't find many kids vacationing on Bonaire unless they're divers. That said, some resorts do promote themselves as more "family friendly" than others and offer special activities to occupy the kids while parents dive. (The Plaza and Sand Dollar, for example.) To name just a few, Buddy Dive, Captain Don's, and Carib Inn target themselves more for the hard core diver, but they are far from alone and hard core doesn't necessarily mean the facilities are no-frill. We saw very few kids on our last trip and most we did see were European and knew how to behave themselves.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cecil (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4926) on Thursday, August 10, 2006 - 5:34 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Agree with Ron. You can also help yourself by scheduling your vacation when the kids are in school.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kelly (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4525) on Thursday, August 10, 2006 - 10:32 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Ron, I just returned and there were kids everywhere ! Lots of them! Maybe because it's summer vacation/holiday but I saw many, many more families than I usually see there.

That being said, I would imagine (and this is JUST a guess) that the "sandy" beach places will have more kids. Belmar would be a nice choice I think. The more "resorty" type places would probably have more children.

How would you feel about renting a house? It is certainly a little more expensive, but you would be guaranteed privacy.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kelly (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4526) on Thursday, August 10, 2006 - 10:32 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

And where are my manners??? Welcome to Bonaire Talk, Christine !!! :-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mercy Baron (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #203) on Friday, August 11, 2006 - 1:46 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Welcome to BT Christine! I didn't see mentioned anywhere when you are going to Bon.

I am also a snorkeler and this Dec will be my 5th trip in 4 yrs. Amazing snorkeling! I even go out with divers into the deep and snorkel over them! You will love it.

Check for a thread on the same page as yours titled, Cheap Accomodations. A lot of us gave some good info on places to stay.

One place that I'm staying at for the first time is the Black Durgon Inn. Right on the water, supposedly very quiet. Great snorkeling right in front....very inexpensive and did I mention it's right on the water? How could I not?!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Glen Reem (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2462) on Friday, August 11, 2006 - 7:54 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I have not stayed at Black Durgeon but I would suspect they would be on the 'low kids' end of the spectrum.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Sue Steiner (BonaireTalker - Post #49) on Friday, August 11, 2006 - 8:04 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

We've been staying at Pelican Reef for the past few years and plan to return there for 2 weeks this December. It has two nice decks facing the water and you just have to step off the dock to find nice snorkeling. I enjoy early am and pm snorkeling. It's also close to my boyfriend's favorite diving spot.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Katie Mann (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #4) on Saturday, August 12, 2006 - 4:50 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi
Literally back to UK 2 hours ago from our first trip and suffering PBB already! If you want an apartment really close to town (ie within 5 mins. walk of all good bars etc), with a pool and facing the beach try Josie at Sun Rentals ( www.SunRentals.an ). She fixed us up great with a top place. So close to town you don't need to be on a "resort" for the bar. They can organise diving too from right outside the gardens, see Burt. Also do great villas. Tell them Katie from England recommends.

Enjoy Bonaire, we all did and will be back again, 3 divers age 40+, 40+ and 13, 2 snorkellers age 30+ and 7

