Corto del Mar Hotel

The Corto del Mar is housed in a lovely three-story, colonial-style structure with a long saltwater lagoon pool occupying most of its central courtyard. While the pool is the star attraction, the open-air lobby is equally inviting, with high ceilings, pale pastel-hued walls, and lots of reclaimed-wood detailing and furniture. The restaurant and bar also has 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). 

The Corto del Mar is located near the center of Coron Town in an area with a mix of shacks and small homes, just north of the sea. The street leading to the hotel isn't well-lit at night and can feel a little shady, but its convenient closeness to town -- a couple of minutes' walk away -- makes it a good choice nonetheless. Maquinit Hot Spring is a 20-minute drive away and the airport takes about 40 minutes to reach by car. Coron Bus and Jeepney Terminal is an eight-minute walk from the hotel, while the Coron Seaport takes about 20 minutes on foot or eight minutes by car.

The Corto del Mar offers a wide range of air-conditioned room types, from entry-level Standards clear up to more spacious Family Rooms and Junior Suites. Rooms have a modern feel with lots of contrasting eco-chic touches, and the beds and furniture pieces are made from recycled lumber and driftwood. Colorful applique wall hangings and accent cushions add pops of brightness to the spaces. Bathrooms are large and have big walk-in rainfall showers with wall-mounted toiletries; some higher-category units add separate tubs. All rooms have, at a minimum, balconies, mini-fridges, safes, and flat-screen TVs with cable. While some look out on the pool, others have views of surrounding slums. 

The Corto del Mar offers a reasonable selection of amenities, the most remarkable of which is the large lagoon-style saltwater swimming pool that wraps through the central courtyard of the property. The pool itself is crossed by a bridge, has a built in shallow kids' nook, and is surrounded by grassy lounge areas and padded lounge chairs on one side. There's also a separate, shaded hot tub on a deck with views out onto the ocean. The hotel's restaurant offers local and international cuisine along with kids' menus and vegetarian options, plus a bar with a foosball table. Breakfast is included in room rates. 

There are a small shop selling beachwear and basic toiletries and an on-site dive shop -- Corto Divers. The hotel can also arrange motorbikes and island hopping transfers as well as trekking trips, kayaking, and snorkeling. There's no gym or kids' club, but babysitting can be arranged. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, however, past guests report slow connections and not being able to access it in some rooms.