The issue with Buddy's, Habitat, Sand Dollar, Divi etc. is they're all older properties - some probably 30-40 years old now. So depending on upkeep/refurbishment they can be hit/miss. Habitat just finished constructing a new block of ocean view suites so maybe you could specifically reserve one. Everybody likes Buddy Dive but the room I looked in - while clean, was definitely older and a little shabby. I just did it on a whim when I saw the maid so I have no idea if that's typical. Not recently either.
It's odd about the Divi reviews because last year the corporation announced a major overhaul, new restaurant deck, upgrades to the property etc. I think it was supposed to be done about now. Nice thing about Divi is it's one of few resorts with a small beach. Also the only casino is at the Divi. One other nice thing is that it's 2-3 blocks from many of the better restaurants downtown. Most Bonaire resorts bundle dive pkg/room/truck/breakfast but not the other two meals. The Divi does offer optional meal plans - but the only true AI resort is the PLaza - meals/drinks/room/diving/truck etc. included.
If there's a cruise ship in port it's close enough that you'll hear it u/w. For obvious reasons they don't want you swimming that direction (north) either if there is. The next time you'll have to worry about that is October 7th.
Cruise TT : Schedule for the Port Of Bonaire for October 2015
If you don't mind a condo - Den Laman condos seem nice. Built within the last decade or newer. Studios and up. (studios look at the parking lot) It's on Bari Reef - one of the better dives. Several restaurants within walking distance - including theirs which is South American now IIRC. Bonaire Dive/Adventure is the on-site operator. It's a pretty small property - no pool - adjacent to Sand Dollar which has a Dive Friends shop street side and would be convenient for tank pick-up since they have 3 other locations.
Bonaire Dive Resort: Best of Bonaire Oceanfront Condominiums Den Laman Bonaire
Two options south of town also:
Port Bonaire is nice. It's just west of the airport so you will hear an infrequent flight. Dive Friends has a shop there as well. I don't know of a resort website but here's one of the units:
Oceanscape Bonaire - - Oceanfront Condo with... - VRBO Sunbelt also rents units in there:
Sunbelt Realty - Bonaire - Netherlands Antilles - Bonaire Rental
A few minutes further south is Belmar condos - we stay there. They're a little more upscale and pricier but it's a small property in a quiet residential area. Small pool and all units face west for the view. The other Buddy Dive facility is there as well. 24/7 tank access is guaranteed since your room key gets you into the public part of the dive shop, tank storage, analyzer, wetsuit room etc. Also if you rent on the ground floor (may be all 2BR) each has a separate lockable dive locker behind the back door. And there's a night watchman. Really clean also.
Belmar Oceanfront Apartments Bonaire - First Class Accommodations
Downside of anything south of the Airport is there's no food options. So everything is a drive past it to the Plaza or 2mins. further downtown.
hth,
---------- Post added July 7th, 2015 at 11:33 AM ----------
You can save some money by going elsewhere to a condo, making your own arrangements for diving and a car, but that is work and takes time and allows for mixups.
Respectfully, I disagree. Two e-mails plus one phone call the day of departure to ensure the night watchman would have the key. Most condos offer the same dive package resorts do. Even some of the private villas south of town do also.
We pick-up our truck at the airport - a lot of people like the Buddy's shuttle and getting their truck there but it means we don't have to wait for the shuttle ride in either direction. In our case since we arrived late Sat. Night, we were able to drive over and buy a few groceries that night on the way from the airport.
---------- Post added July 7th, 2015 at 09:25 PM ----------
moved to the Bonaire forum for a more targeted response.