Need apartment advice

[pa diver]

Looking for an inexpensive apt or a great stay, drive and dive deal. Have been to Bonaire 6 times have a good feel for the island and have stayed at several different places, we are planning an additional vacation this year so we are trying to do it on the cheap(er) side. We are looking to come down in October, since this is the true off season, rates will be better. Looking for a smaller property, clean with a pool and decent kitchen. Something close to town would be cool since we have never stayed in a central location. Any suggestions would be welcome.

 

[diversteve]

Just south of town - across from the Divi if you know the area. Bonaire · Netherlands Antilles · Blachi Koko Apartments It's also walking distance to many restaurants in town. No pool but you can use the Divi's for a small fee.

If you don't mind a 2 mile drive - there's some pretty good deals at Lagoen Hill also - inland almost due east from Kralendijk. Bonaire Lagoen Hill Resort
They bundle packages with Buddy Dive so you could use the drive-thru most likely.

Down in Belnem there's Coco Palm Garden. They bundle with Dive Friends who have a location a little north at Port Bonaire plus the 3 on the north side. Bonaire vacation rental - diving freediving windsurfing kitesurfing

Carib Inn is more affordable than some of the other larger resorts. Not by much though. Except their prices are per room and not PP like you find at the north side dive resorts. Diving is extra afaik. Carib Inn - Home To a certain extent you're still paying an on-water premium there though.

hth,

 

[pa diver]

Much thanks, will check them out

 

[wwguy]

At a little over $500/week this VRBO in Hamlet Oasis mini-resort looks like a pretty good deal. Dive Friends Bonaire's Hamlet shop is in the same property complex and you can get a 10% discount through this rental. We regularly stay nearby at Beachcomber Villas and have enjoyed using the Hamlet Oasis community pool.

For budget travel on Bonaire I also like Happy Holiday Homes in Belnem and Diver's Paradise in Belnem. Neither have a pool though. We stayed 3 weeks at Happy Holiday Homes in 2009 and were very pleased with the amenities provided for the price.

 

[pa diver]

Anyone have any first hand information on Bonaire Exclusive Bungalows................. price seems almost too good to be true. All we need is clean and safe ( and we realize that leaving things outside will invite petty theft), would appreciate any feedback. Thanks

 

[antennariidae]

We have used Bonaire Seaside Apartments several times over the last few years. Their one-bedrooms are pretty nice and a good value, in my opinion. Dive Friends at Yellow Submarine is across the street, and you have an ocean view. Easy walk to the restaurants in town. Only downsides for us the last couple times has been that it's on the main road so there is traffic noise, the office hours are very limited and the wireless has been spotty. Not a big deal unless you need something from the office (and to be fair, they have always responded to phone calls quickly) or need the internet access.

 

[howswedeofme]

We stayed at Bonaire Exclusive Bungalows Number 19 in January of this year. We found it safe and clean, and very enjoyable, especially the outdoor living space. Our two-bedroom bungalow was $745 for the week for two people (they didn't have any one bedrooms still available). Everyone else in the complex was very kind and friendly. Nothing was stolen, but we didn't leave anything outside. The only added price was a cleaning fee of $90USD. Internet is an added cost, as well, and we purchased three hours when we arrived on the island. I think it was $10USD. You can purchase in advance at a discount, but we didn't want the minimum of 10 hours because we didn't plan to be on the computer often. I know some of the bungalows are nicer than others, and there was a review on TripAdvisor about Bungalow 1 being a disappointment to the people who rented it, so we chose a different one. We did have some issues with bugs because we did not put our leftover food (chips, crackers) in sealed containers, but my husband lived in Hawaii for a number of years and said this is common on islands in general.

 

[DustyC]

We stayed at Bonaire Exclusive Bungalows Number 19 in January of this year. We found it safe and clean, and very enjoyable, especially the outdoor living space. Our two-bedroom bungalow was $745 for the week for two people (they didn't have any one bedrooms still available). Everyone else in the complex was very kind and friendly. Nothing was stolen, but we didn't leave anything outside. The only added price was a cleaning fee of $90USD. Internet is an added cost, as well, and we purchased three hours when we arrived on the island. I think it was $10USD. You can purchase in advance at a discount, but we didn't want the minimum of 10 hours because we didn't plan to be on the computer often. I know some of the bungalows are nicer than others, and there was a review on TripAdvisor about Bungalow 1 being a disappointment to the people who rented it, so we chose a different one. We did have some issues with bugs because we did not put our leftover food (chips, crackers) in sealed containers, but my husband lived in Hawaii for a number of years and said this is common on islands in general.

Do they still do this? I didn't see it on their site, and I have a bungalow booked there for December

 

[howswedeofme]

Do they still do this? I didn't see it on their site, and I have a bungalow booked there for December

I wasn't sure which you were asking about - the cleaning fee or the internet deal. I'd contact the property manager to ask - I don't think I found out about either through the website. I found out when I received the first invoice via email.

 

[DustyC]

I wasn't sure which you were asking about - the cleaning fee or the internet deal. I'd contact the property manager to ask - I don't think I found out about either through the website. I found out when I received the first invoice via email.

Sorry, the internet. I knew about the cleaning fee.