Anna is a co-founder of Adventure in You and has been traveling the world for the last 9 years. She has spent time living in Thailand, Mexico, Indonesia, and Spain and is our local expert in these areas. Her expertise on travel, gear, and building businesses have been featured on Foundr, Business Insider, Yahoo Travel, and more.
Between its clear blue waters, pristine white sand beaches, and vibrant nightlife, Boracay is an island in the Philippines that shouldn’t be missed. I was actually fortunate enough to have personally lived on the island for three years — trust me, it’s paradise!
So without further ado, here are a few of my personal recommendations on the best places to stay in Boracay for both hotels and hostels.
This popular hostel chain spread all over Southeast Asia has mastered the art of entertaining guests and making their stay as fun as possible!
The Mad Monkey Boracay is a great addition to the list of places to stay in Boracay. They offer both dorm beds and private rooms for travelers who are on a budget. The beds here are spacious and comfy, and the resort-style design will make you feel like you’re on an island paradise.
With a social atmosphere and some cool common spaces, you’re sure to meet other travelers to share the fun while you’re here! They have a bar on-site that plays music all day long, parties that go into the night, and a pool to hang out in. This is definitely the spot to be if you’re seeking a party hostel.
This island institution is a great place to make friends — no pun intended!
Compared to a lot of the newer hostels and places to stay, the rooms here are pretty basic. However, the overall vibe makes Frendz Hostel a great budget place to stay in Boracay. The staff here are friendly, and they have activities such as free pasta nights and boat trips to make it easier to meet people.
The close proximity to the beach makes this place even better. But if you want to stay within the hostel premises, you can hang out in the pool, play billiards, or enjoy a drink or two at the on-site bar.
Frendz is a bit of a party place, so this is where to be if you want to have a lively and fun time in Boracay!
Located near Station 3, Shore Time Dormiteloffers shared accommodations at a low price. This should be one of your top picks if you prefer a budget place in a modern style and if you don’t mind being a bit away from the center.
You’ll have a good night’s sleep in their comfy beds. The rooms are simple, but the hostel is super clean, airy, and well-maintained. While it is located a bit further out, they offer free shuttles to Station 2 so you’re never too far away from all the action!
If you ever run out of ideas on what to do, get some recommendations from the helpful staff!
Conveniently located within walking distance to White Beach, this hostel is great for those on a budget but want a little something extra. The rooms are basic but you’ll get some good rest on their comfy beds — there’s even a balcony attached to each room where you can hang out.
The real winner are the common areas. The rooftop is an awesome place to take in some sun and there’s a pool that you dip in. You can also meet other travelers in the two garden areas, the games room, or the cinema!
The staff here are warm and welcoming and give great tips about what to see and do on the island. They also have free breakfast served daily. What a deal!
Transportation: We recommend downloading the Skyscanner App and using Bookawayor 12Go website to view bus, boat, and train schedules ahead of time. We’ve used these websites all over Asia and it saves us the hassle of lining up in travel agencies or bus stations.
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Hey Jude South Beach is the place to be for sunset! It’s located near the peaceful Station 3 which, in my opinion, is reminiscent of the good old days of Boracay. This is the place to be for a relaxing time on this island paradise, away from the hordes of tourists.
This family-run hotel offers rooms that are modern and clean, and you even have your own balcony where you can enjoy views of the beach. When not in your room, you can hang out at their terrace or shared lounge. Plus, they always have good music and food in their restaurant!
Enjoy the fantastic location and watch the sun go down while enjoying a Hey Jude pepperoni pizza and a beer in hand. You can thank me later.
Don’t want to be caught in the middle of all the action? Check out Hangin Kite Resort which is located in Bulabog Beach, a short five-minute walk away from Station 2 D’Mall.
This laid-back resort features modern rooms, with lots of spaces where you can chill out. Plus, each room comes with a balcony so you’ll have soothing views of either the sea or garden. Did I mention they have bathtubs too?
If you come during kiteboarding season, you will also find a lot of great people hanging out in the kite school or bar below. This is definitely the place to be if you’re coming to Boracay to enjoy water sports!
Located in Bulabog, Lazy Dog Bed and Breakfast offers affordable rooms which are perfect for those who love a more personal feel to where they are staying.
