I am going to Boracay in January and the accommodation on the internet is much higher than I have been finding in guidebooks. Is it better to just pay the inflated price, or should I just show up and look around? I'm not too picky about where I stay but I want decent value for money.
I do know that Boracay is expensive and touristy, but I am going there and I'm not looking to be talked out of it. Thanks for any advice.
2006-09-24 16:59:07 · 15 answers · asked by brea_pea 1 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Philippines
Actually, January is a peak month. December is super peak and people who extend right after the New Year's Party stay there even until the month ends. Don't go online for accommodations. It will be really expensive. If the sites you visit post phone numbers, call them instead. It will be cheaper. If you just want to run over and try your luck, you definitely will get some still. There are rooms at the back side of Boracay that you can find. They will not be at the beach front but at least you have rooms to stay. When you are in Boracay, you will hardly need your room anyway. You'll be out doing activities in the day and get drunk and party at night. So being drunk, you wouldn't mind sleeping anywhere or you might end up sleeping at someone else's place. However which way, you can get a place there, don't worry.
2006-09-24 18:19:56 · answer #1 · answered by Dar 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
December til January's peak season in Boracay. If you pick the 2nd or 3rd week of January im sure there'll be loads of people since there's a festival in the mainland of Aklan called Ati-Atihan. Before and after the festival there will be a lot who'll flock Boracay so i'm quite sure you won't be able to find the best accommodations. But if you say you're not that picky then you'll be able to find a place to stay even if you look for one right then and there. Just dont expect like a beach front resort. Don't do it over the internet cause the prices are absurdly high. There are lots of places there that are just 5 mins away from the beach by foot and are reasonably priced. Enjoy!
2006-09-25 19:17:02 · answer #2 · answered by nanuh 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Deifinitely you can get one. Especially those resorts that are not directly on front of the beach front (about 10-20 meters away).
And even if they say that January is a peak month, it actually aint as i have been there a couple of Januarys. Its only "peak season" up until the first weekend where most vistiors from the city start going home after the famed Boracay new year celebration. So the rest of January should be fine.
If you want to play it safe, i have a contact in Boracay who can find you a decently priced place to stay in. about 2500 pesos (50 USdollars) for 4 people (2 in a bed, 2 beds). With A/C, ref, hot water, TV and clean towel and sheets.
Boracay has a 5km beachfront, so you can access everything easily.
2006-09-25 23:09:05 · answer #3 · answered by akoyikalima 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you really aren't too picky, you can probably just pop in Bora, and walk in any of the accommodation places. BUT, January is a peak month for Bora, extending up to February. The thing is, most decent resorts would surely be booked (for the month of January, most resorts are already booked by October). Occupancy rate is high and as such, you'll get high walk in rates, that is, the resorts' (full) rack rates. You might be better off trying last minute reservation sites like www.lastminute.com and http://www.ratestogo.com/City/EN/Aklan
The reason you are seeing these "super inflated prices" online, is because January is peak month. It's not because the websites are trying to rip you off. Also, how updated is the guidebook you are basing the price on? If it's recent, maybe up to last year, then price would still be close. But, take note that room rates steadily increase over the year (for one reason or another) so if it's an old guidebook, the price comparison is null.
Whether you book direct with the resorts, or thru a travel agent or a website, it is best to reserve as early as possible.
2006-09-24 20:56:06 · answer #4 · answered by Laika 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
January is Peak season for tourist's in Boracay. Sunday through Thursday you should be able to walk in and get a room. Friday and Saturday nights you'll have a hard time finding a room on a walk in basis past Friday morning, at least at a place on the main beach. If your not picky and willing to spend a little time looking around inland, finding a place to stay shouldn't be a problem on the weekends.
2006-09-25 14:00:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no problem with just going there and look for a place to stay. I do that every time whenever I am in boracay. There are lots of cheap accomodations, even better if you know where to look. Station 3 has cheaper accomodations. Boracay is not that expensive, you just have to be practical. ;p... ask for lower prices as possible.
2006-09-24 21:17:54 · answer #6 · answered by [[_acidteardrop_]] 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you can definitely find a good accommodation in Boracay. There are places which are great but not expensive. You can ask around. Also, January is not a peak month. It would be easy to get an accommodation.
2006-09-24 17:14:21 · answer #7 · answered by statices 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I must say that online booking is way too expensive than the real deal. Peak or off-peak so I suggest you call the resorts / hotels directly and you have plenty to choose from. If you're really not picky even at a peak season (like January) there are apartments or villas owned by locals that are decent and clean enough to stay in, take a bath, sleep and party all night. Not to mention the BIG savings. =) Really depends on your needs. Have fun on your trip!!
2006-09-25 04:42:28 · answer #8 · answered by aRGietee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I actually cancelled my reservations a Niggi's last year when they were going to charge me 5 x their off season price - so I just showed up. There were plenty of available accomodations, although the more choice locations were booked out.
2006-09-24 23:43:29 · answer #9 · answered by Sanmigsean 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
jsut go to boracay and look for some hotels there. online booking is expensive
2006-09-25 01:43:52 · answer #10 · answered by nino1481 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