Boracay: Hot Places to Stay

The question is, “Where is the best place you’ve stayed in Boracay?” The following are our readers’ picks. We’ve even included some comments to help you when choosing your hotel on your next trip. This list is in no particular order…it’s an honest list that gives you the guests’ experience in the hotel. Is your favorite hotel here?

GOOD: There seems to be a common denominator when guests review this hotel, which is the friendly staff that knows how to take care of their guests. They love the idea of the pool at the rooftop with a roof deck bar, too. Doesn’t this just give you an idea where to get the best view of the sunset and unwind after a long day at the beach? The fact that it’s right on D’Mall also makes everyone come back here because of the many places to eat, shop, and look around. It’s generally meant for the young and the hip, because you’re right smack in the middle of Boracay’s party scene.

BAD: Sometimes, it can be noisy during times when there’s a party at the roof deck lounge. Since it’s in Station 2, the beach you’ll lounge on will also be on the island’s most crowded area. On super peak days, the crowd at the beach may just be too much for the traveler who wants to relax and laze around. You’ll just have to walk further up or down, whichever way the crowds are more peaceful.

GOOD: Living up to its name is the beautiful Asian décor of this hotel. Its plus factors are the villa style accommodations and the friendly staff, who go out of their way to give the guests a comfortable stay. It’s a great place if you want to be away from the crowds at White Beach. Can’t handle the crowd at Station 2? There are bars and restaurants nearby, to those who wish to stay in the Station 3 area only.

BAD: If you wanted the beach outside your bedroom door, sorry, this place isn’t it. But golf carts will take you to the beach. And since it’s not in Station 2, and you’re the type to party all night long, you’ll need to walk if you’re looking for the party crowds at Station 2’s bars and restos. It can be a long walk if you desire partying and socializing till the wee hours of the morning.

GOOD: They really think of everything, don’t they? Two Seasons at Station 1 is the first resort in the Philippines to have the “all terrain and beach wheelchair!” Talk about letting everybody get close to nature! They’ll give you a little bit of heaven in their “Heaven Suite,” a suite with a private veranda, and your very own infinity pool. It’s on the third floor, giving you a magnificent view of White Beach, while you enjoy your drinks in your private bar, with music coming out of the suite’s Bose entertainment system. Definitely, five-star, including their breakfast buffet.

BAD: Some rooms are small, and Wi-Fi is only available in the cabana area.

GOOD: You get what you pay for. If it’s luxury you wish for in your vacation, it’s all here at Discovery Shores. The hotel has got everything taken care of, from the airport to boat transfers, the welcome drinks, the quaint gifts (sweets) left after they’re done with their turn-down services, and even to folding your beach towels neatly on your lounging chair while you’re in the pool. Talk about service! The rooms are clean and have a good view of the beach! Going to town is not a problem because they have shuttle services available.

BAD: There’s better and less expensive food at restos outside the hotel. Some guests have described the food in Discovery Shores as, “not bad, but not great, either.”

GOOD: This small, quaint, boutique hotel boasts of clean and comfortable rooms, some of which can sleep four. Most of the rooms overlook the pool, which is a spectacle in itself. If you think it’s there to just cool you down, think again. Aside from the submerged lounging chairs to make the guests feel uber-comfy while sunbathing, at night the pool comes alive with underwater lights that change colors every now and then. It’s a beachfront hotel, and restaurants are just a few steps away. There’s a back door that takes you to the main road for more places to eat and shop.

BAD: There’s only one restaurant at Astoria. The food isn’t spectacular, but other places to eat are right next door. The pool gets noisy if the hotel is filled to capacity, sometimes you can’t sleep with the kids shouting outside your door. The beachfront is where all motorboats park and it’s also the area where all aqua sports are stationed. Question is, where’s the beach now?

GOOD: Because it’s in Station 2, the hotel is right in the middle of everything-restaurants, bars, and shops. This property boasts of rooms with large verandahs where you can request to have your in–room breakfast while people watching. Fancy the food along the beach? Go ahead and order from other places and request to have it served in the hotel. What guests love the most is opening their room door, and they’ve got the beach a few feet away! Spacious rooms, friendly staff, and great breakfasts in their restaurants are the main reasons why guests keep coming back.

BAD: Despite the comfy accommodations and impeccable service, the whole resort needs a make over. Some like it, some don’t. It reminds you of your tita’s house in the suburbs.

GOOD: This three-star hotel is close to Station 2, but not quite in the middle of it. Meaning, you’ll get well-deserved rest even if everyone is partying down the beach. Rates are not as pricey as other high-end hotels, but you get the same friendly service. And don’t forget their restaurant by the beach, Café Del Mar. They have great breakfasts, and quite a wide array of choices in their menu. What a great way to unwind by the beach. The hotel has standard bungalows and suites. It’s a beachfront property with its very own guarded sunbathing area for hotel guests at White Beach. We love the Santorini inspired suites that have just been added.

BAD: There’s usually a crowd at Café Del Mar especially during sunset, so make sure to grab a seat before sundown so you can enjoy the view. If you don’t request assistance for your transfers, you are on your own.

GOOD: Aside from being a beachfront property on Station 2, Boracay Regency boasts of large rooms and an accommodating staff. Lots of families love this hotel because they have large suites with two bedrooms. Want to have the pool right outside your room? Choose a suite with a lanai leading to the pool, so you can just jump in anytime! There are three swimming pools to choose from, which gives you an option if you’re already tired of the beach. There are four on-site restaurants to choose from, one of which is on the beach. Planning a business seminar? The large function rooms and their business centers will make your work easy.

BAD: They have live bands on the beach, which can sometimes be heard in some of the rooms. It also does get crowded often.

GOOD: Best for budget travelers, Angol Point is at Station 3, where it is away from the crowded and tourist areas of the island. The fan cooled standard rooms are large, comfortable, and clean, with bathrooms that are decent (if you’re one of those picky ones). It’s a beachfront property, with quaint native cottages on manicured gardens. They have a restaurant, too, although there are good ones within walking distance. Would you believe that there are travelers who enjoy five-star amenities in other countries, and still find Angol Point impressive? There’s free coffee every morning, and free wireless Internet. It is Boracay the way it should be experienced.

BAD: Because rooms are fan-cooled, you may hear some music on the beach at night. There is also no hot water in the bathrooms (because they are eco-friendly, thus no aircon, and no running hot water).