Which is cheaper but still a very nice place to stay on the beach? Any suggestions for a small boutique hotel? Island does not matter....

We love boutique hotels but they are not necessarily cheaper. Our favorites are Nisbet Plantation Beach Club on Nevis and Galley Bay in Antigua (may be a bit large to be considered boutique but our favorite resort ever). Also check out Jamaica Inn. For a very good value in high season look at Shangri-la Caribe in Playa Del Carmen (if you will consider Carib. coast of Mexico) and the Curacao Marriott (not boutique but a good value). If you provide more specifics about your priorities I am sure you will get more recommendations.

We love small boutique style hotels. We've stayed at the large resorts and find that the smaller hotels have more personal service and don't have ten thousand people sharing the beach. There are very expensive boutique hotels out there that I'm sure are amazing but for people like us who want a more reasonably priced alterative we liked the Manchebo Beach Hotel on Aruba. Their beach is wide and beautiful. We also liked the Alamanda on Orient Beach. It's within walking distance of many fun beach bars that are open during the day.

Small Boutique Hotel Fan here too... I agree, not necessarily cheaper but I think you get more value for money.

However, it depends on your preferences: In my opinion If you enjoy quiet, calm places like I do then Boutique hotels should be. Some people get bored and rather pick a Big resort which they might feel more lively.

Totally a matter of preferences. I prefer the smaller inns and hotels, too. At this point I even prefer villas, as they provide more space and privacy for the money.

Did you look at the suggestion of Shangri-La? With that pre-teen girl it might be very nice to be able to go shopping one day in Playa del Carmen on Fifth Avenue area or take the ferry to Cozumel and go to Chankannaab Park for snorkeling. I have stayed at their sister property (since torn down and replicated) Posada del Capitan Lafitte and have always meant to get to Shangri-La but have not- the beach front, pool, price, proximity to day trips to Tulum and Xel-Ha (have done those)and size of the place might suit you. The pre-teen would have a great time at Xel-Ha.