When we were first looking for a hotel in Boracay, the muse was one of our top 10 choices because of its quiet calm location at Station 1 and its beachfront views. Their reviews, however, were not that great with people complaining about the quality of the hotel, run down rooms, small breakfast buffet, and exceptional service from the staff.

When we checked in at Muse, we found out that all the above were true. The hotel from the exterior looks fine. Lobby was clean and neat. Check in was quick and swift.

So we got a room on the 3rd floor (beach view premier room - 324). Upon trying to get to the room, the elevators were not working. Bad first impression. Anyway, with our 2 large bags and kids tired from the travel, the hotel staff were nice enough to help carry our bags up to the room.

Once they got us to the room, one of the lights in the room was not working. It made the room look very dim and dull. Staff again helped to bring in a tall lamp shade to help brighten the room up.

Next, we asked the reception for a baby cot. The replied that the hotel has no baby cots and suggested we get an additional bed for 1700PHP a night. We told them it was unfair for them to charge use that kind of money, since the lift wasn't working, the light wasn't working and they had no baby cot. After which they replied they would waive off the extra bed charges. Kudos for that.

The room had our own Jacuzzi which was overlooking the beach which was fantastic. We also didn't have any neighbors so we had the pool all to ourselves.

Another thing to note was that when we entered the room, we tried using the in-room Safe but to no avail, which has no instructions on how to use it. Anyway, we didn't think much of it and went about our day.

Another annoying thing was a side door close to our room door which had a faulty latch, it kept slamming every time during strong winds. We had to keep calling reception multiple times to get it closed/fixed daily. Also noticed from the review section that another visitor previously in the same room as mine complained about the faulty door early this year. Guess they missed out reading about it.

Anyway, the first 2 nights were fantastic. Plus we had a nice breakfast which was on the 2nd floor, so we had to carry our stroller up and down for breakfast.

They had about 6-7 varieties of local dishes which was sufficient. The view from the breakfast restaurant was superb.

On our 3rd and final night, after breakfast, as usual, we spent 2-3 hours at the beach before returning to our room. Upon returning to the room which was already cleaned by the make up room staff, my wife discovered that she had 1000 PHP missing from her wallet. Upon checking my wallet which was placed in a different bag, I found 50 dollars missing as well. Note that we had placed our wallets in separate bags which were zipped up since the Safe had no instructions on how to use it. They were placed in the same bags on the first 2 nights.

We reported the stolen money to the reception. Hotel management and security visited our room and took our statement. Took pictures of where our wallets were placed and said they'll review the CCTV to check who has been in and out of the rooms.

So we left for lunch and returned in the evening to spent another few hours at the beach. Upon returning to the room, Hotel manage spoke to us that they found the 2 staff who cleaned our rooms but no money was found when they were stripped searched and no one admitted to it as well.

Hotel manager was nice enough to return our missing money from her own pocket. Although it was a good gesture on her part, I still find it weird that according to her, they have not had such reported cases before. Maybe because these thieves steal in small amounts and couldn't be unnoticeable to most people. Still, the manager gave them the benefit of doubt and mentioned they had been working for her for 2 years with no such reports.

So overall, our stay was ok. We had a good night sleep and a good breakfast in the mornings. The theft was the only downside to me. The only reason for me giving 3 stars is because the staff are dedicated (except for the thieves).

It was a good learning experience for us. Good to be back in Boracay but will skip Muse on our next visit :)

Great location. The hotel is literally on the beach. I do feel sorry for the cleaners who have a thankless task of continual sand sweeping. There is an indoor pool but no ambience.

The rooms are tastefully decorated. But small snags needs fixing. It’s the small attention to details that makes the difference between a 4 rating and a 5 rating. The breakfast staff were great. House keeping however was stretched.

Boracay is famous for White Beach so you really have to be stay on the beach.