This was our second year at the Manchebo and we were surprised to find a welcome basket of fruit in our room. Jackie had assigned us room 20, which was great for us as it is out on the beach but near enough to the parking lot. The room was spotless. Everything; shower, TV, airconditioning, fridge, worked perfectly.

Beside cleanliness and location the Manchebo can boast of an excellent staff. Louisa from Housekeeping kept our room ship shape. She also provided us a lesson on tucking in the ends of a pillow case to make a neat package. Most mornings Alfredo was our breakfast server. He's such a cheerful guy he makes the morning pleasant. We ate breakfast in the restaurant every day because the Visit Aruba Plus card gets a free breakfast for two if you book directly with the Manchebo.

We ate several dinners at the on-site French Steakhouse, an excellent restaurant.

Of course the beach is the real draw at Manchebo. You'll find it difficult to move off of your lounge chair. It's just too pleasant. But the warm water will beckon - so remember to pack your sunscreen.

This hotel was perfect for us. Not crowded, good food, good drinks and a perfect beach. We never had any issues getting a palapa and never felt like we were on top of anyone else on the beach! The staff at this hotel were top notch! The rooms were basic but clean - that's all I ask for. We had an ocean view 2nd floor (42) and loved it! We did the AI plan and were pleased we did. I did not feel the items in the gift were overpriced at all! The front desk was more than helpful in making reservations for restaurants, car rentals, and giving me directions to the closest ATM!

Just returned from our "Weddingmoon" at Manchebo. We got married on the beach at this hotel and it was the PERFECT choice. So romantic and you know you are in Aruba everytime you step out your door. No Vegas glitz here just very tropical, small, and quaint. It was like being in the country of a beautiful Carribean Island. The entire property has fruit trees growing everywhere. I loved that!! Right outside our room was a key lime tree, and outside our balcony was a mango tree and a banana tree. The room was very basic and VERY CLEAN. Loved the ceramic tile floor (carpet in hotels grosses me out!) After going to this beach, all others look like a tiny strip of sand with people piled up on top of one another. You truly feel as if you are alone on the beach at Manchebo. There were quite a few things within walking distance, but we rented a car and that was a great decision because we went everywhere. We've been to Aruba many times, this was our first time at Manchebo and we are in love!! Much different from other busy resorts. This place is total relaxation and we loved the personal service. Newspaper every morning with breakfast was huge!! We booked directly with Manchebo so with the Aruba Plus card breakfast was free everyday, can't beat that! The spa CANNOT be described in words, it has to be seen and tried out!! It was gorgeous!! The French Steakhouse at Manchebo was delicious and so reasonably priced, we were so pleasantly surprised at the prices on the menu. The pool here is just a rectangle but never crowded, but this hotel is all about beach anyway. Just to mention the honeymoon pkg at this hotel was well worth the extra $$. It comes with lots of extras for honeymooners. Once more, we are madly in love with this hotel and would highly recommend this to anyone traveling without children.

My wife and I spent one very relaxing week at Manchebo for our 5th anniversary from Sept 17th to the 23rd. Two things made the trip superior: the beach at Manchebo and the isalnd's food. Rather than repeating much of the same, however, and for the benefit of those who might be unfamiliar with Aruba, here a few relevant tips that nobody seemed to mention in advance of my mostly positive review:

1) Despite everything you’ve heard, the climate is NOT 82 degrees with strong trade winds during hurricane season. (August thru mid October) Instead, the temperatures climb to the mid 90’s, the wind is light to calm and the humidity is torrid, in the 75 to 90% range. Perfect for those that like it hot and are concerned about the sand kicking up in your face. In addition, the island is empty, partially due to the lack of Caribbean cruises (only cruises that sail far south of the hurricane belt are allowed to dock.)

The positive result is a more subdued atmosphere where no dinner reservations are required anywhere and island excursions that are half empty and never sell out. The negative result is that Arubans are very crabby during this period of hot weather (The tourism industry denies it even exists.) While not inherently rude, we saw little of the so-called superior friendly service that everyone raves about. (more about this later)

2) If you’ve previously enjoyed vacations to places that generally provide superior service to tourists, especially in the area of on-line reservations, (such as the Mayan Rivera or Costa Rica) be forewarned: The internet is still “new to Aruba” (Arubans words, not mine) If you reserve excursions from home on the internet with DePalm Tours, the islands’ largest tour company, expect to wait on a long line when you arrive and have them question your payment, despite having a printed copy of your email confirmation. It’s like that Seinfeld episode where the girl says “I know what a reservation is “ and Jerry says “Apparently you don’t or I wouldn’t be arguing with you.”

Although most have commented that they like Aruba’s laid back attitude compared to other Caribbean islands, I find it odd that an island whose entire economy is based on tourism is so far behind in the area of technology. While not necessarily a third world nation, Aruba has 40 ethnicities, and most of them work in the tourism industry. Many Latino workers told us they experience discrimination and resentment from Arubans for taking their jobs, yet many Arubans are unwilling to work nights, weekends or holidays. For my buck, I prefer destinations that go above and beyond to make you feel welcome.

