Boracay’s Compliant DOT Accredited Hotels, The 2021 List
As part of the rehabilitation effort in Boracay, hotels have been forced to comply with stricter environmental regulations by the Philippine Department Of Tourism (DOT). At this moment, only 276 out of the 400+ are compliant, so it’s important to check if your desired resort is accredited by the DOT before booking.
On this page I maintain an up-to-date list of all DOT accredited accommodation on the island. They are safe to book since they’re compliant with the new environmental regulations.
If a resort you’re interested in is not on this list, I recommend you don’t book it, since you’ll then you run the risk of not being allowed entry into Boracay.
Agoda lists by far the most accommodations in Boracay, which is why I recommend booking there. Have a look at all Boracay hotels listed on Agoda here, but be sure to cross reference the list below before you book to be sure it’s on the accredited resorts list.
The latest list released by the Department of Tourism on June 30, 2021:
The Best Accredited Hotels in Each Station
To help you choose a good compliant resort, I list some of the best below. They’re categorized by price-range and location, so you can pick one that fits your preferences. You can also have a look at my full Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3 hotel guides for more detailed information.
My top 3 recommended & compliant hotels in Station 1 are: | |
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Budget: | Hannah Hotel |
Mid-range: | Jony’s Beach Resort |
Luxury: | Two Seasons |
My top 3 recommended & compliant hotels in Station 2 are: | |
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Budget: | Deparis Beach Resort |
Mid-range: | El Centro (my top pick) |
Luxury: | Coast Boracay |
My top 3 recommended & compliant hotels in Station 3 are: | |
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Budget: | Greenyard Inn |
Mid-range: | Surfside Resort & Spa |
Luxury: | Villa Caemilla |
* These are highly rated places that are in popular demand, so it’s best to book them well in advance if/when rooms are still available.
Need Help with Choosing Where to Stay?
Then see my guide: where to stay on Boracay’s White Beach, or have a look at my guide to Boracay’s 36 best hotels. Both include clear outlines of the pros and cons of the different stations, but in a different form factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I book an Airbnb instead of a hotel?If it’s accredited, yes. But most Airbnb’s are not on the compliant accommodations list. There are exceptions though, and some resorts list some of their rooms on Airbnb as well.
2. Do I need to book ahead of time in order to enter the island?It’s best to book ahead at a DOT accredited accommodation establishment and secure a booking confirmation slip to avoid inconvenience upon arrival at Caticlan Jetty Port.
3. Can I book once I arrive at Caticlan Jetty Port?DOT personnel will assist you in booking your accommodation but they cannot assure you as to the availability of rooms at your chosen accommodation establishment.
4. If I want to go on a day trip only, how can I enter the island?You need to present/leave your ID at the one day transaction lane, and pick it up again when you leave the island.
5. If I have relatives who are Boracay residents, how can I enter the island?Your relative needs to fill out a form at Caticlan Jetty Port signifying that you are their kin.
In Short
This page should have armed you with the knowledge to choose a good dot accredited resort and have an amazing stay in the new and improved Boracay. Hope it helps you! 🙂 And please help keep Boracay clean, don’t litter – so we can all enjoy the island for years to come.
Of course, having a great stay in Boracay doesn’t stop at choosing a hotel, so when it suits you, head on over to the BoracayCompass homepage where I link to all my other articles – from the best beaches to the nightlife to yummy restaurants, it’s all covered in detail there.
List Source
The list on this page is sourced directly from the Philippine Department of Tourism. You can check their Facebook page or their twitter account to verify it being the latest release.
Short and informative guide / suggestions!
Thanks Paul, a great help!
You’re welcome Hubert, glad it helps 🙂
Are airbnb’s not allowed? 🙁
Good question Sam. I just added my short answer to your question in the FAQ above. The long answer is a bit more complicated, as it may be possible to book a hotel and then transfer to an Airbnb. I wouldn’t bet my vacation on this though. Whatever you do, make sure you have a booking at a compliant place when trying to enter Boracay.
We are attending a Wedding,we were very confused when looking for accomodation until I found your guides.Excellent,I can finally sleep,through your Guide I learnt everything I needed to know.Thank you!
Ps how can I print this Guide to give to friends?.
That’s great Malena, happy to hear that.
You can download a PDF version of the guide on the homepage. It doesn’t contain all the info that the website does (I need to update it), but it’s printable.
Thanks for the info. I was really nervous when the hotel where we will be staying is not on the list. So I was looking for another sources when I stumbled to yours. Luckily, it is on the list. Thank you so much for your guide. It really helped. Would like to share this on facebook so people will be informed. ????????????
You’re welcome Jenny. I always make a point to update this page whenever a new updated list is released by the DOT, so that it’s a timeless reference page for anyone looking to book accommodation in Boracay.
