La Carmela de Boracay

The budget La Carmela de Boracay is a busy hotel that can sometimes feel overcrowded with kids running around, staff on walkie-talkies, large tour groups around the pools, and droves of guests on their way to and from the beach at any given time. The property has expanded several times throughout the years, adding a number of buildings to the original structure, and creating a sort of maze with long hallways and several open lobbies. The main front desk is housed in one of the original buildings, but has been updated with stone-clad pillars, dark wood accents, and fresh coats of paint. The rest of the reception areas are decorated in different styles, ranging from generic and dark to colorful and cute. The most appealing of all is the Premier West Wing lobby, which has cheerful furniture in bright colors, wood panelling, and large, modern lamps. This property offers an inconsistent experience, but is a popular pick for families on a budget and large groups. 

This hotel is located directly on White Beach, Boracay’s most famous and prettiest stretch of sand. Although a little south of the action in Station 2, the beachfront area is busy throughout the day, and there are several massage parlors, convenience stores, and hotels nearby. Attractions such as the D Mall and D Talipapa can be reached in about 10 minutes, and 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 10-minute drive away. 

The hotel has 16 room types and can accommodate anywhere from two guests up to eight guests. All rooms have air-conditioning, mini-fridges, electric kettles, and flat-screen TVs, but room quality and decor is inconsistent, and views vary greatly. Ocean View Wing units are basic but contemporary, with a few pops of orange and blue, and appealing bathrooms with mosaic tiles, large walk-in showers, and modern fixtures. Main Wing ones, however, have old furniture showing extensive wear and tear, balconies facing a wall, and bathrooms with rusty taps and appalling maintenance and cleanliness issues. Premier East and Premier West units are somewhere in between, with generic wooden furniture, beige tiles, small unfurnished balconies overlooking the grounds, and updated bathrooms with walk-in showers. Suites have themed decor, large terraces, and separate showers and tubs. There is a fee for in-room Wi-Fi, and housekeeping is only available on request. 

This hotel is located directly on a busy stretch of White Beach, and offers a few loungers and umbrellas on the sand. Additionally, there are three pools on-site, including two shallow ones for kids and one with a man-made waterfall. They’re all better for a quick dip than for swimming, but offer lots of seating areas with tables, chairs, and umbrellas. Loungers are a scarce commodity. The vibe here is lively and sometimes loud, with kids splashing and running around, and large groups and families taking up most of the space around the pools. 

Cafe La Carmela is open 24/7 and serves a varied Filipino buffet, but food generally gets average reviews and international options are limited (and it often feels crowded). The hotel is popular among large tour groups and families, and offers lots of meeting and events space, including one of Boracay’s largest ballrooms. Airport transfer service and in-room Wi-Fi are available for a fee. Free Wi-Fi is only offered in the lobby.