Where to Stay on Boracay, The Philippines: 3 Best Areas & Hotels

Wondering where to stay on Boracay? We’ve got you covered!

Boracay is famous for its gorgeous White Beach, but what surprised us was how different each stretch felt! Most hotels on Boracay are clustered along White Beach, which is divided into three sections called Stations 1, 2, and 3. They’re named after the old boat stations where visitors used to arrive from the mainland!

And even though you can easily walk between the three stations, the atmosphere changes quite a bit along the way. Choosing the right base makes a big difference, so in this guide, we’ll walk you through each area and share our favorite hotels for every budget. Let’s get into it!

Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Boracay

Not sure which station is right for you? Here’s a quick rundown of what makes each one different, along with our favorite hotel in each area!

• Station 1 – Best for luxury and couples – This is the quieter, more upscale end of White Beach, with gorgeous beachfront resorts and plenty of room to relax. We recommend Sur Beach Resort Boracay for its fantastic beachfront location.

• Station 2 – Best for first-time visitors – Stay here to be right in the heart of the action, with D’Mall and lots of nightlife on your doorstep. Henann Palm Beach Resort is an upscale, modern property with multiple pools and direct beach access.

• Station 3 – Best for value and a relaxed beach stay – This stretch of White Beach is more laid-back and generally more affordable. We love Villa Caemilla Beach Boutique Hotel for its homey suites and amazing staff. 

Where to Stay in Boracay

Station 1

BEST FOR LUXURY AND COUPLES

Pros

• Beautiful, wide stretch of White Beach with fewer crowds
• Fantastic luxury resorts and a more peaceful atmosphere

Cons

• Accommodation tends to be more expensive
• Fewer restaurants and nightlife options, especially toward the northern end

We stayed in Station 1 during our time in Boracay, and we LOVED having this quieter stretch of White Beach as our base! This northern section is known for having some of the softest sand on the island, along with gorgeous turquoise water and some of Boracay’s fanciest beachfront resorts.

We can definitely see why it’s so popular with couples and honeymooners, although we’d also recommend it to families who want a bit more space for the kids to run around. 

One of the area’s best-known sights is Willy’s Rock, a small rock formation just offshore with a shrine to the Virgin Mary on top. You can walk out to it at low tide, and it’s a lovely stop while strolling along White Beach. Station 1 is also a fantastic place to watch the sunset, especially when the traditional paraw sailboats are out on the water!

The main trade-off is that hotels here tend to be pricier, and the farther north you stay, the fewer restaurants and bars you’ll find nearby. However, we loved that we could easily walk south toward Station 2 whenever we wanted more dining choices or a livelier atmosphere. For us, it was a pretty great compromise!

The Lind – $$$

If you’re happy to splash out on a luxury beachfront stay, The Lind is our top pick in Station 1! This gorgeous five-star resort sits right on one of the quieter stretches of White Beach, so you’ll have soft white sand and turquoise water practically on your doorstep.

We think it’s an especially good choice for couples who want somewhere romantic, although families will love it here too. The rooms are spacious and modern, with balconies overlooking the gardens, pools, or ocean, depending on which one you book. With several swimming pools, a spa, and beachfront dining, you can easily spend a few days here without venturing far!

Plus, the hotel runs a free scheduled shuttle to D’Mall in Station 2, which is SUPER handy when you want to explore the restaurants and shops without walking the whole way. Rooms start around $200 USD per night, though prices vary quite a bit by season.

Ambassador In Paradise is another fantastic beachfront option in Station 1, with spacious rooms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant right on the sand. We love that you can enjoy a quieter part of White Beach while still being close enough to walk to Willy’s Rock.

Or, if you want luxury with a slightly livelier location, Henann Crystal Sands Resort has three swimming pools, including a gorgeous upper-level pool overlooking the beach. It’s right at the busier end of Station 1 near D’Mall, so you’ll have plenty of restaurants and shops within easy reach.

Sur Beach Resort Boracay – $$

We think Sur Beach Resort Boracay is a fantastic choice because it allows you to stay right on White Beach without paying luxury resort prices. This charming beachfront hotel feels much more relaxed than some of the big resorts, and we love that you can walk straight onto the beautiful sand of Station 1. You’re also close to Willy’s Rock, one of Boracay’s most famous landmarks!

