Island Jewel Inn

Tucked along a narrow street that links the main road and the beach, the Island Jewel Inn is a quiet little hotel surrounded by equally small hotels and some residential houses. It's ideal for budget travelers who want to stay near the beach, without the accompanying rate increase. Guests checking out hostels will find this to be a significant upgrade, but its off the beaten path location and a lack of street lights at night might turn some away. It's centered around a quaint courtyard with a gravel path that winds around a modest little garden, and a black-and-white tiled patio with bamboo benches. Most of those staying here are unfussy couples and small groups of friends seeking a quieter spot away from the clubs around Station 1 and 2.

The hotel is situated along a narrow road, about a two-minute walk from White Beach. This part of the beach, known as Station 3, is the quietest of all three main oceanfront areas, but there are many restaurants and beach shacks nearby. Nightlife and dining in bustling Station 2 are a 15- to 20-minute walk down the beach. Tourist spots in Station 1, such as Willy’s Rock and Club Paraw, are a 15-minute tuk-tuk ride away. Several lovely beaches in northern Boracay, including Diniwid and Punta Bunga, can be reached in about 20 minutes. The trip to the airport should take around 40 minutes, including the ferry to the neighboring island.

The hotel's 10 simple rooms are clean and air-conditioned, but the amenities are dated. Old tube TVs and under-powered air-conditioners that take a while to cool down the rooms are the norm. Polished tiled floors, white walls, and gray built-in cabinets and bedside tables look like contemporary budget decor that could be anywhere, with bamboo tables and table lamps adding some island character. All rooms have mini-fridges and free Wi-Fi. Sitting areas feature small loveseats or plastic tables with two chairs. Second floor rooms have patio doors that open to shared furnished balconies. The bathrooms have tiled open walk-in showers, separated from the toilet by a shower curtain.

Features are slim here, which helps explain the low rates. The hotel's restaurant and bar has a small open-air dining room, along with a little extra space on an outdoor patio. The free breakfast is simple, and consists of a set menu of toast, jam, fresh fruit, and scrambled eggs. A limited menu is available throughout the day (with local beers) and dinners can be pre-arranged 24 hours ahead of time, as the staff buy ingredients at a local market and fish stall each morning. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, and staff can help arrange any tours and transit.