Lived in Palau, working as a diver for a coupla years. Love the DW Hotel, near the Rock Island Cafe. Common area room with TV, coffee, tea, water, etc. Provides the option of socializing with other budget divers/travellers. The private rooms are just fine. Nice folks. Rock Island Cafe right across the street, along with internet, coin-op laundry, small "grocery store" with liquor outlet. Ben Ermi Burger trailer just a block away. Near both town and Malakal, where the best dive shops are. West Hotel--Malakal is another good option. Kramers nearby, a great place for a meal, drink, beer, people, etc. Re Dive Ops: My clear first choice is Neco Marine, with the best facilities, the best boats and less crowded boats. Sam's is also excellent. Fish N Fins is good, as well, but I don't much like the location, and it does not have the post-dive hang out for a beer thing going on much. All take walk-ins. March is a great time to be in Palau, and your "long" boat rides through the Rock Islands will usually be a real pleasure. Take a light rain shell in case of high-speed rain showers. While in Palau, hit the Thai restaurant and the Indian restaurant. A few other gems aournd as well. Have fun! Heading there myself next week!!