Hotels, all facing the sea, and in many cases opening onto beaches, are low-key, personally run operations where everybody gets to know everybody else in no time. They are concentrated on the west coast of the island immediately north or immediately south of the capital of Kralendijk.
Remember that taxes and service charges are seldom included in the prices you're quoted, so ask about them when making your reservations.
Your best deal at one of the dive resorts, such as Captain Don's Habitat, is to book a package deal, often for a week. Depending on the house count, more limited bookings can be accommodated if rooms are available.