And this is a belated post, because we went there last June, and it is only now, four months later, that I'm posting a review of Tonglen Beach Resort, the place where we stayed. But I remember when I was researching about the hotel and I couldn't find a more in-depth review of the place, except bits and pieces from Agoda. So this is for those who will be researching about Tonglen Beach Resort in the future.
Tonglen Beach Resort is a non-beachfront and budget-friendly resort located in Boracay Station 3. They boast of a swimming pool, cozy rooms, and relaxing, scenic garden walkways.
At that time, I was looking for something closer to P1,000-P1,500/night because we were on a budget, and one other requirement - that it has a swimming pool - because we're travelling with my 3-year-old nephew and I thought the pool would be safer than the beach (if ever my nephew would refuse to get out of the water).
Tonglen Beach Resort's standard room rate for 2 is P1,800/night. But Agoda was offering a free night if I booked two nights, lowering the price down to P1,2000/night. And they're one of the very few budget-friendly hotels in Boracay that has a swimming pool.
The only thing that's holding me back is the Station 3 location. When I looked it up on Google Map, I saw that it's near La Carmela de Boracay Resort. So I thought maybe it's really not that far, considering it's on the boundary of Station 2 and Station 3.
After weighing the pros and cons, I decided that the P1,200/night price with a swimming pool can't be beat and proceeded to book two rooms for three nights. As mentioned earlier, I tried to search for more reviews, but I was always led back to Agoda, where they have a handful of positive feedback.
The Resort
We arrived at Boracay on a windy, rainy Tuesday afternoon. Boat porters welcomed us with the news of forecasted storm. It was getting dark and we were pretty tired and the news of a coming storm was the last thing we needed to perk up our spirits.
It was a good thing that getting to the hotel from jetty port was easy. I just told the tricycle driver to take us to Tonglen Beach Resort and he dropped us off inside back gate (the side facing the main street, the opposite side of the beachfront). As we unload ourselves and our bags, we were greeted by a refreshing and clear blue swimming pool amid the green lawn and lots of plants. It was an impressive sight.
 |
| Our room was on the second floor of the apartment on the right. |
One of the hotel's personnel approached and welcomed us. Then he helped carry our bags and led us to the reception area. As we walked from the back gate to the front gate, I got excited with the things that I was seeing. The whole compound is nestled in a green luxury of grass, plants, and trees providing a good contrast to the red-white, cogon-grass-roofed apartments, and dotted by small hut cottages. It's a far cry from Tan's Guesthouse cramped compound, where we stayed before. The whole resort has a relaxing countryside feel to it. It was truly beautiful.
Booking through Agoda
It was the first time that I used Agoda vouchers, and it was pretty straightforward and hassle-free. In fact, the receptionist was already expecting us, so all I needed to do was present my printed copies. She informed us of the available standard rooms and asked which do we prefer. I would have wanted rooms on the ground floor, but only one was available, so I chose the two adjacent rooms on the second floor instead.
Our Rooms
When we were ushered to our rooms, which are located near the swimming pool, I was delighted by what I saw. The rooms were very clean and well-maintained. Actually, they looked new (and maybe they are). In each were two single beds, which the staff rearranged so that they are side by side, making a double bed. The sheets smelled good and pillows, fluffy enough. There was a flat LCD-TV, a personal refrigerator, a big closet, a dresser table, mirror, chair and this beautiful, rustic lighting centerpiece on the ceiling.
 |
| I want something like this. |
I went to check the bathroom and saw that like the bedroom, everything was spic and span. There's water on the faucet, toilet was clean, water heater was working - absolutely no issue with the bathroom. At first, there was a just a trickle of water coming from the shower. But a few twists on the showerhead and the water flowed out nicely.
They also provided clean towels, the Canadian brand. They weren't the softest and fluffiest, but they were clean and the brand is a good-quality one. You could tell from the towel itself. (I always buy Canadian bed linens even if they're a little expensive because the fabric is a lot better than the cheaper brands.)
Back to the bedroom, we found out that the TV remote wasn't working, which was an inconvenient because we had to get up to switch channels, and the light flickered when it's turned off so we had to keep the lights on even when we're sleeping. But aside from those, everything was working fine. And I thought our rooms were lovely.
And did I say that they've got Wi-Fi? Not inside the rooms though, but it's okay because they have seats outside every room where you can take advantage of the free internet connection.
 |
| The view from our rooms on the second floor. |
Other Amenities
Outside our rooms, the most notable amenity was the swimming pool. I was really glad that I chose a hotel with a swimming pool because it allowed us, my nephew especially, to frolic in the water despite the windy, rainy weather. It's dangerous to do that on the beach because of the big waves, and the ocean water was too chilly.
The pool water was clean and they replace it everyday. It was also heated, something that we really enjoyed against the cold Boracay breeze at that time. The side of the pool was accentuated with loungers and hut cottages, a making it wonderful place to relax, read or eat.
Then, who could miss the well-kept lawn and garden? It's everywhere. It didn't feel like we were in the bustling, tourist-jam-packed Boracay, because it was very quiet and relaxing inside the premises of the resort.
The Location
Going out to have dinner on our first night exposed the disadvantage of the hotel's location. While the back gate was easily accessible from the main street, the front gate leading to the beachfront was not as conveniently situated. On Google Map, the resort seemed near La Carmela de Boracay, which is a beach front hotel, but in reality, it's not because there's no straight path from Tonglen to La Carmela. We had to passed through alleys and turned on corners in order to get to the beach front. And that's just getting to the beach front.
Going from La Carmela to D'Mall and Station 1 was a good 15- to 20-minute walk. And it didn't help that we have a toddler in tow and that it rained often, especially during the evening when we've already showered and weren't exactly looking to get wet.
But why go to D'Mall and Station 1?
Even if the shores of Stations 2 and 3 were lined up with restaurants, we still prefer to eat at D'Mall (most of the budget-friendly restaurants are there). And Station 1 offers the finest sand, the widest and cleanest shore, Willy's rock, among others. Among the three stations, it obviously occupies the best part of White Beach. And I would've wanted to book an accommodation on Station 1 but wasn't able to find one that's within budget.
The Service
The staff were very friendly and courteous. On our second day, someone knocked on our door and asked if she can do housekeeping. We weren't really ready to go out of the room so I told her to return tomorrow. And true enough, when we got back from having breakfast the following day, the rooms and bathrooms were tidied up. They didn't change the bed sheets and towels though but it's okay because they're still clean.
The Verdict
If only the resort was located at least somewhere in mid-Station 2, it would've been perfect. And I could easily recommend it to anyone. I didn't mind that it's not beachfront, but being in Station 3, it simply felt too far from everything else. Especially if you're someone who frequents D'Mall, or if like me, who prefers the shores at Station 1.
But if you don't care about the location, Tongle Beach Resort is the probably the best that you can get for P1,200/night (even for P1,800/night). It offers tranquil surroundings, wonderful comfy rooms, warm and accommodating staff and a nice swimming pool. Truly a great choice to stay and enjoy Boracay (again, if the location is not important to you.)
Tonglen Beach Resort
Web: http://www.boracaytonglen.com/
Phone: +63 (036) 288 3457 or 5190
This is so wonderful place and a lot of fun in here. Resorts in boracay are so nice and it has uniqueness of beauty.
ReplyDelete