The 242-room La Carmela de Boracay is a budget beachfront property in busy Station 2. Some rooms are spacious and sunny, with basic but contemporary decor and nice amenities such as flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and electric kettles. However, many units are showing extensive maintenance and cleanliness issues (especially in bathrooms) and a few are dark and musty. The restaurant serves average Filipino cuisine, but is often quite crowded. Three pools keep kids busy throughout the day. The property has low rates year-round, but for guests desiring a little more than this budget property provides, the Boracay Beach Resort offers better value.
The 242-room La Carmela de Boracay is a budget beachfront property in busy Station 2. Some rooms are spacious and sunny, with basic but contemporary decor and nice amenities such as flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and electric kettles. However, many units are showing extensive maintenance and cleanliness issues (especially in bathrooms) and a few are dark and musty. The restaurant serves average Filipino cuisine, but is often quite crowded. Three pools keep kids busy throughout the day. The property has low rates year-round, but for guests desiring a little more than this budget property provides, the Boracay Beach Resort offers better value.
Marketed as a luxury property, the Ambassador in Paradise Resort is more accurately an upper-middle-range hotel with an excellent location occupying a stretch of White Beach in Station 1. The 60 rooms range from tiny spaces with underwhelming bathrooms and views of neighboring walls, to upgraded options that are huge and have great ocean views from their private balconies. All, however, have attractive Balinese-style decor, minibars, flat-screen TVs, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. A small outdoor pool and hot tub are available, but there are no spa facilities. The alfresco restaurant serves a free breakfast plus lunch and dinner. It's worth comparing rates at the similar Two Seasons Boracay Resort right down the beach, though the pool is better here.
Marketed as a luxury property, the Ambassador in Paradise Resort is more accurately an upper-middle-range hotel with an excellent location occupying a stretch of White Beach in Station 1. The 60 rooms range from tiny spaces with underwhelming bathrooms and views of neighboring walls, to upgraded options that are huge and have great ocean views from their private balconies. All, however, have attractive Balinese-style decor, minibars, flat-screen TVs, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. A small outdoor pool and hot tub are available, but there are no spa facilities. The alfresco restaurant serves a free breakfast plus lunch and dinner. It's worth comparing rates at the similar Two Seasons Boracay Resort right down the beach, though the pool is better here.
Frendz Resort Boracay is a no-frills hostel with 10 traditionally decorated bungalows, both private and shared, in Station 2. Upgraded rooms have air-conditioning and there are female-only dorm options, but not all have en-suite bathrooms. A simple open-air common area houses a restaurant and bar, but guests at the nearby Casamso Boracay sister hotel get access, and it can be too crowded as a result. Even so, perks like the free pasta night score rave reviews from backpackers. It's not directly on the beach, nor in the most convenient spot down a tucked-away alley, but it's still close to dining and nightlife. It's well worth comparing with rates and amenities at the equally budget-friendly Dave's Straw Hat Inn in Station 3.
Frendz Resort Boracay is a no-frills hostel with 10 traditionally decorated bungalows, both private and shared, in Station 2. Upgraded rooms have air-conditioning and there are female-only dorm options, but not all have en-suite bathrooms. A simple open-air common area houses a restaurant and bar, but guests at the nearby Casamso Boracay sister hotel get access, and it can be too crowded as a result. Even so, perks like the free pasta night score rave reviews from backpackers. It's not directly on the beach, nor in the most convenient spot down a tucked-away alley, but it's still close to dining and nightlife. It's well worth comparing with rates and amenities at the equally budget-friendly Dave's Straw Hat Inn in Station 3.
A collection of compact villas set in acres of lushly verdant jungle, the upscale Mandala Spa & Resort Villas is geared toward couples seeking rest, relaxation and pampering. As the name suggests, the resort is built around a spa, which offers a wide variety of massages and wellness treatments, as well as Watsu hydrotherapy. There are also communal yoga sessions every morning, and private classes can be arranged. The 15 villas are all sizable and elegant, with wood floors, four-poster beds, deep soaking tubs, and stunning jungle views. The restaurant serves tasty food and free breakfasts, but there's no pool here. It’s a five-minute walk to White Beach, but guests will need to take a tuk-tuk into town. Although many come here for the isolated setting, those wanting a more central location may prefer the beachfront District Boracay.
