Ambassador in Paradise Resort

The Ambassador in Paradise Resort doesn't live up to its advertised five-pearl rating, but it's a pleasant upper-middle-range option with a great location along White Beach. The complex of multi-story buildings have a Balinese-inspired look with conical reed rooftops and curved balconies that make it one of the more attractive properties in the area. Grounds are meticulously designed, with stone or sand paths weaving through manicured lawns. The eco-friendly hotel makes use of solar panels and biofuel too. Despite being central to a strip of resorts, bars, and restaurants, it maintains a relatively quiet atmosphere so long as you're set back from the beach. 

The hotel is located on the northern end of White Beach, Boracay’s most stunning stretch of sand. It's easily accessible from both the main road and the beach, in an area that's close to the action in Stations 1 and 2, but removed enough to have a relatively quiet atmosphere. Attractions such as Willy’s Rock and the Holy Rosary Parish are within easy distance, at about five minutes on foot. There are a few neighboring restaurants and bars, with many more just a short 10-minute walk along the beach to the heart of the action in Station 1. Station 2 is a bit farther away, closer to 20 minutes on foot. 

There are only 60 rooms and suites here, but they come in no less than 10 varieties. All have Balinese-style decor in mostly neutral tones, consisting of wood and wicker furniture, dark stone floors, patterned linens, and a couple decorative accents. The Superior Rooms are cramped at a diminutive 12 square meters (129 square feet), with either king or two twin beds on stone floors. There's just enough space for free-standing wardrobes and minibars, along with furnishings holding the flat-screen TVs and electric kettles. Free Wi-Fi also comes standard. All rooms have furnished outdoor spaces oriented toward the beach, but some have disappointing views of neighboring buildings. Upgraded rooms have ocean views. Some bathrooms could use a renovation due to worn tiles and open rainfall showers (no curtain or wall, so water gets everywhere). 

Much larger Family Rooms add neat-looking, but functionally questionable, miniature lofts with twin beds perched above the main beds. These have the same open rainfall shower concept, but with attractive natural stone tiles, and the addition of whirlpool tubs. There are also huge Casita Suites (some are two stories) with sitting areas and either jetted bathtubs or whirlpools. 

The hotel is directly on White Beach with rows of comfortable loungers tucked between big shade umbrellas under perfectly spaced palm trees. A water-sports kiosk offers paddleboats, kayaks, and banana boat rides. There's also a fairly permanent beach volleyball net right in front of a section of loungers (that might cause some guests to seek naps elsewhere). Right off the beach, the alfresco restaurant and bar serves international fare from Thai curries to foie gras, as well as burgers and pizza. There's nowhere to sit indoors for air-conditioned dining, but the bar and a large part of the sandy terrace is covered. Free breakfast of hot and cold fare is included. The small kidney-shaped outdoor pool and hot tub is set farther back into the property, in a sandy courtyard with a few loungers -- not enough for even a fraction of the guests. There's also a fitness center with cardio machines, weight-trainers, and free weights, though most of the equipment is old. A pool table is placed next to it in a charmless corner. Wi-Fi is free throughout.