Well, there're loads of different resorts in Boracay - that's true. One common White Beach filled up with hotels of every kind and for every budget. I'll try to tell a story about one of them. There'll be little intro for all you readers to present the location and how do things go in Boracay. But first of all I'd love to notify that Dave's Straw Hat Inn is much more better than its website so don't be scared (smile).

As you might already know, White Beach is symbolically diverced into 3 zones in compliance with boat stations (1, 2 and 3 hehe). Most action is going on somewhere between stations 1 and 2 (D'Mall and et cetera) - but you should also remember that more action is always followed by more crowds and therefore to more noisy vendors.

So that was an intro, and now I'd love to say that we lived in small and cute resort near boat station 3 far away from vendors and all other loud stuff. Boracay is pretty small, you know - so if you'd love to hear live music, to hear all that 'parasailing-jetski-ATV' blablabla, you can always spend some 15 minutes to get into that area. But if you'd love just to swim, or lay on the beach drinking your favorite cocktails or shakes, then remote regions would be perfect. Northern part of island (station 1 and go on to the north) is owned by expensive resorts like Friday's, but my story takes place in southern part of Boracay.

You have to know Dave's Straw Hat is slightly away from the sea itself. You have to walk about 200m to reach the shore. Still we saw another advantage in such position - there's no wind that can sometimes come from the sea.

Resort consists of several houses with living rooms. Those houses come around the main desk, so it was always a pleasure not to use the phone, but go out instead to book a breakfast. Desk neighbours with several tables, couches and book-shelf where you can spend some time waiting for your order to be completed and reading favorite books - there's plenty to choose from. You can also leave or sell your own books that you brought to the island. All that atmosphere represents some kind of family neighbourhood and nicely contrasts with the front White Beach atmosphere.

Our room #7 stated as 'standard cottage' and included bed, TV, AC, phone, minibar, safe-box and shower with toilet. And that's quite enough if you have your time in Boracay activities. All your future trips to caves, stables, even to neighbour islands could be booked by very friendly and kind reception.

Now about money. 18 nights at Dave's Straw Hat Inn came out in ~38k of philippine pesos - it's about 900 USD if you count as 43 PHP to 1 USD (actual rate while we lived there during 06/08). Also there was extra-charge - 9000 PHP (200 USD) - for every-day breakfasts (yes, breakfasts are not included in room booking), for lost towel and for laundry services. We tried to breakfast in other places nearby at first and found out quickly that it's more convenient and even cheaper to start day with usual omelets and toasts in our own hotel. FYI, VISA and other cards are not accepted but there's ATM of Allied Bank nearby, also there're some other ATM's in the island (I noticed at least 5 except of that closest one).

And some little blot upon the landscape. This stuff isn't very big and disappointing minus, but review should be objective for you to get the whole piece of information. First of all, we didn't like that bottles of water should be paid too. Secondly, AC flow isn't regulated, so you'll get it straight in your body - that isn't very good if you're just out of shower. Also because of that shower-case my girl didn't like the floor - it's made of some tile and is pretty cold almost every time you step on it. And the last surprise will be some creatures living around your cottage - sometimes they'll brake in (I really don't know how they do it) and you should always be aware of any spiders, lizards or ants (these guys won't go for a walk alone) in your place.

However these bugs (imperfections, I mean, not ants and roaches) won't turn your life in constant horror, so there goes pretty simple math. For not so very big money you come to limited comfort but also to true family which takes care of you, helps you every time you in need of something, gives useful advices and does your vacation really great and comfortable. If we come Boracay once more, we'll stay at Dave's Straw Hat Inn.

Dave's Straw Hat Inn is a great place to stay. It's peaceful and cozy. We loved the tree-lined pathway and the books. though, i admit that i didn't have time to read, but i would definitely find time to read their books when i go back there. the staff were really friendly and accommodating. their service is really good especially about recommending which activities do while in boracay. For those people who prefer a quiet and tranquil place, this is definitely the place for you. and for the people in Dave's Straw Hat Inn, thank you so much for making our stay a really memorable one.

We spent 6 nights at Dave's and had the best time ever. We arrived and were welcomed with mango iced teas and shown to our room. The rooms have all the amenities you need, cable TV, hot and cold water, comfortable bed(s) and are kept in a clean and tidy condition.

The food at Dave's are great and I now am addicted to banana pancakes. Prices are very reasonable and somewhat cheaper than the bars and restaurants on the beach.

What makes Dave's number 1 on Boracay is the staff. We have travelled all over the world and cannot remember finding such friendly and accommodating staff. When we were there Janet was away visiting family but Jenny and the girls along with Dave and Freckles made us feel so welcome. If you want to know anything about what trips are on offer just speak to someone at Dave's and they will guide you in the right direction and normally at a discounted rate.

We had to leave a couple of days early and Jenny managed to rent our room out for 1 of those 2 nights. We are so confident we will return to Boracay we have asked that instead of returning the rate achieved for that rental it goes on our account and we will get a discount off our next visit.

Dave's is a fantastic place to stay!!!

The location and amenities are great and the staff are brilliant, they really do make you feel like part of the family and sincerely go out of their way to assist with everything!!

We have travelled the world but have never been treated as warmly and genuinely as we were here.

Thank you all very much.