Boracay (Philippines) Hotels: Shangri-La vs. Discovery Shores
Sep 19, 2016, 4:12 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: USA
Posts: 123
Boracay (Philippines) Hotels: Shangri-La vs. Discovery Shores
Hi guys--hoping to go for about a week in June. Has any one been to these two hotels and have any thoughts?
Shangri-La:
Pros: Amex FHR benefits, more secluded, rooms look nicer, private beach
Cons: Away from downtown/nightlife, more expensive
Discovery Shores:
Pros: Somewhat cheaper (we'd probably do a one-bedroom premier suite here with an en-suite jacuzzi on the balcony vs. a seaview room at the Shangri-La--though we hope we'd get upgraded to a suite), on the White Beach, T+L says this is one of the best hotels of the world
Cons: Might be loud/crowded/full of louts, rooms look less luxurious, not a major reputable chain (might be a pro)
Any thoughts are welcome!
Shangri-La:
Pros: Amex FHR benefits, more secluded, rooms look nicer, private beach
Cons: Away from downtown/nightlife, more expensive
Discovery Shores:
Pros: Somewhat cheaper (we'd probably do a one-bedroom premier suite here with an en-suite jacuzzi on the balcony vs. a seaview room at the Shangri-La--though we hope we'd get upgraded to a suite), on the White Beach, T+L says this is one of the best hotels of the world
Cons: Might be loud/crowded/full of louts, rooms look less luxurious, not a major reputable chain (might be a pro)
Any thoughts are welcome!
Sep 23, 2016, 2:28 pm
#2
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Toronto, Canada
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i stayed at the shangri la boracay in may 2013. i agree with all the pros and only agree about the price but it is worth every penny. you do get a free shuttle service that runs every 30 minutes or you could just cab it for a cheap price. i preferred it over discovery shores due to the fact that it was away from the noise of downtown/nightlife. if its any worth, i stayed at the discovery suites in manila and it wasnt luxurious, so the discovery shores may end up being the same thing.
there are 2 beaches at shangri la and its never crowded with ample seating while the beaches where discovery is located will be crowded and there are hawkers peddling their wares.
there are 2 beaches at shangri la and its never crowded with ample seating while the beaches where discovery is located will be crowded and there are hawkers peddling their wares.
Sep 23, 2016, 7:38 pm
#3
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 343
XUEC Stayed at Shangri-la in February and would recommend it over Discovery Shores. Not that I've ever stayed at DS, however, from what I can see the overall property and amenities are not really on the same level as Shangri-La. DS location is very central however I liked how Shangri-la was peacefully secluded from the madness that can be Boracay. Shangri-la had a great room, lovely balcony, great gym/spa area, nice grounds, great pool, breakfast buffet was fairly substantial. We ate one dinner at the hotel and did regret it. Take the free shuttle or cheap cab into town and go out, check out the wet market and definitely get some prawns.
I reviewed this a bit in a trip report I posted, see here, page 3 I think: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-...ila-chedi.html
I reviewed this a bit in a trip report I posted, see here, page 3 I think: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-...ila-chedi.html
Sep 27, 2016, 4:56 pm
#6
Join Date: Oct 2015
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Surely you must mean that there is a lack of luxury accommodation in Boracay, and not that Boracay in itself lacks "luxury" status?
Sep 28, 2016, 10:51 am
#7
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I don't think any of the hotels are truly luxury.
Sep 28, 2016, 12:22 pm
#8
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Sep 28, 2016, 1:25 pm
#9
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The Peninsula in Manila is probably the shabbiest in the chain, but it has it's own charm. I think some new luxury hotels have gone up recently in Manila as well. Outside of the Aman, I don't know, I generally like to stay in backpacker/flashpacker style places when I'm in the Philippines.
Sep 30, 2016, 9:57 am
#10
Join Date: Aug 2007
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The Peninsula in Manila is probably the shabbiest in the chain, but it has it's own charm. I think some new luxury hotels have gone up recently in Manila as well. Outside of the Aman, I don't know, I generally like to stay in backpacker/flashpacker style places when I'm in the Philippines.
Raffles Makati has some great suites - easily the best in Manila, but service can be a bit amateurish. Fairmont, which is actully joined at the hip to Raffles, has very good service, but is essentially a business hotel. Shangri-La Makati was good 20 years ago, but has not really kept up.