The hype
Travelers consistently rate the cleanliness and staff as 'immaculate' and 'genuine,' often citing the lack of crowds as the main reason they return.
Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa
$500-800/ night
Book this if You want the widest, quietest stretch of Eagle Beach without the 'Vegas-at-sea' vibe of the high-rise district.
Why People Love It
- Zero fight for beach chairs—palapas are plentiful and spaced far apart
- Complimentary daily yoga and pilates classes on a deck overlooking the ocean
- No hidden resort fees, which is a rarity in Aruba
Quick Take: A 1960s-era motel structure that has been lovingly upcycled into a wellness sanctuary where the beach is the star, not the lobby.
Reviewed by @prettyandfocused: My trip to Aruba was a dream. I loved lounging by the pool at Manchebo and taking day trips to see the flamingos and explore the colorful streets of Oranjestad. The perfect mix of chill and adventure.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The rooms, while renovated, are still physically small (approx. 340 sq ft) due to the building's original 1966 footprint.
- You hate the 'towel game' of waking up at 6am to reserve a beach chair
- You prioritize wellness, yoga, and healthy food over casinos and clubbing
- You want a boutique feel where staff knows your name by day two
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.8
- Housekeeping: Daily service is thorough; guests consistently describe the rooms as 'immaculate'.
- Bathroom hygiene: Renovated bathrooms feature clean grout and modern zero-entry showers.
- Maintenance: Grounds are manicured daily; no peeling paint or rust observed in recent reports.
- Linens & towels: Towels are fluffy and plentiful; beach towels are provided without a card exchange system.
- Odors & scents: Fresh and neutral; no musty 'old hotel' smells reported despite the building's age.
Sleepability™
8.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Occasional hallway noise due to exterior corridors
- Morning housekeeping carts on the walkways
Before you book
Good to know
- There is NO daily resort fee, which saves you ~$50/day compared to nearby high-rises.
- The resort is cashless for most on-site transactions.
- You can drink the tap water; Aruba's water is desalinated and excellent quality.
What to pack
- Yoga clothes: The complimentary classes are a major highlight.
- Insulated tumbler: To keep your drinks cold on the beach (ice machines are available).
- Bug spray: For the evenings if you plan to dine outdoors at Pega Pega.
Room Genie
Best picks
- Deluxe Ocean Front (2nd Floor): Best unobstructed views of Eagle Beach.
- Deluxe Garden View (Ground Floor): 'Freshly renovated' with direct access to the gardens, perfect if you want to avoid stairs.
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor rooms near the ice machines (located under the stairs between blocks) if you are a light sleeper.
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love a 2nd-floor room for the best ocean breeze and view, as I understand there are no elevators. Ideally away from the ice machines under the stairwells.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a resort fee?
No. Unlike most Aruba hotels, Manchebo does not charge a daily resort fee. Service charges and taxes are standard, but no hidden facility fees.
Is it adults-only?
Technically no, but practically yes. There are no kids' clubs or slides, so families with young children rarely book here.
How is the beach?
World-class. It sits on the widest point of Eagle Beach, meaning palapas are spaced 10+ feet apart for serious privacy.
Do I need a car?
Not strictly. There are 4 restaurants on-site and a few within walking distance, but a car is recommended for exploring Arikok or the high-rise dining scene (10 min drive).
Is breakfast included?
Not in the standard rate (approx. $45/person if added), but an optional All-Inclusive plan is available.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, one dog up to 50 lbs is allowed per room for a $200 fee per stay. No cats.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ice machines are hidden beneath the stairs between room blocks—bring your room bucket.
- ✨
The 'Deluxe Garden View' rooms were recently renovated with marble bathrooms and zero-entry showers, often making them nicer inside than older ocean-view units.
- ✨
You can order lunch directly to your beach chair by planting a flag in the sand.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'dinner in bed' experience at the nearby Screaming Eagle restaurant is a real thing—you literally eat lying down.
💡There are no elevators, which can be a shock if you have heavy luggage and a second-floor room.
💡The resort has a 'farm-to-table' focus, which is rare for Aruba, sourcing greens from local hydroponic farms.
💡The Wi-Fi reaches all the way to the beach palapas.
💡The shower water pressure is surprisingly strong for an island hotel.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa is located and what's nearby.