Aruba beach escapes for under $150 a night

— -- You could spend $150 a day for two at a budget Caribbean all-inclusive but miss out on mingling with locals and dining around the island. However, finding appealing lodging near a beach for less than $150 is no breeze during winter peak season, when rates can double or triple.

We put our money on the Dutch island of Aruba, with world-class stretches of white sand, lots of casinos and shopping ops. Popular with Americans — and with what the U.S. State Department calls a "generally considered low" threat of crime, despite headline-grabbing disappearances of two U.S. tourists in recent years — the island boasts clean, attractive budget accommodations. Many have kitchenettes, a further lure for wallet-watchers. With advice from Christina Colón, author of Frommer's Portable Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, 6th Edition, here are five choices:

Club Arias Bed and Breakfast

Savaneta

The basics: This 11-room mini-resort is in a walled compound on the opposite side of the island from the hotel zone. Gilligan's Island-meets-The Flintstones landscaping means palms, thatched roofs and a boulder-edged wading pool with built-in stone chaise lounges. Large, well-furnished rooms and suites have kitchenettes, except cozy "The Nook."

The vibe: The laid-back hideaway is watched over by enthusiastic owner Arias Schwarz (a transplant from Queens, N.Y.). He keeps Crystal Light lemonade flowing and urges visitors to see the "real" Aruba via tours of hard-to-reach natural wonders and meals at locals' nearby favorites such as Zeerover, where cooked fresh-caught fish costs less than $15. Arias asks guests to review the nearly 2-year-old property, which explains the 300-plus reports on TripAdvisor.com. Club Arias is a family affair: Schwarz's mom, Shari, did the hand-painted designs on walls and furniture.

Nearest beach: A few minutes' walk to serviceable Savaneta Beach; a drive to the island's famed miles-long strands.

Amenities: Coffeemakers and kitchenettes in 10 suites; two pools; coolers and beach chairs; cooked-to-order breakfast included with most rooms; free phone calls to the USA; free Wi-Fi; hot-water outdoor showers (in-room ones use solar-heated H20 and are lukewarm).

The deal: As with most lodgings here, rates rise dramatically in winter. "The Nook" is $100 (including tax, but not breakfast) and Suite No. 9 is $150 (with breakfast) after Dec. 15. For best rates, call directly; Schwarz rents suites for $100 on slow winter weeks. Worth a splurge: Suites 1, 2 and 3.

Information: clubarias.com; 917-508-7210

MVC Eagle Beach Resort

Eagle Beach

The basics: Across the road from long (more than a mile) and fabulous Eagle Beach, it's a low-cost alternative to larger hotels that surround it. The 19 tile-floored rooms are updated with contemporary headboards and radios with iPhone chargers. They're clean but simple. A small bar and restaurant are on-site. Rooms 111 and 112 have good ocean views.

The vibe: Friendly staff, super location on one of the world's destination beaches.

Amenities: Mini-fridges; wading pool; tennis court; free Wi-Fi; beach chairs

The deal: From $125.41, including breakfast, through Dec. 19. Doubles from $137.45 Dec. 20-Dec. 28 may be available. Rates run more than $150 later, but website promotions might be offered.

Information: mvceaglebeach.com; 011-297-587-0110

Arubiana Inn

Oranjestad

The basics: A budget favorite near the capital of Oranjestad, it has 18 small rooms with showers around a pool guarded by a statue of a Caribbean Indian.

The vibe: Intimate, secluded, but away from the ocean.

Nearest beach: Eagle Beach, within 15 minutes by foot.

Amenities: Electric kettle and cookware; fridges and microwaves; free Wi-Fi; coolers

The deal: Specials Dec. 15-Jan. 15 ($117.05 for two, if available) include breakfast. Otherwise, winter rates start at $123.51 nightly for three to six nights, breakfast extra; lower for week-long stays.

Information: arubianainn.com; 011-297-587-7700

Aruba Surfside Marina

Oranjestad

The basics: On the water, close to the airport and Oranjestad shops and restaurants, the lodging has six well-decorated accommodations. There is no pool. Breakfast typically is served on your balcony. A restaurant, open for dinner, is on-site.

The vibe: Elegance on a budget. Rooms have sitting areas and kitchenettes. The grounds are well-landscaped.

Nearest beach: It's on Surfside Beach, known for calm, shallow water.

Amenities: Free Wi-Fi; continental breakfast; kitchenettes with fridges and microwaves

The deal: From $115.83 nightly for stays of four nights or more Dec. 3 through Dec. 18 (when events on the grounds may be noisy). The "garden room" costs $140.40 in winter. Otherwise, rates start at $169.65 till mid-April.

Information: arubasurfsidemarina.com; 011-297-583-0300

Aruba Reef Apartments

Savaneta

The basics: Its three bungalows — two by the water — are next to one of the island's hot restaurants, the Flying Fishbone. There's no pool, but it has a tiny beach and inviting gazebo.

The vibe: Bali meets Aruba, funky and eccentric. Carved wooden gates etched with "Paradise" greet guests. The atmosphere is casual and intimate.

Nearest beach: The Reef has one; the neighborhood has some, but it's a drive to longer and more popular stretches on sand.

Amenities: Kayaks; full kitchens with microwave; meditation/yoga room; Wi-Fi

The deal: The garden apartment is $100 in high season with stays of four nights or more if you pay cash; oceanfront accommodations are $150.

Information: arubareef.com; 011-297-735-0253

This article is the third in a 3-part series: Florida; Hawaii; Aruba.