Boracay Tropics Resort Hotel

For our Boracay vacation this year, we stayed at Boracay Tropics Resort Hotel. I actually considered several places for this year's trip: Nami Resort, Fairways and BlueWater, and the Tides Resort (also in Boracay); Antulang Resort in Dumaguete; and the Legend Hotel in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Boracay Tropics Resort Hotel won out in the end after going through all considerations: costs, accessibility, and available facilities.

How do I go about choosing a resort?

The first thing I do is to check out the resort's website. This allows me to get a feel of the place and based on what their website contains, I get an indication of how serious the resort is about their business.

Next, I email questions to my prospective resorts. Resorts that do not answer promptly are automatically scratched off from my prospect list. I mean, why put your e-mail on your website if you have no intention of replying? The way in which the resort representative responds also has a lot of bearing on my final choice. If the resort responds comprehensively and is able to address all of my queries in an organized manner, chances are, they will be organized too in running their business.

Lastly, the chosen resort must have a pool. My kids like swimming pools. So even if we are going to the beach, there must be a pool.

Of all the resorts I e-mailed this year, Boracay Tropics Resort Hotel was the quickest to respond. The individuals responding to my questions were likewise courteous and read each e-mail carefully. All my questions were always answered to my satisfaction.

Boracay Tropics Resort Hotel is located near Boat Station 2. The Family Room that we stayed in was nice, spacious, and clean. The resort is not glitzy nor opulent -- it is just right.

Aside from the pool, they also have a spa with very reasonable prices (P500 for a one-hour massage which you can have in your room or in the spa); a kids' room (more comments on this in a future entry); a nail salon; and a videoke room.

Room packages come with buffet breakfast.

You can learn more about Boracay Tropics Resort Hotel at www.boracaytropics.com

You may also reach the Manila Reservations Office at (632) 667-3942 or 667-3974. To confirm your booking, you will need to make a 50% downpayment via credit card or bank transfer. The balance can be payable upon checking in at the resort or upon check-out.

Up next: What we liked and what we didn't like at Boracay Tropics Resort Hotel