Red Coconut Beach Hotel

The Red Coconut Beach Hotel is hard to miss walking along the beach, with its red retro sign perched atop the four-story main building, along with its restaurant and bar spilling onto the sand accompanied by dance music. Past the party, a pool courtyard sits at the center of the building, with the surrounding timbered balconies amplifying the hotel's classic island look. The courtyard is inviting, and there's a small terrace, but no sundeck or loungers to speak of. Inside the open-air lobby, native Filipino island decor consists of wood carvings and woven matting paired with contemporary rattan furniture. The popular bar and lack of kid-centric facilities make the property best suited to low-key couples and groups of friends.

The hotel is located in Station 2, on a lively stretch of Boracay’s happening White Beach. There are dozens of nightlife and dining spots within a short walk, and the island's best shopping at D Mall is practically next door. Station 2 is the most popular area among tourists, and the immediate neighborhood can be busy and loud -- even more so with the hotel's own bar. Station 3, known for its varied dining options and quieter vibe, can be reached by tricycle in about 15 minutes. Attractions in Station 1, such as Willy’s Rock and the Holy Rosary Parish, are just a 15-minute walk away.  

The hotel was designed with a classic Filipino decorative theme that continues throughout its 50 rooms. Wood floors, bamboo furniture, and fabrics with island prints like palm trees are the norm. The Classic Rooms lack balconies, though large sitting areas with bamboo couches and chairs provide space to spread out. Free Wi-Fi comes standard, along with small flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and electric kettles. All other rooms have furnished balconies or patios that face the beach or pool. Upgraded rooms have desks and chairs, along with more elaborate decorative touches like wainscoting, cane wall accents, and native artwork. Most bathrooms have tiled walk-in showers, while suites add jetted tubs. There are also bi-level Family Rooms that can sleep up to seven people. Management is good about informing guests regarding the music and late-night noise from the bar, so that light sleepers can switch (or book ahead) to rooms that are on the opposite side of the building. There's no elevator available, so travelers with mobility issues should request a room on the ground floor.

The hotel has a central courtyard with an outdoor pool, but tropical flora takes up most of the limited space around it, leaving no room for a sundeck or loungers. All the action is on the wide stretch of white-sand beach here, with loungers and umbrellas partially sheltered by a kind of protective bamboo scaffolding. Behind it, the open-air restaurant serves a mix of local and international dishes, from crepes and mango shakes to pizza and grilled seafood. The main dining area is covered by a cane roof, and at dinner, tables are set out on the sand by bamboo lamps and candlelight. A free breakfast buffet of hot and cold dishes is included in rates. The adjoining Coco Bar is a popular spot for cocktails and music until late. Wi-Fi is free throughout.