We just returned from our first trip to Bonaire (9/6/08 - 9/13/08).
I started researching Bonaire online in May 2008 after my husband and I selected to spend our vacation there this year. I had only met one person who had been there (many years ago)so I had to rely fully on the information given by reviews and their website. After many hours of researching I felt like Happy Holiday Homes had everything that we would need to enjoy our week of vacation for approx. $1,100.00/wk which was more than some places but less than others. The reviews that I read over and over were all good. The things that were important to us like being clean, having an ocean view, being air conditioned and within walking distance to a beach were all advertised on their website. I don't want to say that this was a terrible experience but I do think that someone from Happy Holiday Homes needs to update their information. My husband and I are from Virginia in the US and we like it hot but are not accustomed to how hot it is there so we wanted air conditioned accommodations to get in out of the heat when we wanted to relax. When we arrived and Louise took us to our bungalow all the windows were closed and there was no air conditioner on so it was unbelievably hot and humid inside. It was a 2 bedroom bungalow with a view of the ocean. We only needed one bedroom so Louise left the other bedroom locked. It was clean and had a nice view but we couldn't even unpack and relax because it was so hot. We didn't think anything of it at first so we turned on the one air conditioner which was in the bedroom wall and left for the evening thinking that it would be cooler in there in a few hours but upon our return we were disappointed that only the bedroom was comfortable. Not being able to watch TV because it was in the living area where we couldn't breath we went on to bed where we found two single beds pushed together. The next morning I tried to fix breakfast but as soon as I left the bedroom I was drenched in sweat so we left the little air conditioner on and left for the day later coming back to still a hot and humid bungalow. That evening we noticed that the locked bedroom also had an air conditioner in the wall and decided that the next morning we would go ask Louise for the key to that bedroom so we could turn that air conditioner on as well and maybe running two of them would make our stay more comfortable. Upon doing so my husband was told that it was totally unacceptable to run the air conditioner 24hrs a day and if we wanted to key to the other bedroom it would be $150.00 extra. He came to discuss our options with me and we decided to check out and find more comfortable accommodations. Although the air conditioning was probably our biggest complaint, there was no beach within walking distance. The bungalow was out of town further than I would like to have been, it had bars on the windows and several deadbolts on the doors. WE WERE GIVEN A FAIR REFUND AND WAS ON THE WAY TO AN ENJOYABLE REST OF THE WEEK. I had remembered a resort from my research that sounded really nice so we headed off to find them. Plaza Resort Bonaire saved our vacation and made Bonaire a wonderful experience and a place that I would like to visit again. They worked with us and accepted the check that we were refunded for the remainder of the week. If you are searching for a place to stay please do yourself a favor and check out Plaza Resort Bonaire. They have the best beach on the island, great food, friendly and helpful staff, nice pool, great snorkeling, activities on the beach, reasonable prices and most of all "AIR CONDITIONING". There was even a phone in the room and I was finally able to call my daughter. Bonaire is a lovely place to visit even if you don't dive as long as you have comfortable accommodations. The water is absolutely beautiful. If you have any questions that I may be able to help you with please feel free to let me know. I think it really would have been helpful to talk to someone who had been there as questions arise when you are making arrangements.

Happy Holiday Homes was exactly what we wanted for our week on Bonaire! When we go on vacation, we want to experience what it is like being a resident of the area. Our unit was spacious, clean, and equipped with everything we needed to feel at home, with a large kitchen-dining-living area, bath and bedroom. The ceiling fans, window breezes, and AC in the bedroom made it very comfortable inside the apartment. Unlike many other accommodations in Bonaire, long beds (2 meters) are available; they were very comfortable as well. The small front yard was fenced, and offered sun, shade, privacy, lovely shrubs and trees, birds, lizards, and quiet. While the airport is only a few miles away, we didn't hear the planes at all. The covered patio was great for meals. In the yard, there are large plastic tubs for rinsing snorkel and dive gear, and hooks for hanging everything to dry. There are also clotheslines and a washing machine on the premises. Parking for the unit is just outside the fence, and therefore convenient for unloading gear or groceries. Everything was safe and secure as well, with the locking outdoor storage closet for dive gear, and the safe for valuables inside. There are many wonderful snorkel and dive sites within easy driving distance, and Bachelor Beach is about a 10 minute walk away. The staff is very helpful about the best places to buy groceries, and giving directions. The rates at Happy Holiday Homes are very reasonable, making it a fantastic value! We had the most relaxing, carefree vacation in years at Happy Holiday Homes, and we hope to go back there soon!

Our unit was very comfortable, clean, nicely furnished and the owners very accommodating and helpful. The grounds were well kept, well lighted and secure. We were very happy with this choice and would stay again.

Bonaire is waaaay cool for scuba. This place is great. It's not down town, it's on the way 'out of town' and it is so quiet. The proprietors, Kitty and Louise are VERY attentive and lovely sisters. I made arrangements ahead of time and there were 2 cases of beer waiting for us when we got there. I shared a 3 bedroom apartment with 4 other people. 2 people in our group also stayed right next door at a one bedroom so I got to see both a large and small apartment. Both were excellent. Mind you, this is NOT a 5-star vegas type of island...everything was CLEAN and DRY and inviting. The beds were all twins which worked for all of us since we all came by ourselves. The kitchen was well set up but a little cozy if more than 3 were in it. No diswasher, but they supply dishsoap, towels, rags, etc. Full size fridge with full sized upper freezer. Nice covered porch with a table that seats 8 outside, the same with an inside table. Shower was hot and good pressure...with 5 people and one bathroom we still never ran out of hot water. Fresh water rinse tanks out back on a covered porch for your scuba rinsing needs. Lots of hooks everywhere outside for hanging wet gear. There is a $5 per day for internet and each apartment has wired and if you are close enough to the wireless antenna on the office, you can get wireless at your apartment. We didn't get a strong enough signal to use wireless so we just used the phone wire. Television with cable, a nice sofa pit group and large coffee table was a nice place to sit and relax at the end of the day. For scuba, this place rocks. Close to the Hilma Hooker!!!