The rooms are simple but comfortable, with air conditioning and everything you need for a relaxing beach holiday. There’s also a lovely garden and a beach bar where you can grab a drink while enjoying those gorgeous ocean views. Although this part of the beach is generally quieter, D’Mall is still about a 15-minute walk away, so you’re not sacrificing convenience for peace and quiet.

For us, the beachfront location is what really makes this hotel stand out! Rooms can start from around $100 USD per night, making this excellent value for a beachfront stay.

If Sur Beach Resort is fully booked, Canyon Hotels & Resorts is a modern alternative with spacious rooms, a swimming pool, and direct access to a shopping complex. It’s set back from the beachfront near Station 1, so it’s especially handy if you want restaurants and transport close by.

Meanwhile, Astoria Boracay is a great choice if you’d prefer to stay directly on White Beach, with modern rooms, a swimming pool, and on-site dining. It sits near the boundary between Stations 1 and 2, making it a convenient base for beach days and evening exploration of livelier areas.

Ferra Hotel and Garden Suites – $

If you’re traveling on a budget but still want somewhere stylish and comfortable, Ferra Hotel and Garden Suites is well worth considering! This modern boutique hotel has bright, comfortable rooms and suites, with a rooftop swimming pool that’s perfect for cooling off after a day at the beach. We think you get a lot for your money here, especially considering the facilities.

One thing to know is that Ferra isn’t directly on White Beach. It’s actually tucked away on the Bulabog side of the island, just a 5-minute walk from D’Mall and around 10-15 minutes from Station 1. However, that means you’ll have plenty of restaurants and shops nearby, and both sides of the island are easy to explore.

There are also restaurants and a rooftop bar on-site, so you don’t have to go far for a relaxed evening! Rooms can start from around $90 USD per night.

For an even cheaper stay with a fun, social atmosphere, Happiness Hostel offers both dorm beds and private rooms, plus a swimming pool, café, and skate bowl! It’s located on Bulabog Road rather than Station 1, making it a great alternative for backpackers who want to meet other travelers and explore the island.

Ralph’s Place is another affordable option, with charming bungalows, studios, and apartments surrounded by tropical gardens. It’s perched on a hillside above Bulabog Beach rather than White Beach, so expect some stairs, but the peaceful setting and ocean views are a lovely reward!

Station 2

BEST FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS

Pros

• Central location with restaurants and nightlife on your doorstep
• Huge variety of hotels to suit different budgets

Cons

• The beach can get crowded, especially during peak season
• Some areas can be noisy at night

If you want to be right in the heart of the action, Station 2 is the place to be! This is the busiest and liveliest stretch of White Beach, and we think it’s the best choice for first-time visitors who want everything within easy reach. Although we stayed in Station 1, we can definitely see the appeal of being so close to all the restaurants, bars, and activities!

One of the biggest draws here is D’Mall, a bustling open-air shopping area packed with souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat or do a little shopping between beach sessions. You’re also right on the central stretch of White Beach, where you can swim, try water sports, or simply relax on that famous white sand.

Station 2 really comes alive in the evenings, with beachfront restaurants and bars creating a fun atmosphere after sunset. The downside is that it can get pretty crowded and noisy, especially if you’re staying right on the beachfront. That’s actually why we decided not to stay here, although we wouldn’t rule it out in the future, because it’s super convenient and there’s a lot going on. 

Mandarin Bay Resort and Spa – $$$

If you’re looking to treat yourself while staying right in the heart of Boracay, Mandarin Bay Resort and Spa is a fantastic choice! This gorgeous beachfront resort sits right on White Beach in Station 2, so you can go from relaxing by the pool to swimming in the ocean in minutes. Plus, D’Mall and plenty of fantastic restaurants are just a short walk away, which is a BIG bonus.

The rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated, with luxurious bathrooms and balconies in many room categories. There’s also a huge outdoor swimming pool, several dining options, and plenty of space to relax between beach adventures.

