oly5050user and I have discussed this matter on a few occasions here on ScubaBoard.
He generally manages a large group when he does a Bonaire vacation. As trip planner, there is a great deal of convenience in doing the "one-stop shopping" of a BDR package for everyone in a group. Also, when a group throws that much business at a resort, one or more spots get comped. It's up to the organizer to determine whether the savings are spread out among the entire group or someone gets a free ride. I don't like traveling with a group, and I steer clear of resorts/all-inclusives. That's just my personal preference.
There are many choices for "on water" or "seaside" condos on Bonaire. BDR is just one location. The house reef is nice. It's well-lit at night. There's a convenient stairway that leads down to the water. How do I know? I used it. The Buddy folks are generous when it comes to granting access to non-guests. I live very close to the water here in San Diego. I'll take the trade-off of staying at a place one block away from the water on Bonaire in order to save a couple hundred bucks.
From what I've seen, heard, and read, security can be an issue on the island. I'm not so sure the blanket statement can be made that locations featuring budget accommodations suffer from a higher crime rate than...let's say...Buddy Dive Resort. Moreover, I wouldn't characterize any of the accommodations where I've stayed on Bonaire a "dump." The place where I stayed was very clean/comfortable, its kitchen was adequate with a full refrigerator, there was a rinsing area for dive gear, and we were happy to use a locked room for overnight storage of gear. I think oly5050user has been staying at Buddy's for many years now, and he's been happy with the service he's received there. That's great. I doubt he even feels the need to check out other resorts or budget accommodations anymore.
yes we have stayed there many times over the years..
Have stayed at Habitat,Divi Flamingo , Plaza,Sand Dollar and private homes.
Buddy is easiest to deal with and has easy access to dive from.No wait on line for truck as at the airport.Buffet breakfasts start the day with no effort.Pool is convient and has swim up bar.
Have visited budget locations like Golden Reef Inn. Owner Liz is very nice but rooms are very very small.Pool looks like a above ground kid pool in someones backyard in the Bronx.Diving from GRI is work! Have to drive everytime and no views of any kind.GRI is no longer in business.They had a few room break ins,even while the guest were sleeping in their rooms,and Liz health issues forced her to close.Too bad,she is a nice person.Plaza is work to dive house reef or their boats.Can be a 5 + minute walk from room to dock.I do not even bother diving their house reef as it is too much work walking with camera gear to get to beach.
Sand Dollar is a good choice, very much like Buddy ,Andre the dive shop owner has his good days and bad days though. I never had any issues with him but others have .
Flamingo is old and some rooms are worn down.Used to be THE place to stay,have only been there 2 times since Peter Hughes left.Stayed many times when Peter ran the dive Op. Did you know it was a POW camp during WW 2? Habitat can be a good choice,but I did not like the fact that truck rental is not part of package.For the price Habitat costs I can stay at Buddy with a truck.
Carribean Club is ok,not directly on water,but can have water views.Carib Club is less expensive than Buddy Resort, dive op is ran by Buddy dive there.That can be a viable choice to save $200. on trip.
As to my taking groups to Buddy,its true.Its my job. Some people work in a office,some climb telephone poles (as I did for 30 years).some work in the dive industry. If traveling with a bunch of guys a budget location can work.Traveling with family,wife or girlfriend splurge the extra $200. for the week and stay someplace that has views,nice facilities,ease of entry to water when diving house reef.
