A Charming Resting Place, which offers a serene and intimate tropical nirvana, located less than a minutes walk to the beautiful Boracay Island "white" beach. Allow the staff to cater to your needs while you spoil yourself in the beauty of Boracay. Enjoy the family atmosphere and those amenities that most big Boracay resorts offer without the high prices. We have been referred to as the "best budget hotel on Boracay," but without skimping on the comforts.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
There may be a lot of resorts on Boracay, but there's only one Dave's. I think I speak for all the divers in our group that made the trek from Guam to Boracay when I say that no other place on the island could have taken better and more personal care of us than the folks at Dave's did.
"Ate" Janet Lubowski, is Dave's GM Extraordinaire. "Ate" is the Tagalog word for sister, which is what Janet insists the staff call her, as opposed to "Boss" or "Mom." She really treats her staff like family, which helps us guests to feel like part of the family as well.
Janet went out of her way to make sure we were taken care of, both at Dave's and Calypso Diving. After 6 wonderful days, we were all reluctant to return to Guam. Which is why we're planning on going back in the middle part of August for some more of that Straw Hat Inn hospitality.
As a guy who has been around the world and stayed at 5 star hotels and exotic resorts, including Blakes in London, I would have to put Dave's in my top 5 all-time best list for making me feel right at home. I can't wait to get back there.
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Date of stay: April 2005
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was the first trip i've taken where i felt inclined to book hotels beforehand since i was going with my girlfriend and it was shortly after holy week. Usually when i travel my itinerary is very loose and i can physically check out several options places before i commit. With this trip, i used the typical combination of Lonely Planet, any sort of word of mouth and of course the internet. I had no idea what to expect wrt quality/value as it was my first trip to the Philippines. I found out about Dave's from Trip Advisor and contacted them as well as others. Dave's was quick to respond, always gave thorough info and offered to help with a lot of things. They were much better than any of the other places i contacted including some of the much more expensive places.
One of the important things was that it was easy to just use PayPal to put a deposit. It was so much easier than some other places that wanted wire transfers or other strange methods of payment. So all the booking and pre-arrival service was excellent.
We had arranged for pickup from Caticlan and everything was smooth. We were very happily surprised with the facilities and the rooms. Prior to arriving, i had only seen some low resolution pictures and sometimes its hard to get a good idea of what its really going to be like. There was a nice ceiling fan in the room, A/C (which we never ended up using), and the bed was very comfortable... and actually i really like the sheets :-) they were really soft and comfy. We had no problems with hot water or anything like this. It had a nice veranda to relax on which had a fan and light. So overall the rooms were great value. I guess the only thing i would have changed would maybe be some bigger pillows but probably just a personal preference as my girlfriend was fine with them.
For those of you who were like me and never been to Boracay before, i'll just mention that i thought the location was perfect. When i was making a decision where to stay, i had the typical queries. Should i stay on the beach or is it ok to be back away a bit? Which boat station should i stay near? Etc..... Well, i thought Dave's location was perfect. It is maybe 50-100 meters from the beach kind of walking on a path between some other accomodations/houses, its very quiet, in the trees, etc... and near boat station 3 was perfect for us. I didn't want to be in the thick of all the craziness of 1 and 2. The beach here was much quieter than 1 and 2, i thought it was perfect.
We had breakfast at Dave's several times, even while we weren't staying at Dave's (we stayed a few nights at Mandala Spa too). I had the same thing every day because it was so delicious. Banana shake, toast and scambled eggs with onions, tomatos and bell peppers. I'm a pretty picky eater actually but the quality/taste was great, especially the bread. I've lived in Asia for about 4 years now and good bread is hard to come by sometimes but Dave's sourced properly on this front!
Now to the staff/service. One of the things i find difficult dealing with when traveling in developing countries (or even in developed countries for that matter) is feeling like i'm paying people to 'serve' me especially if i feel its just for tips. I don't like to feel like an aristocrat, i don't really like when people carry my bags or give me a handtowell and a mint in the bathroom. Dave's really feels like a family, like you are staying at a Bed and Breakfast. Most (probably all) live at Dave's, they all seem to be good friends and since its not a real big place anyway, there aren't a lot of employees. So it makes it feel like a small family of good friends. One night (while we were at Mandala), we were invited to come over and have a big dinner with all the staff and a few other guests. I think there were probably 12 of us there and afterwards we did the obligitory, sang some Karaoke. We all had a great time and was fun to just be hanging out with everbody and having a good time... and of course the spread of local food was very delicious.
