ARNOLD'S HOTEL

Arnold’s Hotel is extremely well located. It’s mere minutes away from the beaches on the eastern side and a roughly equal few minutes from the Kota beachfront. As first time visitors to Bantayan Island, we wanted a great base and Arnold’s certainly delivered. The hotel seemed to cater for more Filipinos than foreign visitors - and this is always a good thing - in our opinion. The staff were simply excellent. Warm, welcoming and helpful. They organised a motorbike, laundry and were able to point us in the direction of the best Banana Cue lady (Banana-Q-Queen on Saagundo? or Gilbuena? off Villaceran) Security is great and everything is kept swept and clean. How they keep on top of this is a miracle (sand and water is tracked in regularly). Hat tip to Neda. Shower was great. Drains quickly and there was hot water available. Three modes - overhead rain shower, adjustable hand-held and foot spout - makes for a quick and easy clean up after visiting the beach. Generously provided bottles of water daily. We loved watching the world go by from the upstairs balcony area. This delightful hotel has much to recommend it and punches above its price-point. Within walking distance of the restaurants, cafes and market.

Location of the basin and the doorway into the bathroom could do with a re-think and some work, but we soon got used to that.