A collection of compact villas set in acres of lushly verdant jungle, the upscale Mandala Spa & Resort Villas is geared toward couples seeking rest, relaxation and pampering. As the name suggests, the resort is built around a spa, which offers a wide variety of massages and wellness treatments, as well as Watsu hydrotherapy. There are also communal yoga sessions every morning, and private classes can be arranged. The 15 villas are all sizable and elegant, with wood floors, four-poster beds, deep soaking tubs, and stunning jungle views. The restaurant serves tasty food and free breakfasts, but there's no pool here. It’s a five-minute walk to White Beach, but guests will need to take a tuk-tuk into town. Although many come here for the isolated setting, those wanting a more central location may prefer the beachfront District Boracay.
Jony's Beach Resort is one of Boracay’s pioneer hotels; this value hotel has been a popular place to stay since the ’80s, back when it was Jony’s Place. But this traditional three-pearl hotel hasn’t let its reputation go to its head. It remains one of the island’s top choices thanks to its well-kept rooms and family-run atmosphere. The 21 rooms are simple and cozy, with air-conditioning, coffee and tea-making facilities, and TVs. A beachfront restaurant is the only facility, and the beach itself is across the street. While Jony’s is affordable, its Station 1 location puts it at the pricier end of Boracay’s value hotels. Since facilities are so few at this price point, it's also worth comparing rates at the Boracay Beach Club, a few doors down, which has a pool.
Jony's Beach Resort is one of Boracay’s pioneer hotels; this value hotel has been a popular place to stay since the ’80s, back when it was Jony’s Place. But this traditional three-pearl hotel hasn’t let its reputation go to its head. It remains one of the island’s top choices thanks to its well-kept rooms and family-run atmosphere. The 21 rooms are simple and cozy, with air-conditioning, coffee and tea-making facilities, and TVs. A beachfront restaurant is the only facility, and the beach itself is across the street. While Jony’s is affordable, its Station 1 location puts it at the pricier end of Boracay’s value hotels. Since facilities are so few at this price point, it's also worth comparing rates at the Boracay Beach Club, a few doors down, which has a pool.
The 39-room Villa Caemilla is a contemporary, four-pearl beachfront boutique located in quiet Station 3. Rooms are stylish and modern, with soft earth-tone palettes and great amenities such as large flat-screen TVs and minibars. However, a few are small and dark, and only suites have ocean views. The restaurant serves salads, sandwiches, and pasta directly on the sand, and the hotel offers discounted rates at a nearby spa, but there is no pool or fitness center on-site. Those looking to stay closer to the heart of the action may want to compare rates at The District Boracay.
The 39-room Villa Caemilla is a contemporary, four-pearl beachfront boutique located in quiet Station 3. Rooms are stylish and modern, with soft earth-tone palettes and great amenities such as large flat-screen TVs and minibars. However, a few are small and dark, and only suites have ocean views. The restaurant serves salads, sandwiches, and pasta directly on the sand, and the hotel offers discounted rates at a nearby spa, but there is no pool or fitness center on-site. Those looking to stay closer to the heart of the action may want to compare rates at The District Boracay.
The Two Seasons Boracay Resort is a mid-range hotel with 34 rooms on a coveted stretch of White Beach in Station 1. It's got a popular restaurant and bar that faces the sea. The outdoor pool is just a small wading area hemmed in by buildings and the windows of surrounding eye-level rooms, curtains (usually) drawn. The other rooms are more private, with a contemporary tropical decor, furnished balconies, and rainfall showers. Breakfast with made-to-order omelets and Wi-Fi are included with the room rate. Travelers looking for a quieter spot in the same area should consider the nearby Ambassador in Paradise Resort.
The Two Seasons Boracay Resort is a mid-range hotel with 34 rooms on a coveted stretch of White Beach in Station 1. It's got a popular restaurant and bar that faces the sea. The outdoor pool is just a small wading area hemmed in by buildings and the windows of surrounding eye-level rooms, curtains (usually) drawn. The other rooms are more private, with a contemporary tropical decor, furnished balconies, and rainfall showers. Breakfast with made-to-order omelets and Wi-Fi are included with the room rate. Travelers looking for a quieter spot in the same area should consider the nearby Ambassador in Paradise Resort.
