By Denise Johnston (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #7) on Monday, January 24, 2011 - 9:45 pm: |
We are planning our first trip to Bonaire for this July and I am trying to decide between Den Laman and Buddy Dive. There is very little price difference so that's not an issue. We want a one bedroom oceanfront at either place.
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By Scot Ward (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #266) on Monday, January 24, 2011 - 10:49 pm: |
I have stayed at both and Both have pro/cons as you mention. We have been to both.
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By Bonnie C (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #132) on Monday, January 24, 2011 - 10:54 pm: |
The only part of your question I can answer is about the air conditioning. In 20 years we have only used air conditioning one night when the air was very still. All the rest of the time the breeze will keep your place cool. Even when you get back to a hot apartment, you can open the windows and it cools off very quickly. So don't use air conditioning as a criteria, as long as you get the breeze, you probably won't bother using it. After all, we go there to be warm.
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By brenda (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1218) on Monday, January 24, 2011 - 11:18 pm: |
Well, we only stay at Buddys. There has never been a problem with check-in. You register and go to the breakfast buffet. Once our room wasn't ready when we got there, but by the time we finished bkfst, we went to our room and it was ready with our bags in as well.
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By marge karalis (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #992) on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 - 3:33 pm: |
All rooms ocean front and a small place at Den Laman verses a big complex.
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By cory (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #128) on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 - 4:52 pm: |
Having stayed at Den Leman and used BDA and buddys dive setup.....we go with den leman, smaller, nicer, quieter....you can walk next door to Sandollar for breakfast if you need a real meal.
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By nestor kopko (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #183) on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 - 5:51 pm: |
My wife and I have stayed at both and we prefer Denlaman. Smaller, newer, the reef doesn't seem as crowded especially during night dives. Also has a great restaurant on site.
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By Chris (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #347) on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 - 7:23 pm: |
Den Laman has a really good breakfast place next door with Eddy's at the pool of Sand$.
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By ABCdivers (BonaireTalker - Post #61) on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 - 1:07 am: |
However, if you use Buddy Dive while staying at Sand $ or Den Laman, don't try to use the BDA dock...http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30273531&l=837abde5d7&id=1025990581
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By Chris (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #348) on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 - 1:19 am: |
You don't need the dock, the shore entry on the Sand $ property is perfectly ok to access Bari Reef. And if you prefer stepping off a ladder, there are a few on the Sand$ waterfront.
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By Denise Johnston (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #8) on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 - 11:20 am: |
Thanks so much to everyone for your replies. I think we have decided on Den Laman. I just keep envisioning that large balcony with a clear view of the sea. That and DL's small size is what won out in the end. One additional question though...since they only have about 4 one bedroom apts, how much in advance should we book? We are looking to travel the last week in July.
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By Eric author of "Why is the Grass Green?" (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1558) on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 - 12:36 pm: |
I would think you'd want to book as soon as you're sure you're going. JMO
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By cory (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #129) on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 - 4:25 pm: |
Now,
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By Chris (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #351) on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 - 5:47 pm: |
Dragging wet stuff up the stairs to the Den Laman units is frowned upon, so you probabely want the BDA facilities. With Sand$ units you don't have that issue, the entrances are accessible from the outside. Even on the first floor wet stuff wouldn't be an issue. So maybe using the Buddy dive op is only recommended for Sand$ guests.
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By nestor kopko (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #184) on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 - 8:37 pm: |
Denise, book as soon as possible. Enjoy your trip.
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