Hello,

My wife and I are planning a trip to Bonaire in late March and early April, 2010. We are snorkelers, not divers, and would like something that is clean and has a kitchenette. We are working with Ann Phelan and she has suggested three different places for us to chose for accommodations. They are "Happy Holiday Homes", Coco Palm" and "Yacht Club." Can any of you give us advice as to which would be the best choice? We are pressed for time on this, as we need to make a decision in the next 24 hours. Thanks for any help you can provide.

Further to my first message, I just read on the Coco Palm website that if you use the air conditioning, there is an extra $12.50 charge per day. Can anyone confirm to me if this is true, and whether or not the other two locations (Happy Holiday Homes and Yacht Club) also charge this. Thanks.

I'd also check out Bonaire Town Homes. My domicile of choice on Bonaire. Next February will be my/our 13th stay with them. LOVE the place!

Gord:
We are returning to Bonaire in January for our 7th trip. I can't comment on the other places that you have mentioned; but, can tell you that we have stayed at Coco Palm on all of our vacations to the island and are very pleased with the value. It is true that you pay $12.50 extra per night for use of A/C; but the prices are so low already and what they post as their price per room is tax included. Their accommodations are always clean on arrival. I recommend that you go to their web site and read everything that they post about about themselves. It is very accurate and will allow you to decide if Coco Palm is right for you.

On my last two visits to Bonaire I stayed at Bonaire Exclusief, which is a small group of about 30 bungalows with a shared swimming pool. There was no charge for a/c in either of the bungalows I stayed in. The complex is just about 5 minutes walk to the sea front and a couple more to the town centre for all your shopping, dining and drinking needs, so you do not always have to drive. I can recommend both 19a and 20, especially number 20 if there are only two of you.

Hi,

A few things I learnt when booking for the first trip.

If you like a pool make sure you know where its located as sometimes round the corner.We found this a pain.

Make sure you have hot water provision to the room as some only have cold water (believe me its not warm enough if its cold)

We have stayed in 2 different places on the last trips but next trip have booked with Deep Blue View. Although we havent yet been to DBV I know we will return when back on Bonaire. Have a look at their website. A very small intimate resort.

Hope this helps.

Hi Gord have sent you a PM.

Gord,
Never stayed at any of the places you mentioned. But did tour "Happy Holiday Homes" a couple of years ago and thought it a great place. We meet people who were staying there and had returned for many years. They were very happy there. Also the onsite mgr was very friendly and helpful. Although never stayed there would seriously consider it.
good hunting.

Gord, give this place a good look, it is a hidden jewel!

http://www.bonaireoceanfrontapartments.com/
full kitchen, living room,and terace, or padio. Fresh water pool out front with lounge chairs, key lock front gate cross the road, and your in the sea. Six blocks north of town, and one block north of It Rains Fishes restauant. Very nice place to stay... Ron

Many thanks to all of you with all your help and suggestions. We have decided to stay at the Coco Palms. I'd also like to acknowledge Ann Phelan, who helped us a lot and was very patient with all our questions.

I can't tell you all how excited I am about visiting Bonaire. I have wanted to visit this island for years and am now getting the chance to do so. And just last night, we discovered we have some friends who may be interested in coming down at the same time as us. They haven't made up their mind yet, but are actively considering it.

The only hard part now is waiting until next March when we actually get to go!

Gord, it was my pleasure. I appreciate your business!

Rose Hall: We are returning to Bonaire for the third time Feb 2010 and staying at Deep Blue View(as on the previous two trips). A fantastic place, wonderful owners - can't say enough!