Hi,

I'm planning a trip with my family (2 adults, 2 kids, 17 yrs) to Bonaire in July 2007.

We're not divers. Bonaire for us is a 1 week stop between a 1 week visit to Curacao and another week on Aruba.
Idea is to relax, see something of the island, perhaps do some snorkling (and maybe take an introductory dive) and generally to have fun.

For this week, I'm looking for accommodation advice.

We are looking for 2 rooms or a small apartment. Preferably airco and fridge and maybe some kitchen facilities. Budget would be around $ 700 for lodging for the 4 of us.
We're not really luxury driven and prefer something small-scale above a large resort.
I noticed quite some choice, and would like some recommendations.

Thanks alot!
Frans.

Frans,

We just got back from Bonaire and did stay at the Oceanfront Apartments. Great view from the second floor, small pool and a short walk to "down town Kralendijk".

Frans, welcome to Bonaire Talk You might try going to www.infobonaire.com and click through the accommodations area to narrow it down by ammeneties and price. Do you want to be on the water? In addition to Richard's suggestion, a few on the water I can think of are:

-Dive Inn
-Black Durgon Inn (community kitchen) great atmosphere
-Eden Beach (where the cams are, may be above your budget)

Not on the water
-Coco Palm Garden
-Oceanview Apartments
-Happy Holiday Homes (sort of on the water I believe)
-Great Escape (directly across the water)

I'm sure I've left a few out!

good luck and have a great trip!

Check out Buddy Dive. I think it may have everything that you may need.

Really Bruce? Buddy Dive for four people with a budget of $700 for the week?
I don't think so.

Seb,I was assuming $700 pp. But, you know what you can make out of assume.

If you go to REMAX's Bonaire website and click on vacation rentals, Lighthouse beach resort #13 can be found there for $110.00 per night for 3-4 people. It has 2 bedrooms, kitchen and is fully furnished. There is also a pool your kids might want to utilize.

Here is the link to Accommodations Under $75.00 I don't think it's complete though. I forgot about Bonaire Town Homes, not on the water, but a great places as well.

Another option would be the Tropicana Apartments. You can get a 2 bedroom there for 4 people for around $100.00 per night.

or coral cottage... 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, full kitchen, nice porch and right on the water. $600 per week.

Marcus, thanks for your post. I totally forgot that my place was on Remax's site too. I went there and noticed that the pics and prices are outdated. I will have to send Remax an updated listing. For those who want to view an up to date listing, they would have to go to wwww.bonairevilla.com to see the actual updated version. If you hadn't posted that, I would have never have realized that it was not current. I am not trying to self promote here, mods, just have folks who read this know the right information. I will send Remax an email tomorrow with current info. or maybe even remove it from their site as they have never rented it for me yet.

Frans:

Just to verify, your budget is up to $100/night for both rooms? Or is it $100/night per room?

If it $100/night for both rooms and includes taxes, your choices are more limited. That said, there are still many decent choices but they will not be on the water and may not have a pool.

IMHO,it might be worth it to spend a bit more depending on what your priorities are. For me, it is. I find a pool as real value to me as does being smack on the water as I do mostly shore diving.

So, Golden Reef would be a nice choice at $110/night (two bedroom, kitchen, pool use, etc.). Carib Inn would be around $150/night (one bedroom, kitchen, pool, but right on the water). Lots of choices...

You can also check out Lighthouse Beach Resort #13 at:http://www.bonairevilla.com/

Thanks everyone for your advice.
I was aware of the infobonaire site, but found it very hard to compare the offerings. You definitely gave me some indications where to look further.

wrt the budget: we have some flexibility here. The idea was to spent around $ 700 for the 4 of us. With taxes and 10 % service charges that would probably bring it near the $1000 mark.

As we are not divers, a dive resort like buddy dive does not seem to be the most interesting choice.

For now we're aiming at a small private rental. We like the cosyness and personal touch that goes with it. I saw some suggestions on it in this thread, and also got a PM with an interesting offer (but of course still open to other suggestions).

Thanks again for your help.
I'm sure we will have a lovely holiday.

Frans

Frans, have a great holiday with your family and be sure to post a trip report when you get back if you have the time. We'd love to know how you like Bonaire

Have a look at Pelican Reef house. If you google pelican Reef house Bonaire I think you will get to the web site. We loved it and have not been able to rent it again so others must like it too. e mali me privately if you want more info.

I second Pelican Reef. The house is cozy, private, has nice snorkeling right off the dock and has two decks, one covered, one uncovered where you can sit and watch the sun go down. No pool though. We've been going there for the past 3 years and hope to return next year. It may fit your budget.

I would suggest Golden Reef Inn. It is only two blocks from the water, has nice rooms, a pool, and breakfast is included in the room rate. If you are interested in a guided snorkel you can make arrangements with Renee' to take you out to see Bonaire's most amazing underwater sites. Best of all, if fits nicely into your budget.

Debbie: Thanks for the update. I stand corrected but it still looks like a good deal!

Frans

www.tropicanabonaire.com offers 2 bedroom / 2 bathroom appartments for about 100 USD/night.

Good luck !

Shannon,
It is only two blocks from the water,.....
Just curious to know where you can actually enter the water, or watch a sunset?

does coral cottage have a web site or email address?

Syd,
I don't think Gladys has a web site. I know that Bas can tell you how to reach her.

The house has a unique layout. Starting from the rear of the property...there are two bedrooms (with airco) and a bath in the sleeping quarters which are attached to an open courtyard and on the other end of the open courtyard are the living quarters which face the ocean. GREAT breezes. Simple decor. Your can dive off the property. If you take a right after entering the water you will be able to dive to small wall.