10 Boracay Accommodations for Different Kinds of Travelers

In a destination literally exploding with hotels, it can be quite overwhelming to choose where to stay, especially if you’re a first-timer. Option paralysis can easily creep in when you jump into your computer, search for a hotel, and be offered a truckload of choices. I’ve been there, and even though I have been to Boracay many times, I still feel that.

The good news is that among the cookie-cutter collection of accommodations in Boracay, a few stand out because of their unique branding, character, and offerings. Where should you stay in an island full of typical and identical choices? Where can you find the best pool? The best beachfront bar? The best breakfast buffet? Which one should you book if you want to meet travelers? Which should you pick if you’re all for the good vibes? If you are someone who asks any of these questions, read on.


1 | COAST

Where to find it: Station 2
Perfect for: couples, families, solo travelers, group of friends
Stay here if: you seek fun and youthful summer vibes as well as great service
Why you should stay here: it’s a beachfront property; it has awesome food; it offers great value for money
Don’t stay here if: you’re looking for the vibe of big-brand 5-star hotel chains
Beachfront? Yes
Price point: 4/5


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If anyone asks me advice on where to stay in Boracay and I don’t have any idea yet about his hotel preferences, my default answer is definitely “COAST”. This resort’s spunky branding may be its primary bait, but the truth is that there is more to it than Instagram-perfect interiors. The rooms are well-appointed and comfortable, the food selections are amazing, and the staff is well-trained—all polite and genuinely warm. And don’t get started on the extras you get when you book, such as hassle-free transfers, complimentary wine and cheese, nighttime treats, free ice cream and popcorn every afternoon, and personal products perfect for any beach trip. Let’s just say they’re not #1 on Trip Advisor for nothing.


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2 | Crimson Boracay Resort & Spa

Where to find it: Station Zero (Punta Bunga Beach)
Perfect for: couples, families, friends
Stay here if: you want a luxurious vibe that's easygoing and laid-back
Why you should stay here: it has great amenities, food, and staff
Don’t stay here if: you don’t like hotels far from White Beach, where all the restaurants, bars, and shops are
Beachfront? Yes
Price point: 5/5


Situated in the ultra-exclusive Station Zero, Crimson Boracay is a secluded hideaway perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of White Beach. Luxury travellers can enjoy an idyllic private sandy cove, modern amenities built all over the split-level property, amazing food choices, and service that’s professional but fun and not stiff—something that other hotels don’t have. Whether you’re looking for some peace and quiet or some upbeat moments (the resort offers foam parties every Saturday), this is the place to be in. With its 3 swimming pools, 4 dining outlets, 1 bar, a kids’ zone, and a full-service spa, you would never want to leave the resort once you’re checked in.




3 | Shangri-La's Boracay Resort & Spa

Where to find it: Station Zero (Punta Bunga Beach)
Perfect for: couples, families
Stay here if: you're seeking the ultimate luxury escape in Boracay
Why you should stay here: it is near-perfect in every aspect: amenities, food, and service
Don’t stay here if: you don’t like hotels with a stiff, prim-and-proper vibe
Beachfront? Yes
Price point: 5/5


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There's no denying it: if you're looking for the ultimate luxury escape in Boracay, you have to experience Shangri-La Resort and Spa. It's just perfection. It comes with a pretty hefty price tag, but it truly makes up for it with its incredible rooms (even the lowest-category rooms are so lavish), amazing food, seemingly endless number of recreational spaces, jaw-dropping swimming pools, and an unmatched feel of exclusivity. The resort is so big that going around can be exhausting, but luckily they have buggies that takes guests around. Their bars and restaurants offer stupendous views. They just have everything.



4 | Henann Lagoon Resort

Where to find it: Station 2, highway
Perfect for: couples, families
Stay here if: you want a luxurious accommodation without the exorbitant price tag
Why you should stay here: it has great amenities and skillful staff
Don’t stay here if: you don’t like staying in the same hotel with big families
Beachfront? No
Price point: 4/5


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While I love the Henann Resorts group’s flagship beachfront property, the Henann Regency, its younger sister named Henann Lagoon is a much desirable choice for me. For one, it has newer rooms. Secondly, their lagoon swimming pool is the best (I believe one of the biggest in Boracay), complete with a sunken bar where you’ll find yourself spending time in, whether you love to drink or not. Third, it feels more secluded because of the location, which is along the main highway, a short walk away from Regency. The downside is that you have to walk about 5 minutes if you want to go to White Beach, but then again, they offer free shuttle service, so you don’t have to, really. 


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ALTERNATIVE: HENANN REGENCY RESORT & SPA. If you would rather stay beachfront, then opt for Henann Regency. The upside? It's near the Sea Breeze Cafe which offers affordable buffet lunch and dinner (apart from the complimentary breakfast). In addition, it has a lavish spa with incredible services. Try their 90-minute signature massage if you're ready to splurge while on holiday!


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Where to find it: Station 2
Perfect for: couples, families 
Stay here if: you love beachfront resorts with a luxury spa
Why you should stay here:  it has great amenities and skillful staff; great price for its location
Don’t stay here if: you don’t like staying in the same hotel with big families
Beachfront? Yes
Price point: 3/5

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5 | Villa Caemilla Beach Boutique Hotel

Where to find it: Station 3
Perfect for: couples, families, solo travelers 
Stay here if: you want to experience the quiet side of White Beach
Why you should stay here: it’s away from all the chaotic island activity
Don’t stay here if: you don’t want to walk to Stations 1 and 2, where everything happens
Beachfront? Yes
Price point: 3/5


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A good 15-minute walk away from the center of island activity is Villa Caemilla, a stylish boutique hotel with 39 rooms and suites. It has calming vibes, complete with spa-like scents in the rooms, great amenities, and a cheery restaurant downstairs. What I love most about this hotel is its peaceful beachfront area. Here, you can sit back with a fruit shake or a beer without having someone interrupt your reverie and try to sell you a selfie stick or something. The restaurant’s food choices are good, with a few healthy selections thrown in for the conscious traveler. Lastly, if you’re middle-aged and relatively fit, the stroll going to Station 2 isn’t that bad.


