Melo Villareal
Azalea Hotels and Residences Boracay Review
I had just come straight from the Fragrant Harbour of Hong Kong, so I would only be staying in Manila for a handful of hours before a flight to Boracay. I used the time to contemplate at the last minute where to stay, since I was expecting friends to join me on my trip. Then I remembered my last stay at the Azalea Hotels and Residences in Baguio City, and decided to book at Azalea Hotels and Residences Boracay (hotel info) — after all, they had bigger rooms in their Baguio branch, and I wanted to see if they could bring that same atmosphere to another branch—that home away from home kind of feeling.
Comfortable Bed and Pillows
Azalea Hotels and Residences Boracay (check reviews) is the second property to be put up by the hotel group following the success of Azalea Residences Baguio. It’s not as cheap as some other places in Boracay, but I was able to get a good discount from Agoda.
Hotel
Much of the hotel is still under construction but the first building was already open for the public. Azalea Hotels and Residences Boracay (discounted rates) features sleek and spacious accommodation with free WiFi access in the entire property, and every part—from the lobby to the suites—was decorated in a tasteful modern style.
Perfect Weather in Boracay
With a total land area of 5,700 square meters and 285 all-suite rooms upon completion, Azalea Hotels and Residences Boracay (best rates) is mere steps away from the beach and features a modern and open architectural aesthetic with two rooftop pools for adults and kids that are still under construction. It also has a restaurant, and for the impromptu arrivals, a 24-hour front desk.
Azalea Hotels and Residences Boracay Lobby
The hotel is also located in Station 2, right in front of the main road. It’s convenient because most of the well-known Boracay bars, restaurants and commercial shops are located there. D’Mall Boracay is 650 metres away, while Boracay White Beach is only 700 metres away. The hotel is approximately 10 to 15 minutes away from the jetty port—quite a good location overall.
Sofa Area and Dining Area
Service
I was warmly greeted upon my arrival at the airport by the hotel staff that came to assist me, and immediately they carried my bags all the way to the tricycle station, where we would take a ride to the jetty port. From the jetty port, the hotel staff paid my environmental fee and my boat ride, then assisted me till I got on the boat to the island. Upon reaching the island, the hotel staff loaded my luggage into the van, and we headed to the resort.
Azalea Boracay Service Vehicle
I was promptly guided to the lobby where I was handed signature welcome drinks, a refreshing cold towel and welcomed me with a souvenir puka shell necklace—a nice personal touch that made me feel more welcome right away and gave me an idea what kind of reception and attention I would be receiving throughout my stay. The front office staff asked for my ID and asked me to sign the registration form. Aside from my room keycard, they also gave me a waterproof and weather proof RFID key wristband, which would serve as a wearable key to open doors in case I left my keycard. After that, I was escorted to my two bedroom suite.
Spacious Room with a Veranda
The service overall was a very good. They treat local and foreign guests equally—refreshing given this is a common complaint in Boracay. The rooms are always clean, and they make sure that it smells good inside the room too—petty, I know, but I don’t like the smell of trapped air. Whenever I planned to go outside the hotel, staff would help me get public transportation, and they made sure that the driver knew where I’d be heading. One of the staff even helped me find a good laundry shop near the hotel since most of the clothes I brought were already used from my earlier Hong Kong trip. Each time I came back to my room, there would be a small plate of sweets to surprise me. The staff are equally fluent in English and Tagalog, and they also offered to help with any dry cleaning and concierge needs.
On my last day, one of the front office staff called my room to ask the time of my departure so they can prepare and arrange my transportation. I told them I would be picked up by Shangri-la’s Boracay Resort and Spa service van at around 1 pm, so I asked if I could stay beyond my noon checkout time while waiting for the service van—I was glad they allowed my late checkout. Now that’s service!
Ilig-iligan Beach
Also Read: Ultimate Boracay Travel Guide
Room
The room was new since the hotel had just recently opened. From the door, the first thing I saw was a brightly colored sofa bed in front of a flat-screen cable TV—perfect for late-night boredom. The beds were just as comfy as the ones in their sister hotel in Baguio, with large, cushy mattresses, soft comforters and fluffy pillows.
Selfie at the Veranda
My room also came with a veranda, and each part was well-lit. The WiFi was free and not that fast, but it was good enough for me to check up on social networking and do some work.
My bed for 3 nights
Free Toiletries
The two bedroom suite has two bathrooms—one inside the main bedroom, and the other in the middle of the two rooms. Both bathrooms have hot and cold showers plus vanity mirrors, free toiletries, a hair dryer and ironing facility.
Clean Bathroom
Living Room
Mini Kitchen
As for the other facilities, there was a personal safe and kitchenette with microwave, electric stove tops with a fume hood, electric kettle, compartments for all the kitchen utensils and cups and plates, a mini bar and some complimentary bottled water, instant coffee, and tea bags. I also got a fruit basket—a charming touch.
Overall
I’ve been in several good hotels and inns in Boracay, but this one, though not yet completed, was just as good, and I can’t wait to go back when they have their infinity pool up and running.
With warm service, great facilities thus far and their willingness to go above and beyond the usual guest treatment, I really did feel very welcome, just as I did in their Baguio hotel. It’s definitely an excellent place to stay in for anyone looking for a Boracay getaway hotel.
Azalea Hotels and Residences Boracay (book online)
Address: Station 2, Sitio Manggayad, Brgy. Balabag Boracay Island, Malay Aklan Philippines
Telephone Number: 09178611139
Email: [email protected]
Facebook Fanpage: www.facebook.com/AzaleaHotelsResidencesBoracay
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