Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel

From the beach, twin foot bridges right off of the sand pass over a koi pond onto a covered terrace that opens into a central pool courtyard. It's draped in thick leafy vines and white flowers that frame the eaves under the second floor balconies, giving the space a pleasant tropical look. At the back end, the partially open-air lobby is dark, with wood paneling and weathered rattan furniture. The style isn't the most appealing, and doesn't really scream "beach" -- in fact, the dated look extends throughout the hotel, into the rooms and even the spa. In the evenings, live pop or classical music entertains guests having dinner or drinks by the beach, but guests trying to sleep before midnight may not approve (especially those in rooms facing the pool and beach). Still, it's one of Station 2's more popular choices, and the atmosphere changes a bit throughout the day. Given it's broad appeal, expect to see plenty of families, couples, and groups of friends here.

The hotel is directly on White Beach, Boracay’s most famous stretch of sand, right in the heart of lively Station 2. It will take anywhere from one to 10 minutes to walk to dozens of restaurants and bars, and it's a five-minute walk to famous D’Mall. D’Talipapa Market can also be reached on foot in about eight minutes. Station 3, known for its varied dining options and quieter vibe, is just a short walk away. Station 1 attractions -- including Willy’s Rock, the Holy Rosary Parish, and Club Paraw -- are all a five-minute drive away, or less than 20 minutes on foot down the beach. It's a 40-minute trip to the airport by car and ferry, though the hotel can arrange transfers for a fee as well.

The hotel's 52 rooms and suites are a bit dated and dark, like the rest of the hotel, though they have a few Filipino touches that give them some character. Bamboo door accents and furnishings, along with rattan chairs, lend a dash of island style, while custom glass-topped vanities filled with Boracay sand and shells provide a local focal point to every room. Lower-category rooms start at 25 square meters (269 square feet) of space, and include rattan armchairs and ottomans, while suites start at 67 square meters (721 square feet). All rooms have small furnished balconies and some have sea views, but keep in mind that others face nearby walls. Free Wi-Fi comes standard, though it doesn't work well all of the time. Flat-screen TVs, minibars, air-conditioning, and electric kettles are included as well. The bathrooms have older tiling that shows wear, and even entry-level rooms have a decent amount of counter space. Some upgraded rooms feature separate showers and soaking tubs, along with four-poster beds; tatami beds are a nice occasional perk as well. Top-floor suites add wet bars and whirlpool tubs; the Mandarin and Ambassador Suites also have private plunge pools. It's worth noting that light sleepers may want to sacrifice sea and pool views, as there's a good bit of noise from both when entertainment goes late into the night.

The hotel's best asset is its wide plot of sand on White Beach. It's dotted by loungers and umbrellas by day, and serves as the backdrop for live music and entertainment every night. Don Vito Ristorante hosts dinner and drinks at tables on the beach, and serves menu of Italian cuisine throughout the day in an indoor dining room, or on an outdoor terrace. Free breakfast is included with the option to go Filipino (eggs, beef, steamed rice) or Western (eggs, bacon, corned beef). The restaurant also has a wood-fired oven that turns out pizzas, plus it makes its own gelato and bakes its own bread. The hotel's courtyard pool is brimming with water features and tropical flora, though sun bathers have to take to the sand -- there's no room for loungers along its narrow brick deck and the overhanging balconies keep it in shade anyway. The Mandarin spa has treatment rooms providing facials and traditional Filipino hilot massage, along with more exotic treatments like hot stone aromatherapy. There's also a sunny lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the beach with leather loungers where guests can recline for foot treatments. A banquet hall and several meeting rooms can accommodate small scale events and weddings. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.