{Hotel Review}: Strand Boracay

February 27, 2013
Since it is rainy and or cold in many parts of the world (I’ve been to both Singapore and NYC in the last week and good weather didn’t follow me anywhere!) I wanted to reminisce about a warmer place and also review a recent hotel stay.
I first heard about Strands when I read about it on Tripadvisor (my first place in checking out any hotel!)  I was bought in by the price (our friends were staying at resorts that were almost 3x the price of this hotel!) and the availability for our last minute trip.  I was a little worried due to the initial lack of response to my room reservation queries but the reservationist made up for the delayed response and even called us by name right before we checked in. I would certainly stay here again and wanted to highlight this hotel because it is an affordable gem and possesses a warm and mellow atmosphere.
Strand sign by Chic n Cheap LivingStrand walkway by Chic n Cheap Living
Overall Review 
The resort is intimate and quiet because of its location on a side street off the beach.  There were couples, small families, and groups of friends here who smiled and chatted with other hotel guests.  The grounds were green and well maintained and the rooms were in good condition. The major downsides were the aforementioned delayed response to emails and also the strange inability to take credit cards for reservations directly booked with the hotel (all other reservation types on other hotel booking websites could easily book here, but would impose extra fees)
Room

We stayed in the one bedroom suite.  There is a separate balcony as well as living room.  I loved the feel of the high ceilings and the rooms were clean and well maintained.

Strand bed by Chic n Cheap LivingStrand view from outside room

Service
We received responsive, friendly and quick service from the front desk.  The restaurant staff were efficient and quick as well.  The staff certainly created a warm atmosphere here.
Strand breakfast by Chic n Cheap Living
Pricing
The rate is about P $8,000 ($190) during high season for the one bedroom suite and I was able to get a small discount through my travel network.  I felt that this was perfectly reasonable and literally 1/3 of the price for a similar hotel on the beach. We did pass a few budget friendly hotel options on the beach though so I would be curious about those options.
Facilities
There is a small pool and restaurant on the premises; however the restaurant is small and has a handful of tables (perhaps 16 seats or so) so we never ate here beyond breakfast.  But the grounds were well maintained and who can say no to a hammock resting among tall, lush trees?  The downside is that this hotel is two blocks off the beach and it can be poorly lit at night.  The only time I was worried was when a dog was sniffing around on the street outside and we would not have encountered this dog at the beachfront hotel (there are rabies scares so one should  be worried!)
Boracay hammock taken with HTC One X+ by Chic n Cheap Living
Boracay roosters by Chic n Cheap Living
A scene just outside the hotel – roosters in a row!Boracay beach and water by Chic n Cheap Living
It is hard to dislike the welcome sight of the beach, only two blocks away
little luxury list

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  • The Dainty Dolls House February 27, 2013 at 04:27

    Looks wonderful. I could do with a time away. Have a lovely day doll xx

  • Sam February 27, 2013 at 05:58

    Hi dear, your review is so thorough and very well explained and insightfully written, this should go on a travel website or magazine. You have truly covered every aspect of the resort that any tourist would need to know about it. The view is beautiful, and it seems very reasonable for the service and season.

  • Kim February 27, 2013 at 09:59

    Beautiful hotel photos! I would have been scared of the dog, too – there are rabies scares in many of the places we have traveled, and I always freak out if a dog gets too close. The price of this hotel is definitely right, and I love the separate sitting room!

  • Kristin February 27, 2013 at 16:53

    It looks like a lovely property for sure!

  • lyddiegal February 27, 2013 at 22:18

    Glad you had a positive experience – those roosters just seem so odd to me, but I guess it’s pretty typical in other places in the world.

  • honeymyheart February 28, 2013 at 00:36

    looks calm and fun yet luxurious, too!

  • Joanne Faith February 28, 2013 at 04:54

    It does sound like a good little place to stay – esp. for the price!

  • Emma (Fluff and Fripperies) February 28, 2013 at 05:44

    I love Tripadvisor too and this place looks charming! I much prefer to stay in places with character than generic five stars xo

  • Krysten February 28, 2013 at 11:00

    Oh it looks so pretty!

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