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Accommodations: Den Laman or Buddy Dive?
Bonaire Talk: Accommodations: Den Laman or Buddy Dive?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Denise Johnston (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #7) on Monday, January 24, 2011 - 9:45 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

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.

My concerns with Buddy Dive are that I read some past posts that they don't guarantee oceanfront (that's a problem for us unless the chances are really high they'll come through) and that there was a lot of construction/renovation going on. Also, I don't like that the a/c is only in the bedroom. Huge pro for Buddy Dive is that breakfast is included in the package (I do not want to cook on vacation) and their dive shop gets glorious reviews.

My concerns with Den Laman are that BDA has gotten many bad reviews for rude/ambivalent employees, the gear room is over-crowded, and nitrox tanks have to be stashed after 5pm. Huge pros for Den Laman is that it's newer, will guarantee oceanfront, and has a/c throughout.

Another consideration would be whether either would guarantee check in the morning the Continental red-eye arrives (Den Laman says on their website they do for a fee but I find no mention on Buddy's). I'm sure we'd be happy at either place and I know this decision won't ruin our vacation. I just like to be thorough and thought I'd ask the experts' opinion.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Scot Ward (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #266) on Monday, January 24, 2011 - 10:49 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I have stayed at both and Both have pro/cons as you mention. We have been to both.

The Dive op at Buddy is better IMHO than BDA. Especially if you are going just as a couple. We where there during a wind reversal so we wanted to do boat dives on Kline. The boats where booked by the Big groups when they checked in. They did find some room for us but I had to make a big deal out of it.

The Rooms at Den Laman are very nice! Beds are alot more comfortable. Buddy's rooms are ok.

The Sunset grill at Den Laman has great food and a Lunch package that seems very reasonable. Buddy's only good meal was breakfast, no break fast at Den lamen.

Bari reef is awesome. Buddy's Reef is awesome (Tie in this category).

Which ever you pick make sure to do the Buddy to Den Laman Drift dive. Go in at Buddy out at Den Laman. Prestage or walk back and get the truck later.

Have a great trip.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bonnie C (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #132) on Monday, January 24, 2011 - 10:54 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

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.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By brenda (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1218) on Monday, January 24, 2011 - 11:18 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

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.
Over all our trips there the air conditioning worked perfectly, to hubbys delight, to my dismay! Brrr!
The work that was being done on Buddys original site, is to my belief done, this year they are starting renos on the old lions den portion of the property (where we choose to stay).
The food has improved immensely over the last 4 yrs, our last trip, we never had a bad meal at the beach bar/restaurant, don't like Lions Den.
The dive staff, housekeeping, bar staff, dive shop, photo shop, front desk.....great.
I have a trip report here,,,,,"Just in from Bonaire"
They have security foot patrolling the property throughout the night. And at the entrance 24hrs.
July will be hot, and hotter, so air conditioning is a must, even for me.
With both properties, your in walking distance of a market, liquor store Chat'N Browse, drug store, Elies Deli.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By marge karalis (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #992) on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 - 3:33 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

All rooms ocean front and a small place at Den Laman verses a big complex.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By cory (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #128) on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 - 4:52 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

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.
We usually just get bagels or rolls before morning diving, then a good lunch.
BDA has always been fine for us, no rudeness or crowded dive lockers, always plenty of Nox tanks too. They only say to store tanks for nightdives because they lock the tanks up after 9pm, but theres always plenty.
Not sure about checkin early, i always have to book the night before to be sure my room is ready early, but its always worth it!
Have fun
whichever you choose will be fun!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By nestor kopko (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #183) on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 - 5:51 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

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.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Chris (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #347) on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 - 7:23 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Den Laman has a really good breakfast place next door with Eddy's at the pool of Sand$.
I think the question here is: intimate newer versus crowds and a big resort.By the way, quite a few Sand$ guests use Buddy as their dive operator.You could have both. They are practically next to each other....

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ABCdivers (BonaireTalker - Post #61) on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 - 1:07 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

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

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Chris (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #348) on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 - 1:19 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

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.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Denise Johnston (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #8) on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 - 11:20 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

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.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Eric author of "Why is the Grass Green?" (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1558) on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 - 12:36 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I would think you'd want to book as soon as you're sure you're going. JMO

e.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By cory (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #129) on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 - 4:25 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Now,
most places start booking up 6 months in advance.

also since your staying at DL, i would go with BDA, much more convenient than Buddys, and you will be able to use all the facilities.....Nice Choice!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Chris (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #351) on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 - 5:47 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

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.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By nestor kopko (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #184) on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 - 8:37 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Denise, book as soon as possible. Enjoy your trip.

 


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