El Nido Four Seasons Resort

A colorful gate and a yellow sign mark the entrance to the hotel, which is located on a rocky dirt road a short drive south of the busy city center. The colorfully painted corrugated metal gates open to a run-down parking area in front of the hotel building, which doesn't make a great first impression -- though tropical plants and lush forests are a lovely background for this quiet, low-key property. Guest opinions are unlikely to improve in the small, shabby lobby, which has a few mismatched couches, and thick curtains covering the windows during the warmest hours of the day. A large pre-fab structure houses the front desk, making it feel a little claustrophobic, while white neon lights feel cold and uninviting. 

Outdoors on the waterfront side, however, the property is more cheerful and charming, with a mix of blue, yellow and green accents, lots of wood finishes, and a beachfront pool with serene ocean views. The stunning sunset views and quiet atmosphere draw mostly couples on a budget, but the hotel also caters to families, with a kiddy pool and larger rooms with several beds.

The hotel is located on a small dirt road off the main thoroughfare in Palawan. The area is quiet, with just a handful of other budget properties within walking distance, but the busy city center is just a five-minute tricycle ride away. The hotel has direct access to a sandy beach too shallow for swimming, but it is possible to go for long walks along the ocean, and the views of the bay and the sunset are just stunning. There are several other beaches with good swimming and snorkeling within a 15-miute drive of the hotel. El Nido Airport is a 20-minute drive away, and transfer services can be booked at front desk for a fee.

The hotel has 20 rooms, all featuring large windows opening onto balconies offering either views of the grounds or of the gorgeous sunsets and the beach. Decor is simple and dated throughout, with gray-and-green tiles, basic wooden furniture, mostly bare walls, and thin bedspreads. Some rooms have been updated with a couple of pieces of black furniture, but the effect is more mismatched than contemporary. Small closets offer some storage space, but most rooms are too small to fit anything other than a rack with a few hangers, and one or two nightstands. In-room amenities are on par with other budget properties, and include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, air-conditioning, and electric kettles. Bathrooms are dated and tiny, with just enough space for a small wet room-style shower, a toilet, and a small sink. A couple of toiletries are provided, and hairdryers are available on request. 

The one thing that makes this property stand out among the other budget options in the area is the pool. It is small and basic, but has great ocean and sunset views, a bar with beachfront seating, and a plunge pool for children. Adjacent is the restaurant, offering a free but average breakfast, and mostly mediocre food throughout the day. The property can arrange several different types of island-hopping tours, and there are a couple of sea kayaks that guests can borrow free of charge. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, and airport transfer services can be booked at front desk for a fee.