Mandarin Island Hotel

I had a lovely stay here with my partner. The service from the airport to the hotel (and back again) was first class. The welcome we received once we arrived was fantastic. The hotel had staff lined up to welcome us. It was overwhelming in a nice way. Check in was straightforward. The room was ready, very clean and all things worked in the room. The hotel has a live band playing in the restaurant 1830-2300ish each night. The music was nice - although it could be difficult for some who are light sleepers to sleep before it stops - but that is just an advisory, and not something that should stop you booking at this lovely hotel. The buffet breakfast was delicious 😋 There was a selection of Filipino food, and continent food. I particularly enjoyed the fresh pandesal and chomperado, especially the ube chomperado (extremely addictive and delicious 😋). The location of the hotel was right alongside the seafront, you only had to walk a few meters from the hotel to be on the beach. The hotel was near to local restaurants and shops. The whole team work hard, and you can see it's a whole team ethic to make guests feel welcome. I particularly mention the hotels guest experience manager 'Israel' he went above and beyond. Like many of the management he put in lots of hours to make everyone's stay the best. I also highlight the housekeeping team, they help keep the hotel looking pristine. The rooms are cleaned to a good standard. This is also the first time I have seen a team of housekeepers cleaning a room, normally it's one housekeeper to clean a whole room - here where a team goes in, makes a difference imo. With a team they help eachother and check over everything to make sure nothing is missed. I would have no hesitation recommending this hotel. The general manager should be rightly proud of every member of his team - and in all the work he does. A team led by good management achieves so much more. I hope the general manager will pass on my thanks to every member of his team. Value - I feel the hotel is good value for money.

This is really a great restaurant 😊 Excellent service~ Delicious food 😋 Most importantly, it's not too expensive.

The location was exceptional—especially since we booked a room with a partial pool and sea view. The atmosphere was simply perfect. 🌊✨ The food is reasonably priced, and the breakfast buffet is impressive, offering a wide variety of delicious options to start the day right. While the rooms are not brand new, they are well-maintained—neat, clean, and tidy. The balcony, in particular, provides a wonderfully relaxing ambiance. What truly stood out was the team’s consistency and genuine care. From housekeeping to the restaurant, reception, and even the airport transfer staff, everyone worked quietly yet efficiently—always respectful of our space while ensuring everything was in perfect order. Their dedication and pride in their work did not go unnoticed. These are truly the best qualities that Mandarin Island Hotel Boracay has to offer—a stay worth remembering.

I have stayed at Mandarin Island Hotel Boracay before and had a positive experience, which is precisely why I chose to return for a very special trip with my mother, who was celebrating her birthday. Unfortunately, my most recent experience with the hotel’s management has left me extremely disappointed. Shortly before our planned arrival, the Philippines began issuing multiple weather advisories regarding an incoming tropical storm and tropical depression. Authorities issued rainfall alerts and warnings about potential flooding and travel disruption. At the same time, airlines warned passengers about possible flight disruptions and recommended postponing travel where possible. There was also significant uncertainty regarding whether boat transfers between Caticlan and Boracay would continue operating. Given the circumstances, and because I was travelling with my 69-year-old mother, I made the responsible decision not to proceed with the journey to Boracay. The risk of becoming stranded on the island just before our international flight home was simply too great. Despite these exceptional circumstances — which were clearly outside the control of any traveller — the hotel showed absolutely no flexibility, empathy, or willingness to consider the situation. My booking was non-refundable, and the hotel strictly enforced that policy without any attempt to offer a compromise, partial refund, credit for a future stay, or even a gesture of goodwill. What makes this particularly disappointing is that I was a returning guest who had previously chosen this hotel and was genuinely looking forward to coming back. Instead of recognising that loyalty, the response from the reservations team felt procedural and indifferent, with no acknowledgement of the real safety concerns involved. In the end, it was Trip.com, not the hotel, that offered a goodwill compensation after reviewing the circumstances. The hotel itself chose to take no responsibility whatsoever. Policies are policies, and I understand that businesses must have them. However, hospitality is also about understanding, judgement, and treating guests fairly when genuinely exceptional situations arise. Unfortunately, none of that was demonstrated here. For that reason, I cannot say that this hotel values its returning guests or is willing to show flexibility when circumstances outside a traveller’s control make a trip impossible. Regrettably, I will not be returning.