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6 | Zuzuni Boutique Hotel

Where to find it: Station 2
Perfect for: couples, solo travelers 
Stay here if: you love boutique hotels and minimalist interior designs
Why you should stay here: it is reasonably priced; it offers great food; it has beautiful rooms with beach views
Don’t stay here if: you prefer rooms with huge walking spaces
Beachfront? Yes
Price point: 3/5


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You can be in a big-brand 5-star hotel with a hundred other tourists—or you can be in a small 14-room hotel and enjoy a sumptuous breakfast in your own balcony, while enjoying a striking view of White Beach. If the latter appeals more to you, then stay at Zuzuni, a Mediterranean-inspired and minimalist beachfront boutique hotel which offers an experience I would like to call as “understated luxury”—yes, it sounds like an oxymoron but, whatever. For a humble price, you get personalized service, sea views, and excellent food—as well as compact yet comfortable and well-designed rooms. The overall vibe is incredibly laid-back and cozy.


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7 | Frendz Resort and Hostel Boracay

Where to find it: Station 2, alleyway
Perfect for: solo travelers, backpackers, group of friends 
Stay here if: you want to meet fellow travelers, you love the hostel culture, and you’re looking for cheap accommodation
Why you should stay here: it’s cheap but comfortable, with good vibes and good food
Don’t stay here if: you don’t like the backpacker/hostel vibe
Beachfront? No
Price point: 2/5

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People who haven’t stayed in hostels often think that they are noisy and uncomfortable, but hostels actually seem to be getting better and better. Some actually invest in premium beds and take time conceptualizing to give guests a memorable experience. And while Frendz in Boracay lacks the quality of amenities you can find in other hostels, you would go here for the vibe—to meet travelers, party with them, make friends with them, and eventually, travel with them. Frendz offers both dorm type and private rooms—the latter with their own bathrooms and front porches. The hostel has a pool, a common area, and a bar, perfect for mingling with like-minded people.

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ALTERNATIVEMAD MONKEY BORACAY. If looking for an all-day party vibe? Then book at Mad Monkey Boracay instead! This hostel brand is known to be crazy and party-centric; in fact, after Boracay's reopening, I personally think the hostel's bar is one of the few left that are actually still fun. If you're adventurous, you can even join a booze cruise that they hold every week!

Where to find it: Bulabog
Perfect for: solo travelers, backpackers, group of friends 
Stay here if: you want to meet fellow travelers, you love the hostel culture, and you’re looking for cheap accommodation
Why you should stay here: it’s cheap but comfortable, with great party vibes
Don’t stay here if: you don’t like the backpacker/hostel vibe; you don't like rowdy crowds
Beachfront? No
Price point: 1/5
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8 | Urban Boutique Hotel

Where to find it: Bulabog
Perfect for: solo travelers, group of friends 
Stay here if: you’re looking for a reasonably priced and unique accommodation
Why you should stay here: it’s cheap and comfortable, with a good location (near Station 1 and Bulabog)
Don’t stay here if: you don’t like hotels with no restaurant options
Beachfront? No
Price point: 2/5


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Urban is a charming boutique hotel perfect for travelers looking for a quiet space away from the crowds, while maintaining easy access to White Beach and to the main road. It has 14 beautifully designed rooms exuding a rugged, minimalist, industrial vibe. The hotel's appeal for me is its design: a standout amidst the rest of the typical, and oftentimes identical, options in Boracay.




9 | Lime Hotel

Where to find it: Station 2, highway
Perfect for: solo travelers, group of friends, couples
Stay here if: you’re looking for a modern, reasonably-priced hotel with a good location
Why you should stay here: ROOFTOP BAR
Don’t stay here if: you don’t like hotels with no restaurant options
Beachfront? No
Price point: 3/5


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I've got to say it: Lime Hotel's main selling point for me is their rooftop bar. I mean, who doesn't enjoy viewing sunsets from a gorgeous spot? In this case, it's a rooftop pool where you can actually order some beers and snacks while admiring that famous Boracay sunset. This area is probably my favorite but actually the rooms are quite impressive as well: modern, vibrant, and comfortable.




10 | Lugar Bonito

Where to find it: Station 1, highway
Perfect for: solo travelers, group of friends, couples
Stay here if: you love cute, charming boutique hotels
Why you should stay here: the rooms are gorgeous and comfortable
Don’t stay here if: you like spacious rooms
Beachfront? No
Price point: 2/5


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Greek-inspired boutique: 3 words to describe Lugar Bonito in Station 1. The rooms, built around 3 levels, are compact; but what they lack in size, they make up for beauty and detail. They're just so cute you would just want to stay in all day. The rooftop area is used as a breakfast venue, so you can enjoy a stunning beach view while enjoying some eggs and toast.




Special thanks to @iameleimath for the cover photo used in this article.

Is your favorite Boracay hotel in this list? What else can you add and recommend? Please leave a comment below!

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