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Boracay, small though it is, has something to meet every traveler's need and budget in terms of accommodation. Just as in any city of the world, there are inexpensive, no-frills, basically furnished lodgings in which to lay down your head, as well as expensive, high-class, air-conditioned suites complete with all modern amenities. Your choice of accommodation will depend on three factors: your budget, the length of time you plan to stay, and the level of comfort you are willing to pay for.
On Boracay, you will find accommodations for the well-heeled yuppie and the budget-conscious backpacker, with plenty of choices in between. Under the first category fall Fridays, Le Soleil, The Greenhouse, Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Club Panoly Resort. Budget travelers can find homey and comfortable quarters at such places as Sunshine Place, Mika's Place and Bans Beach Resort, while the "in-between" crowd will feel very much at ease at Red Coconut Resort, Lorenzo Main, Club Ten Beach Resort, Pink Patio Resort, Boracay Gold Crowne Club and others.
Hotel prices in Boracay vary according to season, promotional packages, mode of payment and location. Most prices at the higher end of the spectrum tend to be quoted in U.S. dollars, while those at the lower end are invariably quoted in Philippine pesos.
As far as accommodations are concerned, there are three seasons. One is the super peak season of Christmas, New Year and Holy Week, when hotel rates are at their highest. At these times, reservations will almost certainly be necessary for the more sought-after establishments. The second is the high season of October through May, exclusive of the above dates, when the weather is at its best and tourism to the island is very popular among Filipinos and foreign visitors alike. The period of June through September, when the island is sometimes lashed by storms, comprises the low season. (Actually, this is not a bad time at all to go. Some establishments close down, but most stay open, cutting their tariffs by up to 50 percent to attract guests.)
Accommodation charges also vary according to whether they are published rates, walk-in prices, or special promotional packages available through the Internet, from travel agents and sometimes direct from the resorts. A popular deal is three days/two nights with airfare, airport transfers and breakfasts included. This will save you money over paying on a day-by-day basis, in which case you would be charged the published seasonal price. A "walk-in" price is basically what you can get through bargaining or asking for a discount for a specified length of stay when you walk into an establishment. In the low season, you might find some really good bargains, though you should not count on it. So as not to waste time scouting around for accommodations, most people book theirs through travel agents before setting foot on the island.
Location is all important, with those establishments within proximity of famed White Beach charging premium prices—Willy's Beach Resort, Boracay Royal Park Hotel, Pearl of the Pacific, White House Beach Resort, Sea Wind Resort and so forth. Other locations boast their own pluses, such as Club Panoly Resort, which has its own private beach, and Mountain Resort, which affords a panoramic view of the island and the surrounding sea, as well as fresh mountain air. Banana Beach Guest House offers you the option of staying in a fully furnished house, attended by a staff of three.
When paying for hotels where credit cards are accepted, be forewarned that a service charge of six percent or more is added, presumably as payment for the convenience. You will also find that most hotels add 10 percent service charge plus 10 percent government tax to your bill.
A final word on hotels before you go: Consider whether you would really want air conditioning, cable television, or a room mini-bar. After all you are on a tropical island communing with nature, and there are plenty of nice, comfortable rooms with a ceiling or floor fan. In fact, some hotels (for example, Nigi Nigi Nu Noos "e" Nu Nu Noos) feature rooms without telephone and television as a matter of policy so as to enhance the feeling of "getting away from it all." Jony's Beach Resort, on the other hand, is set amidst palm trees and greenery that give it an atmosphere of privacy.
Whichever hotel you finally decide on, you need not worry too much about check-in and check-out times. Hotel managers allow their guests a certain amount of flexibility in this respect, knowing that visitors to Boracay come and go according to flight schedules.
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 Boracay Island Hotels Guide
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