Cocoloco Boracay Beach Resort, Bar and Restaurant — Attraction in Malay

Left a VERY bad taste in our mouths--and not just because the cocktails tasted horrible. Last night, July 22, 2023, we were enticed by the bar's cool ambiance, music, and an assurance by the girl / receptionist standing in front of the place that for their Happy Hour promo, local beers and cocktails were Buy 1, Get 1 free (from 3 PM to 8 PM). This was basically translated by my husband, who can down SMB Pale Pilsen by the gallon, as a challenge to drink as much SMB as he can before 8 PM. We ordered dinner, a rum pineapple cocktail (terrible-tasting, didn''t even finish it) and throughout the night, my husband glugged down SMB Pale Pilsen, under the belief that they were Buy 1, Get 1 at 90 pesos each. At exactly 7.57 PM he ordered his ninth "Buy 1" beer and then asked if he would still get the "Get 1 free" beer if he finished the 9th beer after 8 pm (My husband and I were both looking at the clock, and this happened BEFORE 8 PM. We also had a running beer count of all the beer we ordered: we had kept all the tissue paper that the beer got served in. This is how we know we ordered 9 beers). Surprise, surprise. The waiter we ordered from suddenly said, "We are sorry sir, but beers are NOT part of the Buy 1, Get 1 promo. They are only discounted from 90 PHP to 80 PHP. Well, ok. That was annoying. So we were basically misled into buying all that beer and having to pay for all of them because of incorrect information. But we were nice about it, and we assured the trainee who made the mistake that it was all good, mistakes happen. She was genuinely apologetic about it and we appreciated that. So we finished our dinner and billed out. Surprise surprise, again. Upon checking the bill we saw that we were charged for 11 beers instead on nine. And not only that, the two extra beers were charged at FULL price instead of the discounted, Happy Hour price. My husband tried to point this out, but who I am guessing to be the restaurant manager was adamant that we ordered the beer after 8 pm, and that we had ordered 11 instead of 9. She could have easily fixed the situation and compromised by charging the two mysterious beers at the discounted price at LEAST as an apology for the error of her trainee, which had caused us to spend at least double what we intended to pay for beer (and again, a really bad rum pineapple cocktail). Instead she was unsympathetic, stoic, and insincere and made us feel truly bad that we had decided to spend our last night and dinner in Boracay there. Ugh. A simple and sincere apology from her would have made all the difference. Owners should retrain their staff on 1) CORRECT INFORMATION and 2) real CUSTOMER SERVICE. They've definitely lost customers, we will...

This is a review of the bar and NOT the accommodation;

We sat at the bar for a nice evening. The atmosphere was pleasant, and the people around us were friendly. However, we had an unfortunate situation when it came time for the bill.

When we arrived, we asked for a shot of tequila. The lady bartender mentioned it was “happy hour” and that we would only need to pay for one shot instead of two, which encouraged us to stay and drink more—14 more shots, to be exact. By the end of the night, feeling a bit tipsy, we received our check. It showed only the final price, and we paid, sensing that something was off but not sober enough to contest it.

The next morning, we returned to inquire about the bill and were surprised to find that the “happy hour” discount had not been applied. When we spoke to a different lady bartender who worked that morning, she claimed our drinks were not included in the “happy hour” and suggested we were too drunk to understand the situation. We explained what the staff had told us, but she dismissed it as “miscommunication.”

It's important to mention that after sitting at the bar for over two hours, we started our evening completely sober and certain we understood the terms as they presented to us clearly. “You buy 2 shots but you only pay for one.” simple as that. The bartender's exact words. Three people were working that evening, and they mentioned the happy hour more than once, without specifying any exclusions for our tequila shots.

We weren't looking for compensation or our money back; we simply wanted to understand why we had received misleading information and why no one seemed willing to take responsibility. A simple “sorry” or even a complimentary drink could have made this experience much more pleasant.

Later, as I read reviews from other travelers, I discovered that similar issues with bills seem to have occurred at this bar before, raising concerns about the situation and the place's integrity. It was truly disappointing to end our experience this way, especially since we had a wonderful time and felt welcomed by the people there. However, it is what it is.

My advice for myself and for future visitors to this bar is to be sure you understand your expenses. Make it a habit to close your tab after each drink and always request to see the full bill, rather than just the final total.

I hope the bar considers this feedback and implements clearer practices for the sake of...

Cocoloco Boracay – A Hidden Gem on the Beach!||If you're looking for the perfect beachfront getaway on Boracay Island, Cocoloco is the place to be! This charming spot has everything you need for a relaxing and fun-filled stay.||The rooms are spacious, clean, and beautifully designed, providing a cozy tropical vibe that makes you feel right at home. Waking up to the sound of the waves and stepping out onto the beach is pure bliss.||One of the best highlights of Cocoloco is its bar—easily one of the best on the island! They serve up amazing cocktails, ice-cold beers, and an excellent selection of drinks that pair perfectly with the stunning beach views. Whether you’re looking for a chill afternoon or a lively night out, this is the perfect place to unwind.||The food is also top-notch! From local Filipino favorites to international dishes, every meal is delicious and made with fresh ingredients. The flavors are on point, and the portions are generous—definitely worth trying.||Above all, what makes Cocoloco truly special is the staff. They are incredibly warm, welcoming, and always go the extra mile to make sure you have the best experience. Their friendly service and positive energy add to the relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere.||With its prime location right on the beach, you get the best of Boracay’s white sand and crystal-clear waters just steps away from your door. Whether you want to lounge by the shore, go for a swim, or enjoy a sunset drink, this place has it all.||⭐ Overall rating: 5/5 ⭐|Cocoloco is a must-visit for anyone coming to Boracay. Great rooms, amazing bar, delicious food, and outstanding service—this place truly captures the island’s laid-back charm. Highly...