My La Carmela Review

Only a month to go and still no hotel, I am still torn whether to book at La Carmela or not. The reviews were pretty much half-half and me being the picky roomer that I am don't want to ruin the trip because of problems with the hotel. Posted rates for a standard room is at 2100php but agoda offers it at 1800php. It is the only only hotel that is beachfront and has a pool (always a requirement for me now) at that rate so it still is one of our best options. During the last PTM though, the rooms were offered only at 1600php - that's good for two already with breakfast so went ahead and booked with them - afterall actors go there when they're in Boracay so we can't be pickier than them right?Too bad our dates fell on the block dates or we could have gotten it one night cheaper because of their 2nights + 1 night promo - that could have been only 1k+php a night!

Because of the mixed reviews that we've read we're not setting our standards high. We were given our welcome drinks (strawberry juice) which took me by surprise because it was not included in the package.

At the recep with our welcome drinks

They asked for a 1kphp deposit upon check-in and then we were given Room 107 from the main building. The main building is nearer the beachfront btw and the newer executive wing is at the back. Nearby resorts are Asya, Pinjalo and Boracay Tropics which is at the main road and our stop when going out that way.

Going back, we were happy with the location of our room which is near the resto, the pool and the beach (the nearest one is 103 which I think is a staff room, not sure though). We were pretty surprised (good surprise) with our room. Two double beds occupy most of the room, we have a mini-ref which is working and not amoy amag at all (this proved useful for when we order Jonah's shakes to go). We also have a TV and a closet and a veranda overlooking a mini garden. The room was one of the best that I've stayed in so far.

Our room with the view

The bathroom fixtures are new, both the shower and faucet has hot and cold temperature and the toilet has bidet. The tiles are white, no black somethings in between. There are also the standard toiletries - shampoo and soaps. And we have plenty of towels. It was really cool!

Our Bathroom

We were expecting the worst because of the reviews so we were pleasantly surprised by the rooms, amenities and all. They even have water station where we refilled our bottles everday (we didn't have to buy one every now and then unlike before so plus points for the tipid factor!)

It can be loud when somebody pass by our room on the way to the beach but I only noticed it once. The staff is trained well - they greet us everytime they pass us on the hallway and when we go back. They are helpful with our questions even if it means not dining in their buffet. The owner was there and he looks friendly and smiled at us when he saw us, not snobbish at all.

Beach towels are available for rent for only 30php (btw, their towels are white and looks new even the beach towel). They also have lounges on the beach - nothing fancy just the plastic one with umbrella . The walk to the beach is just a few steps away, same with the walk to the main road.

Beachbum

Their swimming pool is also clean, the jacuzzi is working but I'm not sure if the water is heated. The pool is not large but that is just for when the sea is not inviting. They also have another pool near the executive wing but that may be the one that is just waist-deep for scuba instructions and kids.

The pools

My only gripe is with the food - which is just so-so. We upgraded our first breakfast to buffet (additional 75php each) and we found nothing special so we just had the set breakfast on the remaining days. There's free wifi at the restaurant but the connection is not very good. They sell wifi cards though if you want to be connected in your room. It would have been better if we had free connection in our rooms but it's not a big miss.

Buffet Breakfast

So to dispel any worries this is a good place to go when you're looking beachfront with pool and great value for money. This one is highly recommended!


Value: +++++
Rooms: ++++
Location: +++
Cleanliness: ++++
Food: ++