koucou

This little gem is a koucou favorite. MVC's most obvious plus-mark on our list derives from its location, just across from the pristine (and often fairly untouristed) Eagle Beach. But it’s the hospitality that makes MVC shine. The friendly staff members tend to remember the names of guests. As a consequence, there are lots of return visitors at MVC.

The rooms are barebones but homey, on the standard motel room template. There is a delightful restaurant on the premises called Tulip, which turns out Aruban and Dutch favorites, as well as a small pool (great for kids!) and ...

Sasaki Apartments have a bit of a colonial feel to them. The white stucco façade is festooned with balconies and archways, and the first floor apartments open to a long open walkway toward the full-sized pool and patio. 

The apartments themselves provide basic comfort (including full kitchens in the standard studios). True, they rock a rather unfortunate, standard cookie-cutter décor. But with the beach about a ten-minute walk away and high-season rates at just $110 a night, that colorblock bedspread is no impediment to a budget-friendly stay on Aruba.

Occasionally, Sasaki Apartments run even cheaper last-minute deals. Check ...

The Arubiana Inn's bright yellow façade suggests a sunny disposition throughout, and in fact here the book can be judged by its cover. The colonial style building is just minutes from Eagle Beach, though its palm tree-lined courtyard with pool and hammocks is a great option for closer to home relaxation. Breakfast is served (at additional cost) on the pretty, shaded poolside patio.

All 18 rooms have contemporary amenities, from mini-fridges to wi-fi, and are beautifully decorated with rich woods, accented by bright reds and oranges.

And at $120 per night, the price is equally pretty. We were ...