I am travelling with my husband and teenage children. I have decided that on Easter Island The Explora and The Hangaroa are just too expensive for two rooms. Furthermore I am interested in doing some a private tour on day, diving another and some free time exploring on the next. I feel I have read every review on Trip advisor and I wanted to get some thoughts from the Flyertalk group as each TA review seems to go horribly sour by the next review.
Contenders seem to be Chez Steve, Cabanes Cristophe, Hareswiss. There is room for others.

What kind of alternative are you looking for?

If you're looking for an economic alternative, Tiare Pacific gives a good value. They don't speak much English though, but try as well as they can. Service is nice and welcoming.

We used Kaimana Inn - about $120 per night for a double. Nothing special but still perfectly acceptable, very friendly and bang in the middle of town. They can arrange all tours etc for you.

I can second this suggestion

I stayed there a couple of years ago. It's run by a very nice couple. They are friendly and efficient. Offered pick-up and drop-off at the airport although it's only a very short walk to the airport.

Nothing high-end, but very clean and comfortable.

Breakfast is also notably good.

I also forgot to mention that Christian, the proprietor, arranged my auto rental for me. He had a laminated chart of the vehicles and prices.

The next morning, when I woke up, the housecleaning person handed me the keys to the jeep. I drove around all day. Parked a very dirty jeep in front of the hotel and paid for it on check-out.

It was a pretty easy process - and with a little less documentation than I was used to.

Presumably all the hotels can do or you can avail yourself of such a service in town but I really liked how he put it together for me. If that' important to you, it might a criteria as you review hotel options.

He was also incredibly gracious about my lamentable spanish skills. I think he is from the mainland and his wife is Rapa Nui.