Camayan Beach Resort and Hotel

Set in lush, verdant gardens and backing onto a long stretch of white sand that is dotted with bamboo cabanas, the focus at the Camayan Beach Resort and Hotel is the outdoors. Inside, the hotel is built in imitation of local Colonial architecture, with some charming elements like sea-themed tile mosaics and wall murals, seashells stuck to fishnets, and hanging lanterns that resemble jellyfish. Unfortunately, some of the rattan furniture and old-fashioned fabrics are dated and worn. The open-air and 24-hour Reef Restaurant is a popular spot when visitors aren't exploring the area's marine life or relaxing on the beach. Guests are largely English-speaking families.

The hotel has a somewhat isolated location within the larger Subic Bay region. It's set in a lush, forested area that backs up to a beautiful white-sand beach. Diving and water-sports activities are popular here, as is the Ocean Adventure marine park a five-minute walk away (though the ethics of these types of attractions is debatable). Also nearby is Zoobic Safari, at a 10-minute drive away. Those looking to spend some time on the fairway can drive 25 minutes to Anvaya Cove Golf Club. For any real shopping, nightlife, and restaurants, guests will need to drive or take a free shuttle bus to Olongapo, a half-hour journey away. It's a two-and-a-half-hour drive to the center of Manila. Expect a 90-minute transfer to Clark International Airport in Mabalacat, while it is a three-hour journey to Ninoy Aquino International Airport, just outside of Manila.

The 85 rooms are all spacious, and have locally inspired decor and high arched or vaulted ceilings, but decor is either dated or underwhelming. Lower-category rooms have dark tiling, rattan-accented furniture, white walls, and shiny coral bedding. Sea-themed artwork adds a touch of personality. Suites have more contemporary wooden furniture and neutral-tone linens, plus stone accents in the bathrooms, coffee tables with seashells and rocks under glass, and leaf-motif shutters. All rooms have minibars, flat-screen TVs, tea- and coffee-making facilities, umbrellas, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. Old-fashioned bathrooms have shower/tub combos, and slippers and toiletries are provided. Upgrades include private terraces, dining tables, wet bars with sinks and microwaves, living spaces, and large, corner tubs in bathrooms. 

This property is focused on its stretch of private, white-sand beach that houses a few furnished cabanas (fee) and free loungers under umbrellas. Although many guests simply relax on the beach, a good amount take advantage of the marvelous array of wildlife that frequents Subic Bay by snorkeling, scuba-diving, or kayaking around the shallow, warm sea and the nearby mangrove forests. The resort has its own dive shop, as well as a variety of water-sports facilities (fee), and a boat that takes guests on cruises around the bay. There is also a small outdoor pool, but it can get crowded. 

Guests can book a range of massages and wellness therapies, either in their rooms or in the simple treatment rooms. The Reef Restaurant is open 24/7, serving international fare for buffet breakfasts, and a la carte lunches and dinners. Another cafe serves drinks and snacks out by the beach, and its bar mixes cocktails and mocktails in the evening. However, guests report that the quality of the food can be mediocre. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. A no-frills karaoke room is also on-site.