Mandarin holds a very special place in our hearts, mine and my husband’s. I had been meaning to write this review for over a year but never quite got around to it. Even so, Boracay’s beaches and our stay at Mandarin remain so vivid that it feels like it all happened yesterday. We travelled as a group of four, and my husband had booked a suite along with an adjacent room. From the moment we arrived, what stood out most was the staff. They greet you every single time you pass by, without fail. Morning, afternoon, evening, always warm and welcoming. It may seem like a small detail, but that consistency makes you feel genuinely cared for. The common swimming pool was always clean and inviting. Our suite was comfortable and well arranged, and we especially loved spending time on the balcony just watching the world go by. Being right on the beach meant everything was easy and convenient. The seafood at the restaurant downstairs was exceptional, particularly the oysters. And watching the sunset from the suite pool was one of those simple but unforgettable experiences that stay with you long after the trip ends. What truly made our stay meaningful, however, was something unexpected. On the night of 22 January 2025, my birthday eve, we had a wonderful time at Om Bar, just a few doors down from the hotel. In the excitement of the evening, my husband unknowingly lost his phone on the beach. We only realised the next morning. In that stressful situation, the hotel stepped in with such sincerity and support. Erny Garcia from the security team accompanied us as we retraced our steps, went to the police station, and made enquiries locally. Even after his shift ended, he continued to help us. He was supported and encouraged by his team leader Mike and the hotel general manager, Marlon M, which says a lot about the culture of the place. We eventually found the phone, which already felt like a small miracle. Later, after we had travelled to Manila, we were informed that our bank cards, which had been lost with the phone, had also been recovered. Our brother, Erny personally collected them for us, and Marlon arranged for them to be couriered. As we did not have a local bank transfer option in the Philippines, he simply covered the courier cost without making it an issue. That kind of thoughtfulness is rare. Boracay is beautiful, and Mandarin offers comfort, excellent food, and a perfect beachfront location. But what makes it truly special is the people. We will return, not only for the island, but for the warmth and care we experienced during our stay.

I booked a stay and paid in advance. I tried to cancel due to the flight disruptions and the consequences of the Middle East conflict. These people's response was that their policy is no cancellations or refunds. Shame on you!!!

My stay at Mandarin Island Hotel Boracay was truly wonderful and memorable. From the moment I arrived, the hospitality of the team stood out. Everyone was warm, welcoming, and genuinely attentive, which made my solo trip feel very special. I would especially like to recognize Mayden, Jackie, Gal, Robert, Smart, Nino, and Sir Israel for their outstanding service. They were all incredibly friendly, attentive, and always ready to help with a smile. Their kindness and professionalism made the experience even more enjoyable. The room was very clean, comfortable, and complete with all the amenities you need for a relaxing stay. I loved the fluffy pillows and the warm lighting in the room — not too bright, just perfect for unwinding after a day out. Breakfast had a lot of great choices, and the restaurant staff were very attentive throughout the meals. I also really appreciated the canopy daybeds by the beach, which were perfect for relaxing while enjoying the beautiful Boracay view. The Mandarin Spa was another highlight of my stay. The therapists were attentive and very skilled — the massage and body scrub were excellent and definitely worth the price. Overall, this has become my favorite hotel in Boracay. It’s perfect for families, couples, and even solo travelers like me. I truly felt pampered throughout my stay, and I look forward to coming back again. Highly recommended!

This is a really nice hotel! Great rooms, great shower with good pressure and hot water. Amazing view. Staff was kind and very helpful. The free breakfast buffet was really good and had different options every day. Highly recommend.