Our Marine Walk Experience, this was fun, highly recommended
I have to agree that Boracay is heaven on earth !! My mind keeps bugging me to go back on that paradise again. It really is powdery white and the water has no rocks so it looks great. Only we had bad experience on the first hotel that we booked, well, it certainly was all my fault, I chose the cheapest promo from Travelonline was lured by the cheap price of $350+ 3d/2n inclusive of airflight, transfers, plus freebies like dinner meal for two @Red Coconut, Jonas shake, and pizza, the name of the hotel is La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel. And since it is a beachfront, I grabbed their promo right away. But definitely, we are not going back again, ever! we only spent one night, then move to another hotel, I'll tell you why...please keep reading :)
We were so tired after the long trip, from Kalibo Airport we were guided by a dispatcher to a shuttle provided by Travelonline, it was a long one hour ride, going to the Jetty port. At the Jetty port there was another transfer again, we ride to a ferry boat with approximately 10-15 passengers, it's highly recommended you wear a sand slippers or plastic slippers and shorts/sundress or a beach wear because you'll get wet once the boat starts running. I thought that's our last transfer but after we got out from the ferry there was a shuttle again that pick us up going to our hotel destination. All in all there were 3 transfers from Kalibo Airpot, so bring books or cameras to take pictures while on the road :).
When we arrived at La Carmela, I was not so impressed with the area :( I am not exaggerating, upon check in, they bombarded me with all these house rules on noise and henna tatoos, I told them we are so tired, but the staff, she went on and on about their rules: My gawd, this woman was clueless. These people should really make an effort to personalize their customer interaction. I really felt like I was being reprimanded, instead of treating me as a guest. No consideration about what you've been through just to get there on the island, airflight plus 3 transfers! They are so strict you have to put a P2,000 deposit w/c is refundable upon check-out and signed tons of documents even we are already prepaid.
When we open our room, yes, I am aware this is not a five star hotel, but omg, was it dingy, the room was so old and celing has water damage, there were ants on the wall, the bath mat was yellow EWWW, I mean it's just common sense to replace the damn thing,their beds have (bed bugs! yuck), I felt so furious and wanted to move to another hotel right away, but at 6 o clock at night? no way Jose, I was so tired and the last thing I want to do is walk. Upon using the bathroom, the hose under the sink was leaking, seriously!!! WTF! , We called the front desk to report it, after 30 mins, there were plumbers and went to fix it, the room smelled mixed of paint and rugby, at that point we left the room and went out to avoid the terrible smell. ANOTHER THING...you have no choice but to walk either through the old wings corridors OR the outside pathway if you want to go to the waterfront. Both options are smelly and dingy and reminds me of a really CRAPPY Motel. Free Wifi should be the norm not just near the pool. You have to pay for internet. I paid P100 good for 24 hours. Save a little more money and go elsewhere or else your trip will be ruined by staying at this hotel. It is SO not worth it. It's like they squeeze all the money out of you because you have to pay for any addition thing.
The thing is, I have no complainst about Travelonline, I will definitely book in their site again it's just a wrong choice of hotel. The only good thing about this hotel is it has a good location right at the center of commercial areas and where the action is, the nightlife.
That night we went to a seafood buffet for dinner that was close to the hotel, and asked the servers what hotel can she recommend or the best hotels in Boracay. She wrote at least 10 hotels that she thinks we can enjoy. We go on to the list, the following morning, we started at FRIDAY'S. my husband was so impressed and booked the hotel for 2 nights right away, The hotel is situated on a magnificent private beach and not crowded at all. The rooms are beautiful, with nice beds and matresses and all the practicalities you need. We got the honeymoon suite, and no, the price we paid is not cheap, but when it coming down to service, I am more than happy to be served by smiling attentive staff and pay for it.
our suite at Friday's |
You can find this paradise at the end of Station 1 |
This beautiful sandcastle was made by a kid :) |
Willy's Rock |
I can't wait to go back to Boracay! And if I were to choose where I would want to stay, I will definitely choose Friday's again! Thanks so much for the warm hospitality!