Fiance and I traveled to Aruba in May 2012 to attend the wedding of our friends. The wedding was planned to take place at Renaissance Hotel/Island.
We specifically sought to find a location away from the Renaissance high-rise hysteria and wedding party drama. Now ... a week after our return and looking back on our stay with JP, Eve, Bianca, and Monique, we are extremely satisfied with Sunset Beach Studios.
We stayed in Garden 8, a room off of the main complex. It was cozy and had everything a young couple would need. The rate was acceptable.
The bed was firm, yet comfortable. The kitchen had the basics, the A/C worked very well and the bathroom/shower were 1st rate. The patio was a hit and was where we spent all meal time.
On the single day we didn't go to the beach, we were content to spend a day at the pool: it is just the right size and refreshing. WiFi available under the palapa (a big umbrella made of palm tree leaves).
The bus runs right in front of the studios and we found it to be sufficient for our needs. Indeed, we even traveled from airport to villa via bus. Not a problem.
To get to the beach, one must walk (slowly) about 25 minutes to reach Arashi: the beach favored and frequented by locals. In the other direction are the high-rise beaches with everything the busy beach offers ...
It is important to make a trip to the market to get the basics: coffee, cream, butter, eggs, bread, cheese, wine, meats and chocolate.
Sunset Beach Studios are not: room-service on demand; bell-hop to get you ice; concierge to make your reservation at the spa!
Bottom line - I highly recommend the Sunset Beach Studios if you want to get away and do the same thing you might normally do when at home on the weekend: make breakfast, decide what fun to have; go on your way...and when chilling at the studio meet a few other like-minded individuals - more than likely to be Dutch...