We stayed at the Golden Reef Inn from January 29th to February 19th (3 weeks). This is our third time on Bonaire and our first stay the the GRI. I booked it on the Internet after searching for a reasonably priced and comfortable apartment. We were not disappointed. The reservation was handled very efficiently over the internet. We were met at the airport and delivered to the property. I had asked for a one bedroom apartment, however, none were available so we were given the 2 bedroom villa. It was very spacious and suited our needs very well for the 3 weeks we stayed. We had booked the package with accommodations, vehicle and diving. Everything was handled very efficiently. The truck was delivered to the apartment after our arrival and we were given vouchers for unlimited shore diving at Wanna Dive.
It was a nice suprise to find some basic food supplies when we arrived. There was juice, bread, cheese and fruit in the fridge, along with coffee, tea, cream & sugar. This was very thoughtful and you don't have to run to the store right away!
The two-bedroom apartment or villa, was somewhat larger than the one-bedrooms. The livingroom was well appointed with a good sized comfortable wicker sofa and two swivel chairs. They have satelite TV with lots of English channels and even CNN news from the USA so you can keep up on the world events. The kitchen was divided from the living room area by a breakfast bar with high stools. There was also a dinette set for 4. The kitchen was well supplied. It was stressed to us by the owner, Liz, that if there was anything you needed and didn't have they would get it for you! How true. We found the can opener didn't work (or we were too klutzy to work it!). My husband took it to the office and they immediately gave him a brand new one, still in the package. When we mentioned we didn't have a cutting board, the staff were sent out to buy some for all the units that very same day. Where do you get service like that in a big resort where you are just another nameless face?
There is a ceiling fan in the living room along with a standing oscillating fan. As is the custom in Bonaire, the bedrooms have air conditioning units which are very quiet and cool the room very well. The bedrooms also had plenty of closet space, although only one drawer.
Liz has done a nice of job decorating with little touches to make the apartments more homey.
There is an on-site tank and equipment room for diving, so it was very conveninet to get tanks.
The Golden Reef Inn has a bar-b-que every Monday night ($20 US per person) around the pool area. There are comfortable patio sets with umbrellas to sit. This is a good way to meet the other guests in the evening, although some times there are a lot of outsiders coming for the bar-b-que.
We enjoyed staying here and would do so again.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
Girlfriend getaway, People with disabilities, Older travelers, Great pool scene, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, Pet owners, Families with young children, Families with teenagers
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun, Outdoor / Adventure