The above facts notwithstanding, Manchebo is easily the best resort in Aruba if you prefer a relaxing vacation on an excellent beach. The guests were an eclectic mix North Americans and Europeans, ranging in age from early 20’s to mid 50’s. The resort is set on a point, making it the largest and nicest beach in the low-rise hotel area. Unlike other hotels, the palapas are set 20 to 30 feet apart from one another, offering the best degree of privacy and relaxation on the island. Since the hotel only has 72 rooms, securing a palapa is never a problem. Summaries:

RESORT STAFF:
Arriving at about 2 PM, our room was not yet ready. Due to the heat, we inquired if we could get in ASAP, but the front desk staff seemed rather indifferent to our request. Thus, we found the housekeeper instead and she made an effort to finish it within 30 minutes. The head housekeeper was the only member of the staff that greeted us every day. Perhaps it was the heat, but all other hotel employees went about their business as if they were sitting a cubicle, oblivious to guests. We approached the bar to get a drink while waiting and had to wait 10 minutes before anyone acknowledged us, and the security guard in the evening was downright intrusive, asking us over and over if we were guests every time we used the internet in the lobby.

Due to Hurricane Rita, we needed to reschedule our flight. With the exception of one, the front desk was not very helpful in our attempt to contact the airlines after business hours, snapping at us “What do you want us to do for you?” While this did not diminish our overall vacation enjoyment, we strongly disagree with the consensus of reviewers that feel the staff goes out of their way to help.

RESORT AMENITIES:
Our garden view room was generally clean and furnishings basic, exactly what you’d expect for the money. The air conditioner worked very well which is important in September, the beds were comfortable and the shower was adequate. We didn’t hear any noise from other guests the entire week.

Beach service is almost non-existent. Once or twice a day, one staff member walks around to ask if you want drinks. The resort’s small outside restaurant is pleasant and the breakfast is decent but unspectacular. Walk two hotels down to the Calypso for a $7.95 breakfast buffet if you want better value. Scores of large iguanas hang out during breakfast. They love fruit but will eat almost anything. The beach bar is fine enough, but not very exciting. Go to the high rises if you crave a livelier crowd. There is a manager’s special once a week for an hour with free drinks from 4 til 5 PM and Arubans do pour their drinks fairly strong without extra tips, unlike in Mexico. Towels can be exchanged on a daily basis at the front desk. Pool is small; if you like pools, stay at a high rise. We did not eat at the French Steakhouse but have heard nothing but rave reviews

BEACHES:
No need to leave Manchebo. The low rises on either side of Manchebo are equally picturesque but smaller due to the size of the resorts and less space from the resort to the beach. High-rise hotel beaches are ridiculous. Small and crowded, most have only a few palapas, some have activity centers or docks on them and I assume you’d have to jump at dawn to secure a space. Pools are much bigger to make up for the deficient beaches. Baby Beach is touted as the most beautiful and best for snorkeling but we found it to be nothing special. It’s next door to the oil refinery and the snorkeling is inferior to Cozumel or Hawaii. West side coastline is gorgeous but not suitable for swimming. Take a jeep safari tour to see the best of the scenery.

ACTIVITIES:
Owing to the fact that Aruba is small and desert like, sightseeing requires only one or two days. We recommend ABC Jeep Safari Tours full day package. For $117, they take you in Land Rovers that seat eight and are made for the rough terrain. They will ask for a volunteer to drive one of the 2 jeeps (Caution: If you are not experienced, DO NOT volunteer as the downhill to the Natural Pool is very steep and potentially dangerous. In the absence of a volunteer, they will assign another driver.)

The tour goes to all of Aruba’s attractions including the California Lighthouse, what’s left of the natural Bridge, the Caves, the ostrich farm (make this the one stop you don’t miss; it’s fascinating and fun), Baby Beach with an option to snorkel, and the Natural Pool (also a snorkel option but be careful; the tides are strong). Wear sandals even though they tell you to bring sneakers and expect to inhale a ton of dust. DePalm offers a similar tour but they use jeeps and the owners of ABC really know the island. Excellent day trip.

De Palm Island:
Do not be fooled by the internet or brochures that describe a “private island paradise”. It’s a reef in an industrial area converted to a tourist attraction. Take the half day option and try the Sea-Trek, an excursion that allows non-swimmers to walk down 25 steps to the ocean floor with a pressurized helmet and walk on the bottom. The marine life is average, but the experience is fun and very professional. They brief you and two guides are there at all times filming. On the ocean floor you sit at a table. For $30, you can purchase a CD with all the pictures that makes for entertaining memories. The rest of the “island” is an open bar and buffet, a small snorkel area, a SNUBA option (extra cost) a spa (nobody spoke English very well) and a poor excuse for a beach with no shade.

