helimvee
Contributor
Booked room/truck/diving through Bonairepros.com. Booked flight on-line through continental.com
Flight - Continental Toronto to Houston to Bonaire
No problems, but one note for Canadians. In the past, on the return trip, upon landing in Houston (or Newark depending on which route you took) you had to collect your checked luggage, proceed through customs and then drop checked luggage back on the conveyor belt for the flight to Toronto. On this trip, I did not have to collect the checked luggage before going through customs in Houston. I, and others travelling to Toronto, only learned about the change when an airport worker wandered up to the luggage carousel to tell us. Apparently the luggage is now checked through to Toronto and marked with an "In Transit" tag. The change was so new that the flight crew on the plane did not even know about it. You may want to confirm the procedure if you are travelling this route.
Hotel - Happy Holiday Homes
This is an apartment style hotel on the south end of the island about 2 minutes from the airport. I had a one bedroom unit with a living room, kitchen and bathroom (shower). The room was extremely clean and well looked after. The tile floor looked like it was brand new. New crank style windows with bars. Both front and back entrances had two doors - one screened and one solid with deadbolt locks. Wired internet connection in the living room. There is a small safe that will hold a 10" netbook plus wallet, passport etc. (You need to ask for the key) Parking was right outside the door and there was a private rinse station next to the back door which included a hose, large bucket and pegs to hang gear. I arranged for early check-in and Louise, the owner, was there at 7:15 as promised.
Note: The TV is located in the living room, not the bedroom. AC is only in the bedroom. There is no daily maid service, but they changed the towels twice during the week. I did not see these as negatives, but point them out as they are important to some people.
I will definitely stay there again.
Truck Rental - Total
Four door Mazda PC. Decent shape. No issues on pickup or return. I always buy the extra insurance and have never had an argument about scratches or dents.
Dive Shop - BelMar (Buddy)
A 2 minute walk from Happy Holiday Homes. Open 8AM to 5PM. Orientation at 9:00 AM. A great group of people. Friendly, funny and willing to help. Tanks (air and EAN, 80s and 63s) available in a locked area right next to the road. Key was in the dive office and available between 8:00 AM and 5PM. If you are staying at BelMar, the room key opens the gate. I had no problem getting tanks and always stocked up before 5:00 PM for the next day. The option is open to get tanks from Buddy Dive, but I did not have to use this service.
I rented a pony tank from Walt at Rec Tek. I arranged it via email and Walt was at the shop as promised when I picked it up.
Diving
I did 23 dives, most on the south end of the island. I was on island during Omar and can say that the things are looking much better than in Feb 2009.
Another very enjoyable trip.
Flight - Continental Toronto to Houston to Bonaire
No problems, but one note for Canadians. In the past, on the return trip, upon landing in Houston (or Newark depending on which route you took) you had to collect your checked luggage, proceed through customs and then drop checked luggage back on the conveyor belt for the flight to Toronto. On this trip, I did not have to collect the checked luggage before going through customs in Houston. I, and others travelling to Toronto, only learned about the change when an airport worker wandered up to the luggage carousel to tell us. Apparently the luggage is now checked through to Toronto and marked with an "In Transit" tag. The change was so new that the flight crew on the plane did not even know about it. You may want to confirm the procedure if you are travelling this route.
Hotel - Happy Holiday Homes
This is an apartment style hotel on the south end of the island about 2 minutes from the airport. I had a one bedroom unit with a living room, kitchen and bathroom (shower). The room was extremely clean and well looked after. The tile floor looked like it was brand new. New crank style windows with bars. Both front and back entrances had two doors - one screened and one solid with deadbolt locks. Wired internet connection in the living room. There is a small safe that will hold a 10" netbook plus wallet, passport etc. (You need to ask for the key) Parking was right outside the door and there was a private rinse station next to the back door which included a hose, large bucket and pegs to hang gear. I arranged for early check-in and Louise, the owner, was there at 7:15 as promised.
Note: The TV is located in the living room, not the bedroom. AC is only in the bedroom. There is no daily maid service, but they changed the towels twice during the week. I did not see these as negatives, but point them out as they are important to some people.
I will definitely stay there again.
Truck Rental - Total
Four door Mazda PC. Decent shape. No issues on pickup or return. I always buy the extra insurance and have never had an argument about scratches or dents.
Dive Shop - BelMar (Buddy)
A 2 minute walk from Happy Holiday Homes. Open 8AM to 5PM. Orientation at 9:00 AM. A great group of people. Friendly, funny and willing to help. Tanks (air and EAN, 80s and 63s) available in a locked area right next to the road. Key was in the dive office and available between 8:00 AM and 5PM. If you are staying at BelMar, the room key opens the gate. I had no problem getting tanks and always stocked up before 5:00 PM for the next day. The option is open to get tanks from Buddy Dive, but I did not have to use this service.
I rented a pony tank from Walt at Rec Tek. I arranged it via email and Walt was at the shop as promised when I picked it up.
Diving
I did 23 dives, most on the south end of the island. I was on island during Omar and can say that the things are looking much better than in Feb 2009.
Another very enjoyable trip.
