Mandarin Island Hotel Boracay Review

When we were planning our 2-night trip to Boracay, I wasn’t the one doing the research and planning which I am always hesitant of, anytime I have let people book hotels for me, the location hasn't been great, it was dirty or we've even gotten into some trouble, but I figured I'd go with the flow.  We were going with the family for a little retreat from Capiz to enjoy the white sand beach of Boracay and I was just going to sit back and enjoy the ride.  When I did some further digging into the hotel that was booked, La Carmela de Boracay, I was horrified.  I knew I should have done the planning.  Reviews of bland food, bed bugs and cockroaches.  No thanks!  The night before our trip I did some digging on hotels.com and came across the best bang for the buck that was available, the Mandarin Island Hotel Boracay.  I booked a room for myself, our baby and my fiancé and boy was I glad that I made the executive decision to change accommodations.

It was advertised as a sale, and we got the hotel for $125 CAD per night, with taxes and fees it ended up being closer to $150 but was worth it.  That price included a breakfast buffet that was tremendous, and probably would have cost us $20/person anyways.  After doing research, this was a good price for the quality of the hotel in Boracay.  When we arrived at the hotel, we were greeted with a cool damp towel and a refreshing glass of juice.  The staff were friendly and showed us to our room where a personalized note was left and a small welcome package including cold water, baked treats, new slippers and a nice beach bag.  Now most good hotels in the Philippines come with solid amenities but it seemed a bit better at the Mandarin Island Hotel in Boracay. 

We booked a partial ocean view room and that’s what we got.  We were on the second floor, overlooking the pool and if you looked over the railing there was a beautiful view of the palm trees lined beach.  The beds were comfortable and the rooms were nice.  Unlike many of the hotels in the Philippines, they provided us with a crib for our baby. 

Boracay was amazing and staying in a nice hotel like the Mandarin was the cherry on top.  Every time we walked by a staff member, we were greeted with a smile and friendly greeting.  The pool was small but it was clean and nice with a fountain.  But who cares about the pool when you’re right on the beach.  Down the stairs and steps from our room was the restaurant and beach.  The restaurant, Don Vito Ristorante, had an excellent breakfast buffet and a large menu with many options.  There was also live music every night. It was a bit on the pricier side, but most nice places in Boracay are.  We tried the pizza, fish and chips and the burger.  The burger was massive and the fish and chips were the best I had in the Philippines.  But the best part was the view from the restaurant.

Just outside of Don Vito’s is the beach.  Like most places in Boracay, the restaurants and bars and many of the hotels are right on the sand and steps from the crystal blue water.  Nothing beats breakfast on the beach; right in front of the restaurant is the sand, palm trees and the beautiful clear blue water.  A few times I’d eat, then walk directly onto the beach for a dip.  The location is perfect because it is right in station 2 but close to station 1, and the section of beach in front of the Mandarin Island Hotel is my favorite part.  It isn’t too crowded but is lively and is lined with palm trees. 

The hotel was nice, the pool was nice, and the staff were very friendly and helpful.  The restaurant’s food was good but pricey, but the view from the tables made it worth the price.  Being in station 2, you were close to all the bars and restaurants, but we were close enough to station 1 for all of the water activities and the more tranquil atmosphere.  So here is how I would rate the hotel based on these factors.

Atmosphere – excellent

Staff/service – excellent

Amenities - excellent

Location – excellent

Pool - good

Restaurant - great

Rooms – good

Price – good

Boracay was an amazing time, and the Mandarin Island Hotel added to the experience.  I will definitely be back to Boracay and will likely book the Mandarin Island Hotel Boracay.