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Christine Albro (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #6) on Tuesday, August 15, 2006 - 9:01 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks to all for the great responses! It certainly looks like you all are very enthusiastic about the island and I cannot wait to go. Trying to make our first trip to the island in December. I'll read up on all of the recommendations and get back with a short list. Just wondering, for a snorkeler does it make sense to join on the boat trips or is it better to go for shore entry? We like to snorkel the shallow reefs and wonder if the boats will give us that opportunity. Are there any boat trips that focus on snorkeling? I did see the Snorkeling with Renee option. It would be nice to have a local show us the best spots and if we can avoid some of the difficult shore entries, that would be a bonus. Thanks again everyone!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Grasshopper (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #19007) on Tuesday, August 15, 2006 - 9:55 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Christine, Renee does wonderful guided snorkels. Also, the Woodwind does drift snorkels around the island.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By DARLENE ELLIS (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2153) on Tuesday, August 15, 2006 - 11:49 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Snorkeling is good in Bonaire no matter which resort you stay at. I am a fan of the waterfront rooms at the Divi Flamingo. The resort is a ten minute walk to town and the snorkeling there is awesome! They have a cement pier that tons of fish life in it. There is a little sunken boat just to the right of the pier in about 15 feet of water that is really neat too as well as under there southern most dock. The Woodwind also sails from the Divi which is an added convenience.
The Woodwind is a trimaran that does sail and snorkel trips with unlimited drinks and lunch included. It does one stop at Kline where you usually see turtles and then another stop at Andrea, Pietre Pillar or Small Wall. It is a really fun day.www.woodwindbonaire.com I also would suggest doing guided snorkels with Renee from www.reneesnorkeltrips.com. She is incredible and is very reasonably priced. I call her eagle eyes. She find so much and knows where a lot of the little critters live. Instead of renting a car, I usually do a guided with Renee or sail on the Woodwind in the mornings and around the resort in the afternoons. Otherwise you would need a car to get to various sites.
The Plaza resort has good snorkeling too but the resort is a little bit too spread out for my liking. You will love it in Bonaire!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gary Steven (BonaireTalker - Post #28) on Wednesday, August 16, 2006 - 10:15 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Christine. We have been traveling to Bonaire for years and have fallen in love with Casa del Sol. It's a wonderful property right on the water with its own private sandy beach with a reef a few feet from the sand with tons of fish, etc. The property has been updated and is very comfortable with a security system and safe. Given what you are looking for, this could be a perfect place for you. Its a popular property so you have to plan ahead generally. You can find information on Casa del Sol on www.bonairepartners.com. Good luck and enjoy Bonaire.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Marilyn Mc Clain Friedrich (BonaireTalker - Post #28) on Monday, August 21, 2006 - 9:06 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Christine, turn the prism around a bit and you have my opinion of the best place to stay on Bonaire, which is "sans" kids!! - the Deep Blue View. Check out the web site. It's so hard to express how wonderful it was there - the hammocks by the pool, the quite, the wonderful rooms, breakfast made to order each morning! It is a bit inland, but up on a hill, so it has a wonderful breeze all the time. You need a truck or car anyway to go to the different Dive/Snorkel sites anyway so, for me, the trade-off was more than worth it. Not to mention the two beautiful dogs. Menno and Esther are the perfect host and hostess and provide an incredibly peaceful and private environment. The room was wonderful. Anyway, sounds a bit "drooly" when re-reading this, but I am a rather jaded traveler and had such a wonderful experience at the Deep Blue View. By the way, I was the only snorkeler amongst the Scuba Divers and was still treated with respect! Anyway, check it out, it's worth looking into.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Carrie Huhtanen (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #8) on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 2:37 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Just wondering what hotels do have the better beaches? Plaza, Divi? thanks...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cecil (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4969) on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 4:20 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Carrie probably the ones on Aruba :-).

The Plaza has the biggest, followed by Eden Beach, Divi and a little tiny one at Capt Dons. At all of them the sand ends at the water's edge and it is coral/rubble in the water.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Carrie Huhtanen (BonaireTalker - Post #11) on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 4:46 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I've stayed at Plaza, just wondering if there was a better beach. This time I'm bringing my children.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cecil (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4971) on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - 10:48 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

The Plaza beach is about as good as it gets. There is a nice sand beach at Lac Bay on the east side. The locals all go there to swim.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Katie Mann (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #5) on Thursday, August 31, 2006 - 11:02 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

There's a great sandy spot at Windhoek beach, great for making sand castles and there's some shade too if the sun gets a bit too hot. But try avoid Sunday when it's full of locals. Mid-week is better and you can have the place to yourself. Watch out when the jet takes off as one family found out and all their gear had blown away!

 


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