Sonrisa

Sonrisa Boutique Hotel is a three-story budget hotel that caters to divers and water-sports lovers. The tan hotel is surrounded by a Caribbean desert landscape, in keeping with Bonaire's natural habitats, and the grounds include rocky beds, palm trees, blossoming plants. There aren't too many common areas, but most guests are out and about during the day. Sonrisa’s pool is a great spot for lounging after a day of diving, and it's framed by a red tile deck, lounge chairs, and a thatched cabana. A pair of pink flamingo statues stand at alert next to the pool. Most guests here are couples from the U.S. and Canada, and things stay relatively calm, helped in part by the hotel's rules prohibiting kids under 10.

Sorisa Boutique Hotel is situated on a residential block of Kralendijk’s Playa Ariba neighborhood. It's a pleasant 10-minute walk from the center of town. Nearby restaurants include Asian, seafood, and Caribbean options -- many of which are located along the city’s oceanfront boardwalk (which is also a great place to watch the sunset). The nearest beach, Chachacha Beach, is a small, sandy spot next to the cruise dock. It's a five-minute walk from the hotel. Across the island is highly regarded Sorobon Beach, where the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean meet. The area is a mecca for windsurfers and kite boarders, and is a 17-minute drive away. Washington Slagbaai National Park is a great spot for hikers to explore and will take about 30 minutes to reach by car. Flamingo International Airport is the best place to rent a car and is a five-minute drive from the hotel.

The rooms at Sonrisa are simple and a bit worn, but the unexpected details like fresh-cut flowers add some welcome character. The rooms have tan walls with IKEA lamps and wardrobes, plus wood furniture that's a bit scuffed and scratched. Extra-long queen or twin beds are made with colorful striped bedspreads in earthy, tones. The Master Suite has an additional twin bed for accommodating a third guest. Internet-enabled flat-screen TVs (either 40 and 42 inches) are a surprising perk for this category of hotel. 

There are two room types here: Master and Junior Suites. Master Suites overlook the pool and have a slightly funkier boho style: beaded green-fringed lamps, patchwork bedspreads, and red leather couches. The living areas have dining tables, plus African masks and Caribbean scenes of dancers on the walls. They also include kitchens with full-size refrigerators, electric ranges, convection ovens, microwaves, toasters, and cookware. The Junior Suites have garden or pool views and are decorated in a generic Caribbean theme: photos of flowers and antique maps of Bonaire on the walls. These rooms have queen or two twin beds, desks, and mini-fridges.

Bathrooms are simple and include hairdryers, hand soap, and body wash. Don’t forget to bring your own shampoo and conditioner. All rooms have either balconies or porches with rattan furniture and drying racks. Electric kettles and coffeemakers are standard in all rooms as are air-conditioning, ceiling fans, safes, irons, and free Wi-Fi.  

Sonrisa Hotel doesn’t offer much in the features department, but it does a great job with it does have The hotel’s pool is a relaxing refuge and surrounded by lounge chairs, palm trees, and two pink flamingos. As diving is big business on the island, there's a convenient wet cell for washing and storing dive gear after a dive. It's free to use for guests. The hotel’s free breakfast is a great way to start the day and includes made-to-order omelets, fresh fruit, bread, yogurt, granola, and coffee or tea. Keep in mind that it's not offered on Sundays. There’s also a Weber barbecue available. Bicycles are available to rent (for a fee) and local calls are free from a shared phone outside the lobby. Wi-Fi and parking are also free.