Thanks for the info. its been a while since i last visited. planning to go there with my young kids this feb. Which station would you recommend?
Hi Khristine, it really depends on your preferences. I mean, every station has it pros and cons. I personally prefer Station 2, specifically the area about 300 meters south of D’mall. A few landmarks in that area are the the El Centro, Nigi Nigi and Coast resorts. My second choice would be the south of Station 3, which has a more laid back feel.
My last choice would be Station 1. It looks great, but the reason it’s my last choice is because it has less choice of affordable restaurant and nightlife venues. Mainly because the space there is mostly occupied by luxury resorts. It is more spacious and peaceful there because of that, specifically the north.
If your kinds can’t swim well, then maybe I’d scrap Station 3 off the list, as the water does get deep relatively quickly there compared to the other two stations. Overall the water is safe along the whole of White Beach though. Currents are almost nonexistent in my experience.
Boracay compass is most excellent! Great source of information 🙂 I wonder if I need my hotel booking for all my stay, say I’m going to stay 7 days, is it enough to have booked the first 3 days and then book the rest when on the island? Best regards 🙂
Thanks Jon. It’s probably enough though I can’t endorse it or guarantee that it is.
Hi Paul, my fiancé and i are planning to go in Boracay on march 2019 to stay 5 days there , we have never been there , and we have no idea where and which hotel and station to stay? And we would like it will be the best holidays for us. We are a nature lovers, we love good foods and good cocktails. Please can you help us recommande the best place.
Hi Rita, considering that you’re a nature lover and that you’re going with your fiancé, the first place that comes to mind as a suitable choice is Villa Caemilla in Station 3. It’s a luxury resort in the green and laid back part of Station 3.
To explore more good options, I recommend you read my guide on where to stay, and then click on the links in that guide about each specific location to see more good accommodation options.
Good day! Can you please tell me when will the other Henanns be opened? We booked Henann Lagoon in March for a long time, but it still hasn’t been accredited. Maybe you heard something about this? when we call the hotel, they say that their documents are in the department.
and ask to wait
Hi Katy, I get that question a lot. I don’t know when they’ll open though. All I know is that their documents being in the department is a common comment from them, as others who contacted me mentioned the same.
You can ask for a refund at any time though, if you no longer want to wait. The department of tourism ordered them to do so when requested.
thanks for the answer! You have a very good site.
Good day ! Just want to ask if i miss carmela de boracay on your list ? It seems not included ? But i did book my accomodation there ? Is it possible to have book it eventhough their still not yet approved? Hope u can help me
Hi Jennifer, La Carmela De Boracay is on the list. I think you may have missed it by looking for it at the letter C instead of the letter L. It’s number 181 on the list at this moment.
Hi Paul, I’ve been hooked in reading almost if not all of your articles/blogs. I never finished one without learning new stuff about Boracay 🙂 Thank you for this informative site! BTW, I noticed that none of the Henann hotels made to any of your recommended place to stay, is it not worth it? Will be visiting Boracay again this September. 🙂
Hi Ann, that’s a great compliment. Happy to read my site is so useful to you.
As for Henann, I’m not a big fan of them since they’ve not taken the environment in high regard over the years. Just feels like a pure property investment organization, with little regard for anything but profit.
Hi Paul..just asking if the lazy dog bed and breakfast is included in the dot lists?..we’ll be heading there by nextweek..thank you
Hi Chris, sorry for my late reply. Somehow I didn’t get the notification of your comment. But yes The Lazy Dog Bed & Breakfast is included in the list. It’s listed under the name The Lazy Dog Cottages.
Hi Paul, good day! I’ve already booked thru airbnb before I came across your website ☹️ However, when I contacted the host, he assured me that their hostel is DOT accredited under the name Jack Room Rental. They are listed under a different name on airbnb though. Now my question is, what shall I show DOT to prove that we have a reservation at a compliant hostel? I’m already getting anxious as we’ll be arriving in the island next week. Thank you.
Hi Vidivir, as long as you’re confident that the Airbnb you’re staying at is in fact the accredited Jack Room Rental, it should be fine. But I understand your concern, I’d have the same concern in your situation…
I’d just make sure to collect and bring all the proof to show the jetty port personnel that the booking is in fact with Jack Room Rental, even though name of the place on Airbnb may be different.
If our room can accomodate 4 person (that’s what the hotel staff said) but if we book thru agoda we cannot type in 4 adults but 3 adults only,,are the staff at the port still allowed us to enter the island if we present our booking confirmation to them like that? Ty
To be honest, I’m not sure. I’d assume the staff there is used to coming across these kind of cases sometimes, but I’m not sure how they deal with it.