Isla Bonita Beach Resort

Sir Arman at reception was kind and helpful, and we loved the peaceful stay. The beachside pavilion is quiet and away from the main beach crowds. We went in late September, when the waves were a bit rough, but still enjoyed it. Kabsat and Sabong Manok are a 30-40 minute slow walk along the shore, or you can take a tricycle into the main beach area in about 7 minutes to find places to eat. The Public Market, drugstores, and other shops for essentials are nearby. An ATM and 711 are about a 10-minute walk away. Our room was clean and quiet, with good AC, though we could hear the ocean at night. The restaurant food tasted really good and was reasonably priced for the portions, especially the silog meals, kaldereta, and sisig. There’s beachside seating, and having showers handy after the beach was great. We loved how calm the place was, and the accommodation suited us perfectly. One small suggestion: a mattress cover that fits the bed would be better :)

It felt like coming home, or catching up with old friends, and was more than just a holiday. The resort has a lovely view, well-kept grounds, and a picturesque setting. Our room was roomy, clean, and had a comfortable bed. The staff were so friendly and did more than expected to make the stay feel perfect. Thanks to Isla Bonita.

The views are stunning and the beach is easy to reach, but the strong currents make it better for surfing than for families hoping to swim safely with kids. That mix of good and bad is why I’m giving Isla Bonita Hotel and Resort 3 out of 5. The hotel itself is beautiful, and the price is reasonable for the rooms and scenery. The rooms were fairly clean, although the bathrooms need updates: we noticed leaky toilets and old showers. Food was a real letdown, cold, old, and hard, which wasn't what we expected even at a budget-friendly price. They do have karaoke and a bar for entertainment. The waitstaff were helpful, though their manner didn’t feel very friendly or enthusiastic. It’s decent for resting and enjoying the views, as long as you don’t expect great food or family-friendly swimming.

The beach is quiet because the hotel has its own beachfront, and the restaurant food is good. But I booked through Agoda and was given Room Number 9, which seems to be their oldest room. Its walls are so thin you can hear people talking in the next room. The bathroom smelled foul when we arrived and clearly wasn't clean, with black mold present. We looked at other rooms and they were nice and newly renovated. At the same price, I may have found a better room at a different hotel.