We think this is an excellent choice if you want all the comforts of a luxury resort without sacrificing Station 2’s unbeatable convenience! Rooms can start from around $180 USD per night, which is crazy for a place this upmarket.

If Mandarin Bay is fully booked, 7Stones Boracay is another beautiful option with spacious suites, a swimming pool, and direct access to Bulabog Beach. It’s on the opposite side of the island from White Beach, but D’Mall is only around a 5-minute walk away, making it a great choice if you want somewhere a little quieter.

Henann Palm Beach Resort – $$

We think Henann Palm Beach Resort is one of the best places to stay in Station 2, especially if it’s your first time in Boracay! This stylish resort sits directly on White Beach, with restaurants, bars, and shops all within easy reach.

The resort has three swimming pools, including a gorgeous upper-level pool overlooking the ocean, which is definitely a highlight! It also has multiple swim-up bars, and some rooms even offer direct pool access.

It has a fun, tropical resort atmosphere while staying comfortable and upscale. For the location and facilities, we think it offers fantastic value! Rooms can start from around $130 USD per night, depending on the season.

Feliz Hotel Boracay is a lovely alternative in D’Mall, with elegant, Spanish-inspired rooms, a rooftop pool, and on-site restaurants. It’s perfect if you love being surrounded by shops and places to eat, and White Beach is just a short stroll away.

Or, if you’d rather stay directly on the sand, Red Coconut Beach Hotel has beachfront rooms, a swimming pool, and a lively restaurant and bar. It’s right in the heart of Station 2, with D’Mall practically on your doorstep, so it’s a particularly good choice if you enjoy nightlife!

Henann Lagoon Resort – $

If you want a resort-style stay without blowing your budget, Henann Lagoon Resort is our top pick! The biggest selling point is the enormous 1,200-square-meter (almost 13,000-square-foot) lagoon-style swimming pool, which is surrounded by rooms and tropical landscaping. It’s a pretty impressive setup for such an affordable hotel.

The rooms here are modern and spacious, with balconies overlooking the pool, and some even offer direct pool access. There’s also a poolside restaurant and a fitness center, so you’ve got plenty of facilities to enjoy.

One thing to know is that the hotel sits along the main road rather than directly on White Beach, but the sand is only a short walk away, and D’Mall is nearby too. We think that’s a great trade-off for the facilities you get at this price! Rooms can start from around $80 USD per night.

Aloha Boracay Hotel is another great affordable option, with comfortable rooms and a rooftop pool. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from White Beach in Station 2, so you can enjoy a central location without paying beachfront resort prices.

Commander Suites Hotel de Boracay is also worth checking out, with spacious modern rooms and an outdoor swimming pool. It’s set back from White Beach near the southern end of Station 2, so it’s a handy base for exploring both Stations 2 and 3.

Station 3

BEST FOR VALUE AND A RELAXED BEACH STAY

Pros

• More affordable accommodation, including boutique hotels and hostels
• Quieter beaches and a relaxed atmosphere

Cons

• Farther from D’Mall and the main nightlife
• Fewer upscale resorts and dining options

If you want to enjoy Boracay’s famous White Beach without the crowds or high prices, Station 3 is a fantastic choice! This southern stretch has a much more laid-back feel, with lots of casual beachfront restaurants and bars.

For accommodation, you’ll find smaller boutique hotels and budget-friendly guesthouses, which makes it popular with backpackers, budget travelers, and anyone planning a longer stay on the island.

The beach here is still gorgeous, with soft white sand and turquoise water, although it gets a little narrower as you head south. The Angol area at the southern end is particularly peaceful, so it’s perfect if you’re dreaming of lazy afternoons swimming and sunbathing, finishing up with one of those famous Boracay sunsets. There are also lots of dive shops around Station 3, which is handy if you’re coming here to scuba! 

The main downside is that you’re farther from D’Mall and Boracay’s busiest bars and restaurants, especially toward the southern end. But for some people, that’s the main appeal! You can still walk along White Beach to Station 2 or hop on an e-trike when you don’t fancy walking, so you’re not totally cut off from everything. 

