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.

Golden Reef Inn in more of a northerly located hotel in Bonaire.
Communications with the Inn were excellent and we were met at the airport promptly after our red-eye flight from Houston.

The 1 BR apartment was quiet and very clean. Unfortunately the A/C didn't work (and it was HOT in August). We asked for a fan but never received one. GRI did give us a partial refund of our fee. Also there was a problem with the maid service and so we did the cleaning throughout the week ourselves. We did ask for and receive clean towels.

We liked the convenient tank exchange and rinse tank setup. There was also an outdoor shower which was helpful at the end of the day.

We would probably stay in a more centrally located hotel next time but would recommend GRI as a good budget choice.

Very personalized service. Ed and Liz are very hospitable. They were able to arrange for any service one needed or gave you privacy if need be. Comfortable facilities and clean. Don't expect luxury. The studio kitchenettes were very nice. May not be directly by the sea but one will be nonetheless and they can help you find privacy/quiet.

Returned from Bonaire two weeks ago and it was all we hoped it to be. The Island, people, diving & Golden Reef Inn were great. We were unsure about staying at the Inn because the price was so much less than the other places we were considering but after talking on the phone to Liz decided to give it a try. We are so glad we did, it is a wonderful place! The one bedroom we stayed in was clean, spacious, & well equipped. The welcome basket was a nice treat after being on a plane most of the night, not easy to find food at 4:00am. There were not any hidden charges, I found several other resorts I talked to had taxes, service charges and car insurance that was not included in their package price. The Inn is down the street from the high price resorts, and about a minute from what became our favorite dive spot, the cliff. We prefer the smaller, unique places over the large resorts and it was perfect. Liz & Ed couldn't be more accommodating and friendly. They recommended restaurants, don't leave without trying the fish pizza, and fun things to do. We enjoyed coffee in the morning & dinner in the evening by the pool right out our back door. There were always tanks ready to go and a place to wash equipment. We were also very impressed with Wannadive, the dive shop they use. They helped us with equipment problems and recommended dive sites for our comfort level. We chose Golden Reef Inn because of the affordable price but will go back because we felt at home. The only negative about the trip was having to leave, we plan on staying longer next year.