The hippy-chic Jake's in Jamaica has rooms for around $150 a night.

Hotels in this story

Price Dates

Jakes

Ka'anapali Beach Hotel

Puntacana Hotel

Negril Tree House Resort

Whitelaw Hotel

When funds are tight, it might seem impossible to plan a romantic beach escape with a special someone. But a number of great beach hotels are surprisingly reasonable. Below, check out the five best spots for a romantic beach vacation on a budget.

The beach at Jake’s

$156/night Rating: 3.5 Pearls South Coast, Jamaica

Made up of just 30 hippy-chic cottages in secluded Treasure Beach, Jake’s is one of Jamaica’s most romantic hotels. Guests come to unplug — there’s no phone, Internet, or TV in the cottages — but given its gorgeous Driftwood Spa, painting and yoga classes, and excellent food, it’s also a superb value.

Grounds at Kaanapali Beach Hotel

$143/night 3.0 Pearls Maui, Hawaii

A modest property that prides itself on being the “Most Hawaiian Resort,” the 430-room Kaanapali Beach Hotel sits right on Kaanapali’s four-mile beach. More affordable than many nearby resorts, this low-key hotel has a great tiki bar, free Hawaiian activities, and live nightly entertainment.

The beach at Punta Cana Hotel

$96/night 4.0 Pearls Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The Punta Cana Hotel’s 202 modest suites are all part of the most luxurious resort development in the Dominican Republic. It includes the La Cana golf course, the Six Senses spa, a nature preserve, eight high-profile restaurants, horse stables, and one of the best beaches in the country.

Beach at Negril Tree House Resort

$129/night 2.0 Pearls Negril, Jamaica

The 70-room Treehouse is about the most relaxed hotel in Jamaica, almost to a fault. There’s only a skeleton crew on staff at night, and the rooms feature nothing but an old TV and a bar of soap. But most guests don’t seem to care, once they’re swinging on a porch hammock overlooking Jamaica’s best beach. Plus, great bars and restaurants are right next door.

Sundeck at Whitelaw Hotel & Lounge

$113/night 3.0 Pearls South Beach, Miami

The Whitelaw is perfect for party-hearty couples looking for cheap digs in a central Collins Avenue location. It’s got a young party scene, free drinks from 7 to 8 p.m., and hot music playing 24/7. For a quieter (but slightly more expensive) hotel with direct beach access, consider the Townhouse.