Signature Boracay South Beach – $$$

If you’re dreaming of waking up to ocean views and spending your days on the sand, Signature Boracay South Beach is where you want to be! This small beachfront hotel sits on the quieter southern stretch of White Beach, away from the busiest bars and restaurants. We think it’s especially appealing for couples who want a peaceful beach holiday without being completely cut off from the action.

With just 22 rooms, it feels much more intimate than Boracay’s huge resorts. The rooms are simple but comfortable, and we definitely recommend upgrading to an ocean-view room with a balcony if your budget allows! 

There’s also an on-site restaurant where you can enjoy a meal overlooking the beach, and you can walk straight onto the sand whenever you fancy a swim. You won’t find enormous swimming pools or fancy resort facilities here, but the beachfront setting is what makes this hotel special. Rooms can start from around $200 USD per night during peak season.

Villa Caemilla Beach Boutique Hotel – $$

We think Villa Caemilla Beach Boutique Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Station 3! This beautiful boutique hotel sits right on White Beach in the peaceful Angol area, so you can enjoy Boracay’s famous sand without the crowds.

It has a romantic, intimate feel, making it a fantastic choice for couples or anyone looking for a relaxing getaway. At the same time, D’Mall is only a 15-20 minute walk away, so it’s easy to head out when you want more restaurants or nightlife.

The rooms are stylish and comfortable, and there’s a beachfront restaurant and bar serving everything from breakfast to seafood dinners. You won’t find a huge swimming pool here, but with White Beach literally on your doorstep, we don’t think that’s much of a sacrifice! Rooms generally start from around $100 USD per night.

If Villa Caemilla is fully booked, Hue Hotels and Resorts is a stylish resort with a gorgeous swimming pool, swim-up bar, and plenty of dining options. It’s on the main road in Station 2, close to Station 3, making it a handy alternative if you prefer having more facilities and restaurants nearby, and we love how sleek it feels! 

Astoria Current – $

If you want a resort experience without spending a fortune, Astoria Current is an amazing choice! This colorful, modern hotel sits directly on White Beach in Station 3, so you can go from lounging by the pool to swimming in the ocean in minutes.

The hotel has two outdoor swimming pools, including a large lap pool, plus a spa, gym, and several dining options. The rooms are bright and spacious, and some overlook the pool, so there’s plenty to enjoy even when you’re not at the beach!

We also love that you’re surrounded by casual beachfront restaurants and bars, and Station 2 is still within walking distance. Rooms can start from around $80 USD per night.

If Astoria Current is fully booked, no worries, because we also love Boracay Tropics Resort Hotel! It’s less modern but still has a real resort feel, with a large swimming pool and tropical gardens to enjoy. It’s just inland in Station 2, near the Station 3 boundary, so you can easily explore both areas while enjoying a quieter setting away from the beachfront.

For something smaller and more peaceful, Surfside Boracay Resort offers comfortable beachfront rooms and a spa where you can recuperate from all of that beach time – it’s hard out here! It’s tucked away toward the southern end of Station 3, so it’s perfect if you want to spend most of your time relaxing by the sea.

Top Activities in Boracay

Boracay has so much more to offer than relaxing on White Beach! Don’t get us wrong, we love a good beach day, but with colorful marine life, exciting water sports, and gorgeous little bays to discover, there’s plenty to keep you busy beyond the sand. Here are three of our favorite activities to add to your itinerary if you want to make the most of your time on the island.

• Discover scuba diving: Boracay has incredible marine life, and this beginner-friendly scuba diving experience lets you explore it with no prior experience! A PADI instructor will teach you the basics before guiding you around a beautiful reef, making it the perfect introduction to the underwater world.

• Learn to kitesurf: If you’re after something a little more adventurous, why not try a kitesurfing lesson at Boracay’s famous Bulabog Beach? It’s one of the best spots for wind sports, and who knows, you might just discover your new favorite hobby!

• Go island hopping: One of the best ways to see more of Boracay’s beautiful coastline is on this private island-hopping tour! You’ll head out on your own private boat to explore gorgeous beaches like Puka Shell Beach and Tambisaan Beach, with opportunities to swim and snorkel along the way.

Related Read: Why stop at Boracay? Check out our guide to the best things to do in the Philippines for even more incredible adventures, stunning destinations, and must-do experiences!

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