RedDoorz Plus @ Secret Garden Boracay

The atmosphere was calm and quiet, which made it a great spot for a vacation. Everything was clean when we arrived, breakfast came hot and tasted good, and the staff were friendly.

The staff were lovely, consistently polite and ready to help, and the other long-term residents were great people too. The owner's manner was a very different experience, often cold and rude, and money became a recurring source of stress. I was asked to pay more than we had agreed to on multiple occasions: the price went up after my first month, then I was asked to cover kitchen gas, and the rent for my final two weeks was raised by 50%. I only heard that the owner wanted more money a week into that two-week period. The luxury rooms are roomy enough for a comfortable long stay, but they don't feel luxurious. There was tape used to deal with cockroaches coming in at the window, as shown in the photos. Termites led to the office desk being taken away and never replaced, and tape was also used for the termites that got into the bed. Noise from short-stay guests was another repeated problem. The walls and floors are thin, so sound carries. On my last weekend I was kept awake at 1:30am and 3am Friday, then had to ask guests to quiet down at 2:30am Saturday because they were even louder. I'd already had issues with noisy guests before. I was also asked twice to move rooms for short-term guests who wanted mine, even though I'd been living there for months. That felt rude.

The monthly price wasn't bad, and the location was very good. Friendly staff, weekly cleaning, and the other long-term residents made the stay pleasant. Still, when I return, I'll try to find another place if I can, just to avoid the hassle. I stayed for six months and was asked for several unexpected extras. The owner seemed to look for every chance to get more money from me, and I had to pay at the time. Altogether, the extra charges came to around 15-20k pesos that shouldn't have been there. I also helped them out by moving rooms after three months in one room. It took all day, and I spent a week in a downgraded room. I agreed to do them that favor, but they still jumped at chances to charge me more.

The garden was a cool, quiet place to relax after a day in the sun and wind or dealing with the crowds. I found a modern restaurant there that wasn't pushy, with normally priced food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They made dishes to fit my special diet without question, and the people were sweet. A local brought me to Secret Garden after my other hotel plans fell through. It's quiet and laid back, well placed for kiting at Bulabog beach, with easy walks to D Mall and other beaches. It sits away from the crowds, which suited me. The rate was very affordable, and my simple, clean room had everything working. The AC got very cold when I used it. They said they'd bring a small fridge to the room if I stayed longer. The staff were kind and helpful, always around to answer questions. For a budget hotel, this place is a gem. Thank you Secret Garden.