We stayed here for 3D2N in December 2011. Located in Station 3, this hotel is away from the hustle and bustle of Station 2, thus, there are fewer people and much more fewer vendors here.
The rooms are great; the beds are comfy and big. The bathroom though could use a bath tub since there is ample space. Outside, the hotel looks like a gleaming white mansion.
As for the service, it's top-notch. The hotel arranged everything for us: the pick-up service from Caticlan Airport, where we were greeted by the hotel staff and driven to their own boat to ferry us over to the island and shuttle service to the hotel itself; the drop-off service going to the ferry station then to our shuttle bus going to Kalibo Airport; and our round-the-island boat ride. Everything was perfect; we didn't even have to lift a finger and all our needs have been catered to.
The furnishings of the hotel are tasteful; very chic. Since the hotel is just 3 floors, there is no need for an elevator. Plus, there is a small pool inside, and come night time, it lights up! Kids will have a blast when they see it.
I've noticed that a lot of the patrons of this hotel are East Asians: Chinese, Koreans, Japanese and Taiwanese. We were perhaps the only locals there.
While the hotel is quite a walk away from Station 2 where most restaurants, bars and people are, there are quite a number of nearby restaurants, too within a 5 to 10 minute walking distance. Plus, a small stretch of stalls selling an assortment of souvenirs, beach wears, and other merchandise can be found just behind the hotel.
So, if you'd like to have a relaxed and serene atmosphere, the Sands is definitely one of the hotels you should consider.
