Looking to Winter In the Caribbean?

Specifically the Dutch Caribbean?  As in Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, St. Maarten, Saba?  To name a few of the most popular tourist destinations.

Richie unearthed a copy of the KLM Guide to the Dutch Caribbean.  The prices about to be quoted were current as of 1972, 48 years ago.  There have been some changes.

Aruba
Aruba-Caribbean Hotel and Casino   Single:  $36 to $47;  Double $38 to $52; Suite $85.
In 2020 a double is $493/night.  

Dinner at Le Petit Bistro, Aruba-Caribbean?  A five course fixed price dinner is "a stiff $15" to quote the guidebook.

What are the most affordable places?  Dominican Republic
Curacao
Jamaica
Barbados
Grenada

Can't have one with a contrasting second...the  most expensive are St. Bart's and Anguilla which has the distinction of best dining in the Dutch Caribbean.  We were there with Richie's brother and wife some time ago and we can all swear to (not at) the food.     Deeelicious!  Since there is virtually nothing else to do in Anguilla but spend the day at the beach, eating lunch or buying a beer at the beachside shacks; dinner was about the only thing to look forward to every day.

But I'd go back to St. Martin, the French half of St. Maarten in a minute.  We only paused there long enough for lunch before making our flight, time which had to include casting a glance at the Duty Free goods.   Swiss chocolate and watches, French perfumes come to mind.

The more I write about and remember, the more I want to go back!