Headed to Bonaire with overnight in Curacao

[Alvida]

Hi;
This is my first time posting, so please excuse any faux pas. We are planning a trip to Bonaire in September 2014. To take advantage of some frequent flyer miles, we'll be flying into Curacao and then getting a hop over to Bonaire. The flight into Curacao arrives too late to continue to Bonaire the same night, so we'll spend a night in Curacao. Can anybody recommend a nice hotel in Curacao? We won't be there long enough to enjoy a beach or pool. My priorities are 1) affordable; 2) clean; 3) safe; and if possible 4) offering an airport shuttle.
Second question: Although we're not booked, we'll probably stay at Buddy Dive. Can we fly from Curacao early enough to make the check-out/orientation that I understand is required so we can dive that same day? Or is too much of a hassle getting through customs, immigration, etc.? If diving is feasible, is there a place to clean up afterward if our room isn't ready until later in the day? Or do you advise just hanging out in Curacao until the afternoon flight over, settling in at Buddy and beginning the diving the following morning?

 

[diverjen]

We had a similar situation. This place fit the bill and Allan can pick you up and drop you off at the airport. You are also very close to a nice grocery store. If you are getting in late Allan will also take you to get some dinner on the way to the hotel. Also, he's a great guy all around!

Apartment studio Curacao pool Caribbean - Appartement zwembad internet - Apartamentu Holanda

as far as getting in early and trying to dive at Buddy Dive I am not sure. We were supposed to get in early and paid for an early checking at Sand Dollar, but insel flights got us there much later than planned so diving that day was moot.

 

[diversteve]

There is an old airport motel but you don't want to stay there - even for one night. Safe is the least of it's problems. Curacao Airport Hotel (Willemstad) - Hotel Reviews - TripAdvisor

The next closest hotel is probably the Curacao Hilton in Piscadera Bay. Maybe 10mi. south of the airport in a safe resort area. It's older as well, I've been told the rooms aren't so great but it is a Hilton...and the grounds are pretty nice. Had a average meal at their restaurant Aqua. http://www.hiltoncuracaoresort.com/ The Hilton site says the ride is between $25-35 by cab.

Next to it is a nicer Marriott but it's a lot more expensive also when I've checked. Curacao Hotels | Marriott Curacao Beach Resort & Emerald Casino | Piscadera Bay

Also a block away is the Clarion at the convention center. Curacao hotels, Hotel in Curacao near Curacao World Trade Center

A couple miles east there's several options near the Rif Fort and Cruise Port area. One side of the famous swinging bridge is there so there's a lot of shops, cruisers, restaurants etc. Howard Johnson's looked decent on a drive by and there's a few others. Anything on the "Otrabunda" side on this list: Small Hotels / Where to Stay / Home - Curacao Taxi fares might be a little more to this area.

At least on Saturdays there's a pretty early flight that might allow you time to arrive (Bonaire's a pretty small airport) and get to Buddy's in time for the orientation - I don't know how long the Buddy's shuttle process takes. Dive Friends does the BMP orientation anytime during business hours - they have a shop next door at Sand Dollar - open til 4:30. Dive Friends Bonaire, providing diving, equipment on Bonaire in the Dutch Caribbean

If you have an early Saturday AM flight out of Curacao check to be sure that works for getting back from Bonaire also. About the earliest I've seen is about an 8:30 arrival. Curacao Hato isn't a big airport either but (at least AA) they're pretty slow.

All your inter-island options since DAE closed:

InselAir - Fly-InselAir.com
Divi Divi Air
Tiara Air Aruba

Check the lower than normal lugggage size/weight restrictions on Divi Divi and some of the Tiara flights also.

 

[oly5050user]

Hi;
This is my first time posting, so please excuse any faux pas. We are planning a trip to Bonaire in September 2014. To take advantage of some frequent flyer miles, we'll be flying into Curacao and then getting a hop over to Bonaire. The flight into Curacao arrives too late to continue to Bonaire the same night, so we'll spend a night in Curacao. Can anybody recommend a nice hotel in Curacao? We won't be there long enough to enjoy a beach or pool. My priorities are 1) affordable; 2) clean; 3) safe; and if possible 4) offering an airport shuttle.
Second question: Although we're not booked, we'll probably stay at Buddy Dive. Can we fly from Curacao early enough to make the check-out/orientation that I understand is required so we can dive that same day? Or is too much of a hassle getting through customs, immigration, etc.? If diving is feasible, is there a place to clean up afterward if our room isn't ready until later in the day? Or do you advise just hanging out in Curacao until the afternoon flight over, settling in at Buddy and beginning the diving the following morning?

if you have any issues booking at Buddy Dive I have reserved a block of rooms there for the week of Sept 20-27th. Or if you feel like joining a group contact Scuba New York.com..or pm me here..No worry about making it on the island early enough to do their marine park orientation, not an issue at all. I can arrange for it easily to be done at any time needed for my groups.

 

[Kharon]

I did exactly the same thing - Curacao overnight then on to Bonaire in the morning last November. I tried to cheap it out and stayed at the San Marco Hotel & Casino. I didn't think to check on the distance and taxi rates so it ended up costing way more, total, than had I stayed close to the airport and paid the long price for a room.

 

[Alvida]

Thank you, all! Kharon - I agree, I don't want to be penny-wise and pound-foolish. Diverjen and Diversteve - great tips, many thanks. oly5050user - We arrive on Sept. 10, so the tail end of our trip will coincide with the beginning of yours. I hope we bump into each other. I suspect it will be because by day 10, I'll be whining that I'm ready for a spa while my husband will still be raring to go and looking for a new buddy to replace me!

 

[diversteve]

I'll be whining that I'm ready for a spa

Harbour Village Luxury Hotel Bonaire - Spa and Salon

 

[chauncy19]

Did this trip 2011 and stayed at Hotel Holanda. Allan will pick you up and drop you back at the airport for small fee. Clean room only stayed one night and it was fine. "reasonable" rates contact him info@apartamentuholanda.com