koucou

Situated in a cheery spot in a peaceful residential neighborhood, the studios and one-bedroom apartments at the Coconut Inn feel like a cross between summer cottage and camp cabin.

Whichever of those is more appealing, the quarters here provide a cozy retreat. The location allows easy access to the beaches and energy of the high-rise hotels, though with enough distance to permit a more serene feel. The apartments themselves are basic and equipped with all the main amenities, plus each unit has a little porch on which to enjoy the sunshine. There is a full-sized pool surrounded by palms and ...

Brickell Bay Beach Club is in the center of the action, situated along the long row of restaurants and shops amid the high-rise hotels. It’s a sleek, opulent resort, with amenities—and rates—to match. Off-season, rates for the less expensive rooms come down considerably. Those looking for proximity to the beach, the hubbub of the neighborhood, and a luxurious spa and swim-up bar might just find that Brickell Bay Beach Club to be worth the off-season splurge.

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 ...

Ocean-front property Ocean 105 is located directly on the beach, not far from Aruba's California Lighthouse. The setting is quieter and more low-key than the High-Rise District just a few minutes down the road. A sprawling, lush patio is in the center of the property, with four apartments surrounding it.

Ocean 105's ocean view apartments are a bit over the koucou maximum rate, but the garden view apartments are not. Equally lovely, they offer easy access to a rocky stretch of coral directly in front of the property and a sandy beach just a two-minute walk away.