If the price for a two bedroom for three people for weeklong stay is the same which one would you choose and why?

Personally (and I've been in both) I'd choose Belmar. Why...
1.All rooms are oceanfront & have great views.To me, being on Bonaire is having a great seaside view from your terrace.
2. Pool
3. No restaurant on premises. Personally I don't want to stay above a restaurant. Others may feel differently.
4. Quieter..
What I dislike about Belmar though is no privacy on the seaside terraces. But if you're there for only a week I'm sure this would not bother many folks.
If you were there for 3 months, well it would bother me.

Thanks alot Vince. Ya just haaaad to spill the beans didn't ya! Eric, the Belmar rules in our opinion. The staff rules, the diving off the Belmar dock rules, the view rules and the apartments rule. My wife and I will stay no other place when on Bonaire.

I agree with Vince--
and have found the ground floor 2 bedrooms have more privacy on the terraces. (but not much more) than higher floors.
I also appreciate their attention to security.

I like this news--2 weeks at the beginning of April at the Belmar! BTW, can the orientation and checkout dive be done right at the dock?

I think there is something funny about all you south end people. Peter

That's OK Marcus.. We really have no future plans of ever staying at Belmar again (only because our new digs should be ready shortly) Forgive my honesty

Your forgiven Vince! Orientation briefing is done at the Belmar Office Mary and the orientation dive is done off the Belmar dock. The whole orientation process at the Belmar is very cool - no worries on that - have a great trip!

Thanks guys. This will be my second trip (divi the first time) and I am looking for different accommodations. You bring up good points on Belmar. Vince I am jealous about your new digs. Congrats

I think the Belmar is the best place in the world but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone unless they promise not to tell anyone else.

I thinks Den Leman is fantastic. The restaurant was a non-issue and I barely even noticed that it was there. It is not loud at all and the breakfast is great.

My only issue with DL was that I could not figure out how to get the AC to stay on throughout the night. I think they have motion sensors and they kept shutting off. I think this was just us not knowing how to change the setting though.

If we go with the Belmare is there a specific unit I should request/reserve? Is it better to stay on the ground or upper floors?

Eric..We've stayed on 2nd floor & first floor. I think I kinda like first floor better, but really it's a matter of preference. 1 bedroom units are on 2nd floor.
One thing to be REALLY careful about at Belmar is the floor tiles on steps & in units are EXTREMELY slippery when wet!
Have fun. You'll love it.

If you want a bit more privacy stay on the ground floor in unit 1 or 2 (north end of the property). #1 is the end unit, 2br, bigger and they charge extra for it.

One thing new at Belmar is that some of the owners have taken over the gear closets at the front entrance to the ground floor apts for storage. We thought the lock was broken, went to the office and were told about this. Not a huge deal, but if you are shore diving it's nice to be able to store your gear out front rather than bring it in or use one of the (small) lockers by the dive shop. We stayed in #4 this trip (9th stay at Belmar), and I will specifically ask about the gear locker on our next stay.

We still love Belmar, have booked for next Jan. for 2 weeks. Way to far off...

Marcus, isn't there a sign by the pool that actually says "Belmar Rules"?

Oh, another advantage to the ground floor units, and Belmar over D.L.: from your terrace, about 6 steps to the ocean or the pool for a cool-off plunge, no going up and down stairs.

On the other hand, staying at D.L. you've got a bunch of places to walk to for dinner or drinks, bike, kayak rental at BDA, dive boats daily if you want them. We used to stay at Sand $ and loved it pre-Lenny.

Have a great trip wherever you stay, Eric

Don't forget the rum party- once a week at Belmar- haha!