One other note i want to point out is that yes Dave's is excellent value, but i didn't really have a tight budget when i went to Boracay. I stayed at Dave's because it seemed like a great place, not because the price was attractive.
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Date of stay: April 2006
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My family stayed at Dave's Strawhat on Boracay for about 8 days and we had a really relaxing and enjoyable time. I have stayed at most of the hotels on Boracay (Fridays, Lorenzo, Mango Rays, La Reserve, you name it! I've stayed there!) Anyway, Dave's Straw Hat is by far the best place to stay for your money. Brand new place with excellent service. We go to Boracay at least twice a year and we shall be going back to Dave's Straw Hat in the future.
Another nice aspect I discovered while staying at Dave's Straw Hat was that you are not bombarded by the vendors at Dave's Straw Hat either. The vendors are like flies at the other hotels. The incessant badgering from these beach vendors can become nauseating. I felt like making a shirt that exclaimed, "no, I do not want any sunglasses, watches, massages and or boat rides!" Please just go away! With a big fly swatter in the background. Any of you reading this that have been to Boracay will know what I am talking about. You do not get these vendors down at Dave's Straw Hat.
Dave's Straw Hat is the best kept secret on Boracay!
I stronly suggest that you stay at Dave's Straw Hat if you want to relax and really enjoy Boracay.
Have a nice Vacation
Mark H
Makati, Philippines
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Date of stay: January 2005
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I looked around for a place to stay in Boracay for quite a while, before I actually went there. I am not a party animal, and hate trying to sleep over loud, thumping music, but still like to be able to enjoy night life within walking distance of my room. I wanted a place with a really clean room, a fridge, cable TV, no bugs, and a fully functional, large bathroom. I desired staff that was friendly because they felt like it, and could point me in the right direction to any activity on the island. Also, I wanted to be able to eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the resort, and really enjoy it. I must tell you, Dave's Straw Hat really delivers all that, and more. At night, they light a mosquito coil on the pathway if front of every room, so you can enjoy a nice bug-free evening on your private patio. There are so many fantastic personal touches like that, it's impossible to list them all. There is no swimming pool, but look at the picture I posted, which is right in front of their place. A short walk of a few meters gets you to this amazing beach, so who needs a pool? They don't have a lot of rooms, and the price is incredibly low, so it's advisable to book well in advance of your trip. I found it easy to communicate with them directly via e-mail and yahoo chat. Just google their website. Also, I recommend that you have them send a staff member to Caticlan airport, or wherever you arrive, to meet you. They only charge for the actual boat fare (cheap!), and this makes it really hassle-free. Upon arriving at Dave's, be prepared to be greeted with big smiles from all the staff. You can tell they like working there, which is a rarity in the Philiipines. You'll probably soon meet the owners, who live there. They are warm, friendly, and are genuinely concerned that the stay meets with your approval. Day or night, I was never lacking for any bit of service, and was never told "NO", for any request. I will go back to Boracay as soon as I can, and will never stay anywhere else. Thanks to them, my stay was much better than it would have been without their help. Oh, one more thing.....after breakfast, save a piece of bacon for Freckles the dog. He's a great pooch!
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Date of stay: November 2006
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
First impression: Wow, amazing service. The called us on the day of arrival and gave us directions again as well as informing as that a representative of the Inn will be there to welcome and assist us. The cottage: CLEAN! That is the first thing that struck me. The beautiful white tiles on the floor and soft white curtains. Double bed with comfortable matress. Side table with a lamp. TV is assembled in the corner of the room. There is a safe for you to use inside the closet as well. The bathroom has a shower,toilet and wash basin. There were little soaps and fresh clean towels as well. This was a standard cottage in case you were wondering. Outside we had our own little patio with two chairs. This place comes with a bargain price and you defnitely get more than you expect. Location: South of Boat Station 3,on the border of Boat Station 2. It is peaceful at night but only a minutes walk away from where the restaurant and bars are. The owners of the place are also very lovely and welcoming. There is no need to go stay at a pricey hotel. You dont really spend that much time in your room anyways. There is way too many activities and fun to be had.
