Best Value Hotels in Palawan

The Qi is a small upper-middle-range resort located on a remote beach in northern mainland Palawan. Its seven rooms are housed in stand-alone cottages tucked away amid thick tropical forests and built around a charming pool with ocean views. Units are spacious and full of local charm, with bamboo walls, cogon roofs, rustic wooden furniture, and outdoor showers. Some may find the property a little too remote, but the small spa, long sandy beach, and free morning yoga classes in an open pavilion with forest views make it a great pick for travelers seeking peace and relaxation. Non-motorized water sports, like snorkeling and kayaking, are also free, as are Wi-Fi and transfers to/from El Nido town on arrival and departure.

The laid-back Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort exudes a traditional vibe with its 27 thatched-roof rooms and serene setting on Sabang Beach. The mid-range hotel has spacious rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling wooden details and coffee- and tea-making facilities, and many have beachfront balconies or patios. Features include two tropically landscaped pools and a kids' pool, plus a modest gym and a billiards room. Tasty Filipino fare is served in two restaurants and there are two bars. The hotel has a 24/7 generator, but the remote village doesn’t have electricity and lacks nightlife. Breakfast, in-room minibars, Wi-Fi, and parking are all free.

The tropical gardens at the Hibiscus Garden Hotel make for a serene setting in the bustling city of Puerto Princesa, a five-minute drive from the airport via a free shuttle service. This small two-pearl hotel offers travelers on a budget inexpensive rooms with air-conditioning and minibars (some have gorgeous private gardens), plus nicely landscaped grounds with ample carved wooden benches and wicker hammocks placed throughout. Overall, the hotel's peaceful “Secret Garden” vibe and well-reviewed on-site restaurant make it an excellent value. 

With only six rooms, it’s not surprising that the mid-range Floral Villarosa Pool feels intimate. It's located on a quiet street within close proximity to the airport (airport transfers are free), attracting lots of budget-minded travelers, primarily couples, en route to El Nido. Despite its central location, the hotel has a beachy vibe thanks to tropical designs and a lovely outdoor pool with a waterfall that can be heard in rooms. The only time the peacefulness is disturbed is when the neighboring roosters start crowing in the morning. At night, staff light candles by the pool, creating a romantic atmosphere. Outdoor parking and hotel-wide Wi-Fi are free. 

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Puerto Princesa is a mid-range beachfront property with 50 bright rooms and suites, many with beachfront patios or balconies. A lagoon pool sits on the beachfront and the concierge can help guests book kayak rentals and horseback riding trips through the mangroves. Breakfast is included in room rates and served in an airy restaurant with poolside dining. The hotel is located 15 minutes from city center, but there’s free shuttle service (though advanced booking is required). 

This 32-room boutique hotel is housed in a lovely three-story, colonial-style structure with a long saltwater lagoon pool occupying most of its central courtyard. The well-kept rooms have balconies, mini-fridges, safes, and flat-screen TVs with cable, plus lots of lovely eco-chic touches including furniture made from reclaimed lumber and driftwood. The restaurant and bar also have lots of wood fittings, plus stone-tile floors, a sea-life mural, and woven-mat ceiling. The boutique property is popular with vacationing couples and families alike (children under 11 stay free). 

El Nido All Seasons Resort is a budget 20-room property offering decent value in a quiet beachfront area a five-minute drive south of El Nido. Basic, dated rooms and average food make this property a better pick for those looking to spend the day island-hopping or exploring Palawan than for guests planning to stay on-site, but the atmosphere here is friendly and relaxing, and there is a small pool with beautiful ocean and sunset views. 

El Nido Beach Hotel is a 15-room budget property whose best selling point is location. It is right on a small beach (although swimming is not recommended, as a large pipe discharges dirty water directly into the sea) and a short walk from restaurants, bars, and shops in central El Nido town. The rest of the property is basic and a little underwhelming for the price, with average food at the restaurant, and worn rooms. Some units, however, have stunning ocean and Cadlao Island views.