By jude grebeldinger on Monday, September 17, 2001 - 4:02 pm: |
I stayed with my husband and daughter at Divi Flamingo Bonaire and the diving was good but I would not go back to this resort. The condo was shabby with no room safe and the hotel management refused to lock up our passports in the office safe. The dive boats are poor and the dive shop is not equipped for divers wanting information or classes or anything! Also the divers leave their equipment in crummy room with only nails in the walls to hang up regs. etc. or else lug everything back to your room with nowhere to hang stuff up. Next trip to Bonaire will be to one of the other places we toured on the island that looked fantastic. Divi Falmingo SUCKS. jude
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By Julia Graves on Monday, September 17, 2001 - 7:00 pm: |
Try Lions Dive,please do not give up on Bonaire. It is better at lots of places. I am so sorry you had a bad time. Banaire is wonderful.
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By Alan & Joan Zale on Monday, September 17, 2001 - 7:18 pm: |
Let us suggest Sand Dollar Condo They have very complete, studio, one, two & three bedroom units. All fully equiped. We like it there som much we bought a two bedroom there several years ago. Don't give up on Bonaire
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By Ann Phelan on Monday, September 17, 2001 - 7:25 pm: |
Everyone's experiences are so different. I was a guest at The Divi Flamingo and had an amazing oceanfront room that was immaculate and wonderful. The staff were great. I also loved the restaurant. I cannot comment on the dive facility. Hopefully you will get back to Bonaire. Sorry your experience was less than wonderful. Did you have any positives to share?
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By Cynde Lee on Monday, September 17, 2001 - 8:49 pm: |
Jude, we just got back and stayed at the Sand$. The facility and dive shop are absulutely wonderful. Like everyone said, don't give up on Boniare. It was the best vacation we have ever had, and the best diving we have ever done:-)
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By Glen Reem on Monday, September 17, 2001 - 11:12 pm: |
Ann,
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By Ann Phelan on Tuesday, September 18, 2001 - 6:23 am: |
HA! I had to laugh Glen. One would think so, but I have some stories that would make you laugh. At the Brown's Hotel (London) they stuck Mom and I above the kitchen where we heard pots and pans and smelled bacon cooking. Another time I was put in a room (London once again) facing a brick wall. Hmm..come to think of it, it as always in London. I think the Bonaire folks were extra special and it was so appreciated. My room at Habitat was just as nice.
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By Jason on Tuesday, September 18, 2001 - 8:45 am: |
Jude, We recently had a group stay at the Divi and they noted a lot of what you stated. On Divi's behalf they are continuing with an extensive renovation wo facilites can be rather inconsistent.. I was amazed when I saw the nails in the gear storage area. If you are looking for a small resort with personal resort I would strongly recommend Lion Dive and their on site Dive operation Bon Bini Divers..For a more traditional operation still with high service and a top notch staff you stiill can't beat Capt Don's Habitat. If you want dive training both of these resorts have very comptenet training programs and if you want a condo approach there is Buddy Dive. For upscale there are the Plaza and Harbor Village. Bottom line there is a lot more to choose from the island then Divi .. if you loved the diving imagine what your experience would have been with an operation more to your liking.
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By Jason on Tuesday, September 18, 2001 - 9:18 am: |
Jude, We recently had a group stay at the Divi and they noted a lot of what you stated. On Divi's behalf they are continuing with an extensive renovation wo facilites can be rather inconsistent.. I was amazed when I saw the nails in the gear storage area. If you are looking for a small resort with personal resort I would strongly recommend Lion Dive and their on site Dive operation Bon Bini Divers..For a more traditional operation still with high service and a top notch staff you stiill can't beat Capt Don's Habitat. If you want dive training both of these resorts have very comptenet training programs and if you want a condo approach there is Buddy Dive. For upscale there are the Plaza and Harbor Village. Bottom line there is a lot more to choose from the island then Divi .. if you loved the diving imagine what your experience would have been with an operation more to your liking.
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By mary pequinot on Tuesday, September 18, 2001 - 10:51 am: |
We loved the Lion's Dive, and Bon Bini Divers is wonderful!
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By jude grebeldinger on Tuesday, September 18, 2001 - 6:29 pm: |
I think we've been spoiled by staying at Habitat in Curasco with they're amazing service,boats and crew. The diving there was fantastic as well and we would certainly return.
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By Jason on Tuesday, September 18, 2001 - 6:42 pm: |
Jude, If that is the service level you are looking for then by all means try Capt Don's Habitat. Jack Chalk, who resides on Bonaire, is responsible for overseeing the boats and crews at both resorts. If anything I think you would find the Bonaire operation even better reflecting the fact hhe spends a greater amount of his time here. As I mentioned earlier you observation of Divi was shared by our Shops April Dive trip to Divi Flamingo....You would not have believed the room the put our owner up for the first night. Again in all understanding.. Divi is in the midst of a major rennovation..and I am sure they will only getter better..
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By Karen Marion on Friday, September 21, 2001 - 10:13 am: |
I've stayed at Captain Don's Habitat twice and I would go back in a heartbeat. Wonderful, easy, 24 hour-a-day diving, great people, great service, etc. The new docks (post Lenny) have narrow stairs, but other than that, the facilities are great.
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By Jennifer Gray on Monday, October 1, 2001 - 11:23 pm: |
New to posting, but here goes. We have been to Bonaire twice and stayed at Sand Dollar both times. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful experiences there. We are returning to Bonaire in January and decided to try staying at Belmar.
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By Hazel Scharosch on Tuesday, October 2, 2001 - 2:31 pm: |
Jennifer, we stayed at the Belmar in March. It is beautiful and clean. Be sure to bring the night watchman, Butchie, some ice cream! Have fun.
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