Hi
@peeweediver
I stayed at Sand Dollar in 2004, 2005, and 2008. My wife and I stayed in a one bedroom on two occasions and my wife and 2 children stayed in a two bedroom on one trip. The accommodations were fine but somewhat dated. One or two of the trips had air conditioning in only the bedroom(s) and not the kitchen/living room. I know that some of the units have been nicely upgraded since that time, but not all. I believe the split level air conditioning has also been expanded. The internet access was terrible, I hear that has been remedied. If I were going to stay at Sand Dollar, I would simply make sure I was in an upgraded unit with full air conditioning. I prefer the 2nd floor, but that is personal.
My wife and I stayed at Den Laman last December
Den Laman/Dive Friends Bonaire, December 3-14, 2017 and again this August. On both visits, we stayed in one of the ocean front one bedrooms. Tremendous view from the large balcony, great, modern, fully equipped kitchen, comfortable living/dining room, nice bedroom/bathroom with good bed.
Sand Dollar and Den Laman are directly next to each other. They share the great operator, Dive Friends, and both have access to the very good gear storage area, 24 hour tanks, and the pier. The pier has tanks, multiple rinse basins (one just for cameras with adjacent table), and more than adequate set up stations. The pier is the easiest way to access the excellent house reef, Bari Reef. Dive Friends boats also leave from the pier for a 2 tanker each morning at about 8:30 and for a 1 tanker on some afternoons.
So, we have not given Sand Dollar a chance since 2008, but are very happy with Den Laman, we're already planning a return. Message me with any questions.
Enjoy your trip, good diving,
Craig
