Like this:

the view from our balcony

My boyfriend and I have been here twice already. Here’s our review.

FACILITIES/ROOM: The first time we went, my travel agent booked us in a deluxe room. It was huge for a couple as it had 1 queen-sized bed and 1 double bed, a small living  area, dresser and a lounge balcony. My bf particularly liked the bathroom because of the generous space, while I liked the bed as the sheets were clean and the thread count was not bad at all. We both liked the privacy it gives, although it would have been better if the balcony had a nicer view. The room had cable tv, however, we were hoping it were an LCD tv rather than the usual boob tube. The next room we got when we went back was a premier sea view room. It was surprisingly smaller as it had a 4-poster king-sized bed, a day bed on the floor (japanese style) which was in front of the tv, a smaller dresser and balcony. The difference, however, was the balcony had a view of the Boracay beach. I think this is just right for a couple. What we won’t forget in this room was the “heart-shaped kissing swan towels” on the bed. It was sooo romantic but cheezy at the same time, we couldn’t help but take pictures with it. I think it’s a nice touch, though. Haha. The hotel has a small swimming pool in the middle, which we never even tried, hehe.

RESTAURANT: Buffet breakfast happens on the ground floor by the beach front. For both visits, we could say that the breakfast menu didn’t change much. Breakfast is important to us, so it would have been a plus if Boracay Mandarin extended the food choices and made it more exciting for the guests. Very limited choices like Filipino rice meals, Chinese food and typical breads. I particularly didn’t like the juices as they were obviously just powdered drinks…I was expecting freshly squeezed juices. The brewed coffee, however, was not bad.

BEACHFRONT: Boracay Mandarin has the best beachfront during non-Habagat season (ie. November) as the resort enjoys long sand bars which will be perfect for those who like skimboarding (like me!). We also liked the sun lounge area with orange umbrellas as we both like hanging out by the beach…quietly. There’s a security guard by the lounge area so it felt safer for us to leave our things on the lounge beds while we enjoy swimming.

HAPPINESS FACTOR: Nice room, nice beachfront, lousy breakfast food. Transfers to and fro the airport is a breeze as Mandarin has its own tranfer services. It’s in the middle of the action so you can choose to walk to station 1 to station 3 easily.

MUST-TRY: Boracay Mandarin has its own SPA! That sounds heaven for women like me who enjoy pampering themselves. I really don’t like the by-the-beach masseuse as they are not that good (painful massage) so I suggest you go to the professional spa, instead.

Will we come back to the same hotel? Probably not… if we do come back to Boracay anytime soon, we might just try the Astoria, Seawind, Two Seasons Hotel or Discovery.

the kissing swan towels hehehe

watching the sunset. (his right foot, my left foot)

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