The chic design and modern amenities at three-pearl Bubali Bliss Studios put it a sharp step above the many dated mid-range properties in this corner of Aruba. This cheerful hotel offers just 10 impeccably clean and funky apartment-style rooms with full kitchens and flat-screen TVs, plus some with spacious patios. Their proximity to the Super Food Plaza is both a pro and a con: the convenience to the grocery is great for independent travelers, but some might balk at the unsightly parking lot views and the precarious (if brief) walk to Eagle Beach. For those who want to avoid the full-service high-rise hotel scene but not skimp on style, Bubali Bliss Studios is better than neighboring Sasaki Apartments, though rates there may be a bit cheaper. 

MVC Eagle Beach is a mid-range 19-room boutique across the road from Aruba’s famous Eagle Beach. It is mostly made up of contemporary (if snug) Double Rooms, though there are a few larger adjoining rooms, making this a nice option for couples, small families, or groups looking for a beachside bargain -- the free breakfast doesn’t hurt either.  While the small and shallow pool isn’t good for much more than dipping, there’s plenty of space to grab some sun, a bite to eat, or a drink. Some people find noise to be a problem, but if you can wear earplugs, this quaint beachside pick is hard to beat for the price. 

In Swahili, the word ‘karibu’ means ‘welcome,’ and it’s a fitting name for this quaint, three-pearl boutique property, whose Dutch owners make travelers feel as if they are special guests in their home. They go above and beyond -- like offering rides, tips on what to do, and free cell phones in each room -- to make for a memorable experience that's a far cry from what you’d get at a typical high-rise hotel in Aruba. Beautifully decorated, modern rooms (of which there area only three) plus a small pool help, too -- though you can get the same for a bit more cash at nearby Boardwalk Hotel, which is also a closer walk to the beach.

Brickell Bay Beach Club & Spa is 97-room mid-range boutique around a five-minute walk to Aruba's Palm Beach, the hubbub of the High Rise zone, and a large concentration of restaurants and shopping. Rooms are spacious and contemporary, but the fixed windows and island condensation can breed a musty smell. All units get mini-fridges, free bottles of water, turndown service, luxe toiletries, and huge, fluffy towels. The boutique packs in features such as a club, pool bar, restaurants, and 24-hour fitness center, and business center. It's an ideal adult-only option for anyone looking to be in this bumping area without shelling out for a high-rise resort. 

With six apartments ranging from Studio to Two-Bedroom layouts, Arubu Cunucu Residence is a reliable three-pearl option, with a calm vibe that bustling resort areas lack. It's located in a slightly isolated residential area, but beaches, restaurants, and nightlife are all within a five-minute drive. Apartments are very dated, but they’re clean, comfortable, spacious, and well-equipped with full kitchens, flat-screen TVs, homey furniture, and practical touches like beach chairs and coolers. The property's highlight feature is its pleasant and sizable infinity pool. Cunucu’s simplicity is reflected in its affordable price, and the ability to self-cater is a big plus, as dining out in Aruba isn't cheap. Scene-seekers should stay elsewhere, and travelers looking for a stay with more on-site amenities that's closer to the beach can try Tropicana Aruba Resort.