I stayed here for four days from Sept 28 to Oct 1. Upon arriving at the domestic airport we had a van transport us to the jetty for us to take a boat to our hotel. I must say the hotel looks impressive especially when you arrive at the private dock of the hotel and exactly like what it looked in the photos. A very grand entrance indeed from the boat.

We arrived very early in the morning and they had our suite ready for us already after half an hour which was good. The balcony was huge and the suite was nice and clean with a living room, dining table and kitchen too. We were pleasantly surprised that our hotel package came with breakfast, an hour massage at a nearby spa for each of us with a shuttle service included, a choice of a six hour island hopping tour or a jet ski ride, and also a complimentary dinner for two! Very nice touch indeed since I did not expect anything other than a suite as stated in our hotel voucher.

We had pre-booked some tours before arrival through the website My Boracay Guide and so we went ahead to try the jet ski, horse riding, buggy car, go kart, land tour, jet boat and parasailing. We did not know that our hotel also offered such services as it was not stated in their website so it was too late to book from the hotel. I checked the prices. Both were comparable.

The staff were always very friendly and everyone would greet me with a smile no matter whether I recognised them or not. We called for room service a few times during our stay and it was always prompt.

Overall, I would recommend staying here if you are after a great view. We stayed at room 291 which was right at the top of the hill. This had both advantages and disadvantages. The walk to the lobby was easy as it was downhill but uphill was slightly harder. The hotel was a bit further from the main area downtown but that's a compromise for the great view. The shuttle service was every hour so it wasn't too bad. Otherwise we would just take a tricycle back. We had a very lovely stay here.

Monaco Suites is a little off the beaten path, but it's worth it. The free shuttle back and forth to D'Mall (adjacent to White Beach) is quick and convenient. We had a beautiful suite with a large terrace with a spectacular view. The whole place is luxurious - from the landscaping to the pool to the fixtures. The restaurant is excellent. The staff is friendly and helpful. It's not the cheapest place in town, but once again, it's worth it!

A vacation I will treasure for the rest of my life!!! We were pampered by very friendly and knowledgeable staff, sumptous breakfast everyday, and the free shuttle van to downtown was a treat. Their private beach looks like one of those featured beaches in magazines, and the infinity pool at sunset is a scene to behold. I can't forget the mango shake they greet you with while checking in. I'll go back there in a heartbeat!!!

= ROOMS, rather, SUITES =
My friends and I stayed in the one-bedroom suite which were HUGEEEE by regular vacation room standards. And that's really nice because after an exhausting day under the hot sun at the beach, you can just throw your beachwear(ware) on the floor, the balcony or bedroom without cluttering the place as you would a regular hotel room =) Note that many apartments are all owned by people and are leased out on their behalf by the management, so every room has different deco. They are equipped with a full kitchen, but no microwave.

= LOCATION =
The location is both good and bad. It's far from action but that could also be the plus point, depending on what you want. The free shuttle service more than makes up for this by being on time, efficient, helpful and super friendly. When there are too many people to fit into the van, they will send another van. Do look out for rude guests who appear from nowhere and shove their way up the van during pickup at White beach.

The hotel is located on top of a hill, offering a stunning view of the deep blues and kite surfers along Bulabog beach. There is a very steep slope leading to the property so it is physically challenging and you have to choose a good tuk tuk! We had an unfortunate accident the first time we took a tuk tuk back to the hotel, but subsequent times were ok. The property is hilly so expect to walk up stairs or slopes every day to breakfast and pick up service.

= FOOD =
The breakfast spread was ok, and sometimes cold. That and lunch is still edible but really, the service is so great, it makes bland food kinda tasty =)

= SERVICE =
What can I say... From security guard to driver to receptionist, they were all so willing to assist. From the point we were picked up at the airport to the hotel check in, we were greeted with huge smiles and when we left, it was truly with regret, both on ours and their faces, because we had forged a friendly relationship throughout the days we were there.

= $$$ =
There are definitely cheaper alternatives a stone throw away from White Beach so why pay more for this place? I'll say the size of the suite, the great service, the tranquility, the comfort, the view, and the choice of being in the middle of the action or having some time out from the noise.

Boracay's beautiful beach and waters, along with this great hideout made my friends and I vow that Boracay and Monaco Suites de Boracay will be our default Beach Getaway in the South East Asia region!

Tip : Expect a crowd of men at the airport or ferry terminal who eagerly fight to and WILL carry your bags and then blatantly tell you how much to pay them after (usually determined by number of bags and how much of a sucker you look like). But, frankly, that's a common sight when travelling to islands, so let that happen, then move on to enjoy your holiday!