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ALONG
Diniwid Beach on the northern part of Boracay Island
lies the one and only Microtel Inn and Suites-run beach
resort in the world: Microtel Boracay.
At first
sight, the scenery in which the establishment is set
reminded us of the beautiful Hanauma Bay on the Island
of Oahu in Hawaii, which can only be reached by going
around a mountain of big rocks hugging the coastline.
Microtel
Boracay’s Mediterranean-inspired architecture may seem
out of place in the tropical surroundings but its
facilities and services offer the same great
value-for-money that is enjoyed in Microtel hotels all
over the world.
Located
on a prime beachfront property next to Artista, Boracay
White Beach, Willy’s Rock, Puka Beach and Crocodile
Island, Microtel Boracay, which is managed by Cory
Bachelor and Sabine Defant from Germany, has the
distinction of sitting on an exclusive area along a
7-kilometer stretch of white powdery sand. From Caticlan
Airport, it only takes 20 to 30 minutes by outrigger
boat and van to get to the hotel.
According to Dean Sid, the hotel’s general manager, “We
get a lot of tourists all year through and most of them
like staying at our resort because it’s not like the
other hotels that are overcrowded, especially those in
Stations 2 and 3. Although it is only a five- to
10-minute walk to restaurants along the shore, Microtel
Resort has its own dining establishment called Mama’s
Fish House.”
Microtel
Boracay, which has 10 suites and 41 double rooms, was
designed by architect Luis Nakpil. All guest rooms
feature chiropractor-approved mattresses with white
linens, covers and orange runners, individually
controlled air-conditioning units, color TV with cable
channels and remote control, multifunction telephone
system with IDD and NDD, as well as Internet-ready data
ports. The rooms also have a fully automated fire-safety
system, electronic keycard entry, and window seating for
relaxation. The first level of the hotel is a free Wi-Fi
zone for guests. Another pride of the resort is their
environmentally safe sewage treatment system and
ozonator for the swimming pool.
The
suites also have coffee/tea-making facilities, a
refrigerator, microwave oven, kitchen counter with sink,
sofa sleeper, bathtub and handicap-accessible rooms.
Other facilities and services include safety-deposit
box, photocopy, fax and mailing. Massage and reflexology
services are also offered. The hotel and its many perks
attract so many guests, and the Chinese New Year is
usually the busiest time of the year. The rooms are
typically reserved a couple of months before this
special holiday.
During
the lean season, which is from June 16 to October 15,
the price for a double room starts at only $70, while
the suite comes with a $90 tag, which includes a welcome
drink, daily breakfast and roundtrip transfers via
Caticlan Airport. Children under 12 are free of charge,
while baby cribs are also available upon request.
Now,
going back to Mama’s Fish House, its fresh and delicious
seafood dishes prepared by Executive Chef Bong Tumanon—mahi-mahi
and tuna steaks, fish burritos, sandwiches and salads,
among others—are crowd-drawers on the island. The
restaurant serves some of the finest red and white wines
in the world. The well-known Enzo Ciliani serves as the
hotel’s food-and-beverage consultant. The kitchen staff,
just like the rest of the hotel staff, is well trained
in customer service—very polite and professional.
Aside
from swimming and island-hopping, Microtel Boracay
boasts of all kinds of watersports and fun activities.
One can choose to ride a speed buggy or go horseback
riding to Mount Luho to catch a breathtaking 360-degree
view of Boracay Island. During weekend nights, an
acoustic or reggae band serenades guests dining at the
poolside.
Call
671-7171 or visit
www.microtelphilippines.com for reservations. |