Boat tours:
We took a 2 hour sunset cruise with Red Sail Sports that departed from the Hyatt. Relaxing, but like the Manchebo staff, the crew did nothing to enhance the fun. Sub-par compared to other sunset cruises we’ve taken. Drinks are strong and snacks consisted of a few chicken strips and egg rolls. Cost was $35 per person with an internet discount (They also hassled me due to paying in advance). Didn’t do the booze cruise or party buses due to being past our major drunken days but all the couples under 30 did and they said it was fun. Fishing and day snorkeling trips are readily available.

Oranjestad, the capital city, is a 10 minute drive away. The town is an unspectacular collection of Dutch style architecture with an over abundance of jewelry stores and other high end shopping. Not much worth seeing except one casino and Carlos and Charlie’s’. If a cruise ship is in town, this is a must visit, even if you don’t drink. The food is better than typical pub food, the souvenir shop is cool and the atmosphere is charged up by the fun staff that start the fun off by interrupting your meal with loud whistles, shots of tequila and large Mexican hats. Meanwhile, a character artist is sketching you while you eat (He will offer it to you and request a small tip). As the dinner crowd fades, tables are slowly removed and a “tequila line” is started to the beat of popular dance music, culminating with shots of tequila poppers squirted into your mouth. The staff searches for willing participants in contests on stage that pit Americans versus other countries. Try to go on a night when a cruise ship is docked. (We experienced an entire crowd of boisterous Puerto Ricans that made for a raucous great time)

High Rise Area: Consists of a small main street lined with a few tourist shops and several casinos. Lots of worthwhile restaurants but not much more. 10 minute drive from Manchebo. The Hyatt, Wyndham, and Radisson are exactly what you’d expect them to be but with uglier beaches. Worthwhile for an evening stroll and a few hours gambling.
(If casinos are your thing but leaving the area is not, however, the Aladdin Casino is 2 blocks walking distance from Manchebo and has a shopping area that is open until 11 PM. All casinos offer incentives coupons and affordable slots and tables)

TRANSPORTATION:
Although there is a bus that can take you anywhere, a rental car only costs about $24 a day if you don’t mind a basic compact. The island is small enough to make navigating easy, although there is a lack of signage everywhere on the island. They drive according to European rules (i.e.: insane), yield for nobody and basic signs will be unfamiliar to North Americans. However, the island has no freeways and you can’t get too lost. Since you’d be doing yourself a huge disservice by not visiting many of the island’s awesome restaurants, renting a car is the most convenient way to get around. We heard that taxis can be difficult to get in peak times and almost impossible during off-hours.

FOOD:
Saving the best for last, we did not have one dinner that was not superb. For a small island, you will be overwhelmed by the amount of choices found in the brochures. While individual tastes will obviously vary, the following restaurants we visited offer a diversity of tastes and we guarantee you will not be disappointed if you choose any of them

Amazonia: An absolute must, offering churascurra style dining (An “all you can eat” Argentinean style of dining that features 16 different meats, chicken, pork and lamb all brought to the table by multiple waiters on large skewers) There is also a 40 item salad bar. Price is fixed at about $45 per person but well worth every penny (Purchase an “Arubaplus” card on the internet for discounts on many meals) Texas De Brazil also offers similar meals, but this place is fabulous. Come very hungry and don’t miss this place.

Iguana Joes or Smokey Joes: Specializes in Caribbean style ribs; best I’ve ever had; try the sampler with dry rub, Cajun and traditional all on one plate.

Calypso: (2 resorts down from Manchebo) Unbelievably delicious. Monday is lobster night, served 6 different ways; large and delicious. Tuesday is Italian night. And the other MUST DO: Reserve for the Friday night Caribbean buffet; for $27 per person, you get 20 items including lobster tail, Cajun fish, and jerk pork. After dinner, the best show on the island is included in the price. It features a collection of dancers from all over Latin America and the Caribbean performing over 20 different styles of dance. The choreography was so brilliant, they could have performed in any major US city. Better than most cheesy casino shows and well worth your time.

Gaspartio: Located in the middle of nowhere off the beaten path in a house that doubles as an art gallery. Excellent local seafood; try the Aruban combo featuring local dishes.

Sunset Beach Grill: One of many fine establishments offering exceptional seafood, cooked any way you like. Located just south of the Wyndham Hotel, 5 minutes from Manchebo. Offers tables on the beach and a romantic setting. Sit on the Adirondack chairs after dinner and listen to the waves. Although we didn’t patronize, they tell us that Flying Fishbone is the island’s best for on the beach dining, but it is far from Manchebo.

Breakfasts in Aruba are average but you’ll be full from the night before anyway. We didn’t eat lunches but any of the above would be a great choice. For New York style bagels, try Dushi’s located right behind the Aladdin casino, a 2 block walk. You can get McDonalds, Subway and Taco Bell but you’d have to be insane or cash strapped to waste your vacation meals on unhealthy American fast food.

We’d be glad to share additional information with anyone and can almost guarantee that your stay at Manchebo will be relaxing.