The premises have a rustic feel, full of wood and bamboo furniture and accents. They have both private rooms and dorms which are perfect for groups of friends traveling together. While the rooms are simple,. they are modern and comfortable. For a taste of local cuisine, check out the home-cooked meals at their cafe.
Oh, and this place is pet-friendly so this should definitely be one of your top picks if you’re traveling if a furry friend!
Having lived on the island for a couple of years, Lazy Dog is one of my favorite places on the island to either stay or even just to hang out.
Room Type: Premier Room | One-Bedroom Suite | Loft
Wifi: Yes
Near: Station 2 White Beach
Price Range: From $187 a night
COAST Boracay boasts of swanky design, brand new facilities, and a pretty central location. Located in the beachfront of Station 2, this hotel is a great choice for those that want to be in heart of all the action.
The overall vibe and look of the resort is fantastic. The white interiors with blue accents really play up the island vibes and the design of the hotel screams understated class. The rooms are well-decorated, with wood accents and pops of color.
What really sets this hotel apart is the service you’ll receive. Guests rave about how absolutely stellar the staff are — the warmth, the friendliness, the smiles. You’ll feel like you’re among friends who want to make your stay as amazing as possible!
If you’re staying here or even just passing by, try out their restaurant, Cha-Cha’s Boracay for a taste of their delicious grub.
For a luxury experience without completely emptying out your bank accounts, check out Mandala Spa and Resort Villas and treat yourself to a stay at one of the top resorts on the island.
This charming resort will win you over with its private villas set in lush greenery. You’ll swoon over the four-poster bed, large bathtub, and the private terrace where you can enjoy a night cap and take in the night breeze. This is definitely the spot for a peaceful getaway!
Pamper yourself and indulge in their award-winning spa treatments — you can even arrange to get it done in the comfort of your own terrace.
If you want to completely unplug, go for their digital detox villa which is designed for meditation and relaxation. You’ll love the yoga area and private veranda!
Planning a romantic escape or want a hotel where you can get pampered? Shangri-La Boracay is the place for you. This well-known name in luxury accommodations certainly doesn’t disappoint in their Boracay hotel!
Every little detail is taken care of: you have the plush, ultra comfy rooms with a private balcony, two outdoor pools to soak in, and a spa for the ultimate relaxation. Your room even comes with free round-trip Caticlan Airport transfers, so you don’t have to worry about getting to-and-from the airport.
Boasting of their own private beach, fantastic cliffside views, and a great restaurant that serves amazing food, a stay here is something you will definitely remember.
If you’re looking to splurge and go all out, Shangri-La Boracay is indeed one of the best places to stay in Boracay! PS: Don’t forget to try out their happy hour unlimited sangrias.
wow so many gorgeous hotels to stay in Boracay. My choice would be Discovery Shores and Coast, both expensive but I’m quite sure I’ll have the most amazing time.
The Philippines have been high on my list for quite some time! I really appreciate you giving a wide range of lodging options, not just the fancy, ritzy resorts, as we are true frugal travelers when not travel hacking!
A fantastic selection, thank you for providing options for every budget. Almost all of them are filled with colour, especially the dorms. So fitting for a beach destination!
I think my choice would be Hey Jude – just because then I would have an excuse to keep singing the Beatles song! Lovely to see a range of options, and really helpful when planning/budgeting for a place! Thank you guys!
Thanks for including budget choices right up to where to splurge – I’m thinking Boracay is one of those places where it would be worthwhile to go out in luxury 😀
wow so many gorgeous hotels to stay in Boracay. My choice would be Discovery Shores and Coast, both expensive but I’m quite sure I’ll have the most amazing time.
The Philippines have been high on my list for quite some time! I really appreciate you giving a wide range of lodging options, not just the fancy, ritzy resorts, as we are true frugal travelers when not travel hacking!
Love hotel posts like this! All of these options look lovely. Great photos and post, thanks for sharing 🙂
Great list of hotels and hostels. I would love to stay at the Frendz Resort Boracay. It is in my budget and I love the all the colors.
A fantastic selection, thank you for providing options for every budget. Almost all of them are filled with colour, especially the dorms. So fitting for a beach destination!
I think my choice would be Hey Jude – just because then I would have an excuse to keep singing the Beatles song! Lovely to see a range of options, and really helpful when planning/budgeting for a place! Thank you guys!
Thanks for including budget choices right up to where to splurge – I’m thinking Boracay is one of those places where it would be worthwhile to go out in luxury 😀