WANT TO STAY AT ONE OF THE ABOVE THIS FALL. HAS ANYONE STAYED AT EITHER OF THESE PROPERTIES? IF SO, PLEASE GIVE PROS AND CONS TO EACH HOTEL. FOOD, ROOMS, STAFF, ETC.

Both of these resorts are pretty much the same and located right next door to eachother. They both are on the same beach, are lo-rise resorts and have great restaurants (we prefer The French Steakhouse at Manchebo) but whichever one you stay at means that you can eat at either place. We have never been in the rooms, but from what friends said, they are "motel" type rooms, nothing fancy, but who stays in the room in Aruba. You won't go wrong with either one.

Bill - I have seen both resorts from the outside as I had dinner at the French Steakhouse at Manchebo Beach Resort. They both have a beautiful beach. Bucuti Beach Resort is very popular among couples and honeymooners. The rooms at Bucuti are probably a bit nicer than the ones at Manchebo. If you are going with children, I would probably choose either LaCabana (low-rise) or one of the high-rise hotels on Palm Beach instead because there are more activities for the children.

Hi Bill. Choose the Bucuti. It is spotless, the rooms are large, everything is in working order and the staff are great. We stayed there for 5 nights and plan to go back for a full week next time. We had a room on the ground floor with an ocean view and it was perfect. One suggestion: Consider renting a car so you can go into town or down to Palm Beach to eat. The sunken ship restaurant at Bucuti is fine for drinks and sandwiches, but don't pass up the opportunity to enjoy the great food on Aruba. There are many wonderful restaurants in or around town (Madame Janette, Que Pasa?, Marina Pirata) and along Palm Beach (Simply Fish at Marriott, Ruinas del Mar at Hyatt, and Sunset Grill at Radisson). We love Aruba. Hope you have a great time!

I'd go with Bucuti. We've been there 3 years in a row now. Staff is fabulous, beach is even better althought Bucuti and Manchebo are on the same beach. Rooms are very lovely and well equiped. Very quiet and peaceful with beautiful grounds. Can't say enough good things about Bucuti!
If you would like to see the other side of the island and drive throught Arikok Nat'l Park, then rent a 4X4 vehicle (and get a true 4X4 like a Jeep, don't let them give you a little Geo tracker. The roads are rough. Otherwise take a tour.
Restaurant Recs: Madame Jeanette, The Promenade in San Nicolas,
Pirates Nest at the Bucuti, French Steakhouse at Manchebo, Iguana Joes downtown has good "fun foods" and great tropical drinks at good prices. Try Amicis in the high rise district, across from Playa Linda. It's a great place for late night sweets and coffee. They also serve delicious sandwiches and the ice cream creations are out of this world. Have fun

thanks so much for the valuable info on the bucuti. we're convinced, and went ahead and booked a week-long stay this december. it was'nt cheap, but then not much in aruba is. i am truly looking forward to an amazing vacation and we both went on diets today. thanks again