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Date of stay: September 2005
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We spent just 2 days in this place because of time constraint, our vacation time was limited, but we really liked this place. It was quiet & peaceful day & night. Away from the bustling sounds of the seaside/seashore...yet just a few minutes walk brings you to the boracay sceneries. People here are very hospitable, accommodating & respectful. Hey! we really enjoyed breakfast (pancake with mango slices). We will surely visit this place, yes, we would love to come back here again! The room we stayed was cozy & elegant...we were honeymooners, and this is a perfect place.
Thanks to Larry & the ladies here...we really felt safe there.
Dr. & Mrs T.
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Date of stay: May 2005
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We stayed at Daves mainly because it was no. 1 on trip adviser. However the moment we arrived there we wanted to leave ASAP.
The inn is located at station 3 (an hour walk from the better side of the beach at station 1), and 30mins walk from D-mall where you buy grocery. The room is quite small and furnished with a really old bed, side table and tv that doesn't work well. The bed sheets were disgusting -- think white-turned-yellow sheets with brown and ash stains. Towels were old yellowish from age also.
We were sharing rooms with dozens of ants and centipedes at one stage.
The staff were friendly.... But for the price you pay... You can get a better hotel in station 1 with better facilities, location and value!!!
I'm not even sure if this place is suited for budget shoe string traveling because you can get much better deals else where.
Try boracay beach club, located in station 1. We stayed there last time. They have 3 night packages and throw in daily breakfast, 1 hr massage, sunset cruise on a sailing boat, banana boat ride, drinks coupons (can use for beer also!) transfers from/to airport (this itself is very helpful because it involves a car ride, a boat ride, and another car ride) beach towels to use etc.. For $399 only. The room's much bigger than Daves and with clean sheets, towels etc...Now that's value for money. Daves' offered nothing more than the small room...and for 3 nights... It's US$225 PLUS processing fee -- pls bring your own shampoo and conditioner also! Anything else is a top up.
Sorry Janet (the owner)... You have a wonderful team of staff.. But the place you offer is really not value for money in terms of location, cleanliness, room, benefits etc. And I'm baffled by how Daves Inn is rated as one of the top hotel destinations in Boracay.
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Date of stay: October 2011
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from boracays3, Owner at Dave's Straw Hat Inn
Responded Nov 6, 2011
First, thank you for your perspective, it’s interesting to read. Most reviews we responded to was step by step, but in this particular review it’s easier to just say that this is an exaggeration of the actual circumstances and in most cases of what is said is simply just not factual from our perspective. From the moment you arrived, you were obviously not happy when you requested a refund as you had found another place and we pointed out our refund policy, which had been sent to you three times during the booking process. We tried our best to meet your needs from that point on diligently and even compensating you for your perceived complaints, even though those complaints were not accurate as you describe in your review. As an example, the white sheets (not as you described them) had one small rust stain, the size of top of a pen. You had to look close to find it. They are not as you described not even the color. They are newish and the rust stain came out of the laundry. We quickly changed them for you with a brand new set out of the package, which are import quality. Our towels, not as you described either, are white, brand new and purchased in the states and shipped to us. None are yellowish, even the sheets are white not the color you described. Our TVs, not huge, all work well and the furniture is not old. Our rooms do not have ants and insects in them unless guests leave open food. It does happen that ants can get into rooms at any hotel but to say you had to live with them is an exaggeration. We would gladly remove them if you had told us. It’s a simple task. You can not leave open food in the room in the tropics. We also gave you two nights free hotel future stay plus free breakfasts for your perceived problems, again, all of which are not as you described. Finally, I am sorry you did not enjoy your stay with us, but it became very difficult to assist you when you refused to talk to me, as the owner and kept asking for a foreigner who you think owns the Inn. More than once you asked staff to speak to my boss or asked me who my boss was. This made it almost impossible to assist you more than we had already done when you refused to talk to me or discuss things with me as the owner. . Thanks for your perspective.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dave Straw Hut is great place if you a budget to keep.
