HI EVERYONE...JUST FOUND YOU AND I LOVE THE BOARD! YOU DO MAKE BONAIRE SOUND LIKE A PLACE I WILL LOVE....MEANWHILE, IT IS MY FIRST VISIT AND I WOULD LIKE TO BE ABLE TO COOK A FEW OF MY OWN MEALS..AM ON A BIT OF A BUDGET...ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR NICE, CLEAN APT. OR CONDO WITH A GOOD BED? LOOKED INTO DIVI BUT IT LOOKS LIKE A RESORT. WE WOULD LIKE QUIET AND REAL, NOT TOURISTY STUFF! LOVE NATURE...HELP!! GOING IN MARCH..THANKS

Just next to Divi is Carib Inn. Relatively inexpensive rooms. You can get a full kitchen or a just microwave and refrigerator. Also has a great 3 bedroom house. No bar or restaurant on site and quite quiet and laid back. Went last year for one week and going back next week to stay for two weeks. Been to Lion's next to Buddy's and will never go back. Captain Don's and Buddy's have kitchens in most of the rooms and were quite nice.

There are quite a few places for folks who have the same requirements as you. Did you searh www.infobonaire.com and the accomodations pages? I agree re Carib Inn. He is mostly full and perhaps you can get lucky if your timing is right. Are you renting a car? That can broaden your choices.

Sheila...My husband and I have been staying at the Carib Inn every year for 10 years. We love it. It's laid back, is on the water (a reef, dock and gazebo right in front), has a pool, kitchen facilities, is very clean and has a great owner and helpful friendly staff. Can't be beat as far as we're concerned. Only problem...their guests return year after year and it might be difficult to get a reservation. They do have cancellations occasionally, so it's definitely worth the try. Phone # is 011-599-717-8819 or e-mail bruce@caribinn.com. Carol Collins

Sheila

Check out Lighthouse Beach. Nice clean, 2bdrm, 2 bath condo's. You would need a car but still very reasonable. Look under accommodations on
www.infobonaire.com. We have stayed there for the past several years and loved it.

Linda

If you don't need to be on the water, and want a budget, clean, friendly and very fully-equipped bungalow, I'd recommend Bonaire Town Homes (which is where I am now --- the owner is very very nice and even lets me use his computer whenever I want to check email, etc.) They're a 15 minute walk from downtown and the waterfront (I timed it this morning as I walked in to breakfast at the Lost Penguin!) and located in a quiet, private residential neighborhood.

Very comfortable accommodations, great people (who live next door to their two rental bungalows), and lovely private outside lounging/hammocking/dining areas.

You can check them out at www.bonairetownhomes.com or email them at: info@bonairetownhomes.com

I'm here for six weeks, my fifth stay here, and just love it. I'm blessed with more time than cash, so budget accommodation is essential, but I don't feel I miss anything staying here.

Josie

Greetings from the Blizzard of '03 here in NJ!BRRRRRRRRR..LOL from my window, it makes looking at Bonaire online a real treat and escape from reality! It's shoulder high fluffy stuff and still falling!
Jim, Mike, John, Linda and Josie..Thanks so much!
I am in the process of searching all the places that you've suggested and am gathering questions, but after i narrow it down I will be back to ask!
You have all been most helpful and kind! Talk soon...Kindest Regards, Sheila

belmar see my trip report "belmar and toucan diving"