The Pros:
a.) The rooms are very clean. Ive been going in and out of Boracay for the past 5 years and have stayed in a variety of resorts (budget to highend). DSH keeps their rooms clean, cleaner than most of the higher end resorts ive been to. The bath room is nice and clean. The room smelled as it should.
b.) The bed is of the right firmness and the pillows are really soft. I spent alot of hours sleeping as a result. The sheets smell nice.
c.) The foods is priced right. The banana shake easily was my favorite. The food ive eaten are tasty and of the right serving size.
d.) The place is peaceful and quiet.
e.) The staff are attentive, unobtrusive and very warm. Dave and Janet are very hospitable. They will also help you out in getting good prices and bargains in the Island. Even the dog was polite.
f.) Reasonably priced. Bang for buck.
The Cons:
a.) The site of the resort may not appeal to those who want to wake up to the sight of the glorious blue waters of the beach. But again, you know that before your reserve so you cant complain. Its a bout a 3 minute walk from the beach. HOWEVER, I was told by Dave that their guests can use the beds in the front of the beach of a nearby Resort fronting the beach. You can use this area when swimming or sun bathing. Just ask Dave for details.
b.) The resto closes early at 8 pm. So you need to make sure to plan out your meals if you plan to eat in the resort.
My verdict: Great value of money for the budget-conscious traveller, especially for those who want to stay longer than a week. The place can grow on you.
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Date of stay: May 2006
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave, Janet, and the whole staff are excellent. We made our first trip to Boracay during Christmas 2005 and stayed at Dave’s Strawhat. It was our first time to Boracay and Larry (Dave’s staff member) actually met us at the airport to help us take the boat to the island. The rooms are clean and you are treated like family. We book all of our events through them to get the best rates and they ensure we are using a reputable company. We had such a great experience; I booked out his entire place for our wedding last April.
Great rates and only 50 meters to the beach… Save the $150 US a night you would spend around Station 1 and use that money to stay at the Peninsula Makati when in Manila.
The bottom line. Enjoy the simplicity the island has to offer. The more expensive places really are not any nicer than Dave’s as they all have similar amenities. When staying at the island, stay at Dave’s.
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Date of stay: April 2006
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Had a great time at daves straw hat ,not just because it was our honeymoon and the beds were strong ......he he ,but the whole place is like its own little paradise with staff that make you feel your not just a customer but part of their family . Rooms were clean and tidy with all the amemities you need ,food was great as well as the service ....oh and not forgetting the affordable price, it doesn`t put a huge dent in your pocket . When i come back its definitely Daves` place for us....top place !!!
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Date of stay: May 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Most of our guests frequent the bars or clubs etc and make it back late night or early morning. Boracay is all about walking, which you can get to Station 2 in 25 minutes and Station 1 maybe 45 mins. depending your pace. You can also walk up to the main road and catch a trike. Assuming walking is not a problem for you, its the best thing to do to enjoy all of the impromptu fun things that pop up along the beach path. Please email us for more info. Thank you very much.
Please see our website, or catch us on facebook or email us or
+63-36-288-5465 (domestic 036 2885465)
+63-36-288-5755 (FAX) (domestic 036 2885755)
Cell: +63-9177168647 (09177168647)
+63-9214092922 (09214092922)
Yahoo IM: boracaydavesstrawhatinn
Skype: davesstrawhatinn
Greetings,
Per night, per room occupancy as stated in the online info. Please email us for more info or see our website for rates, current promos, etc.
Thank you much
Hello....
How are you. We strongly believe that using a transfer service from the airport is highly advised to make life easier for you and a good way to start your Boracay vacation as getting here and around the island may be a challenge for a first time visitor. The cost of that, which is not significantly more than doing it on your own and is worth it to make things more smooth for you.
if you want more specific info please email the hotel directly.
Thanks much, safe travels
Janet
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