You’ve already taken the first steps that will lead you to discover the Philippine paradise. You’ve set your dates, chosen what to do in the Philippines, you may even already have your flights booked, and now another no less important point arrives: your accommodation in the Philippines.
Unlike other countries where finding a good place to sleep is the same in any city you visit, in the Philippines each city or island can be a different story. In Port Barton, until very recently, few hotels had 24-hour electricity; in Siargao it is highly advisable to book your hotel further in advance, and in Romblon, for example, the Booking website is not the one that offers the most options. Therefore, and so that you can find your accommodation in the Philippines from one place, we have created this guide to where to stay in the Philippines that will help you find the lodgings that best fit your needs. Check each of the destinations you want to visit here, find out everything you need to know, and leave this page with all your hotel reservations in the Philippines made.
Accommodation in the Philippines: how to find it
Besides making consistent trips to the Philippines, we spend the year traveling around the world and booking rooms again and again. In most cases, 100% of the searches we make we always do on the Booking.com website, as it tends to have the widest selection, and you’ll likely do the same. However, when booking your accommodation in the Philippines, it’s important to also consider other platforms, since in some destinations in the country the Agoda website offers a broader range of rooms.
Booking.com: Our favorite when traveling across half the world. It has a huge selection and, after using it 5 times, you can become a Genius member and find slightly lower prices. In addition, in our opinion, it’s the one that offers the best service, the clearest interface, and the biggest selection of hotels with free cancellation—something important if you’re planning a flexible trip.
Agoda: Widely used in Asia and very useful for finding where to stay in the Philippines, since on some islands this is the site with the most options.
AirBnB: The famous website for room rentals from user to user also works very well in some parts of the country, and you can find entire apartments at good prices.
Hostelworld: If you are traveling solo or on a backpacking trip, you might like to sleep in hostels or dorm-style lodgings. Although you’ll find plenty of this type of accommodation listed on Booking, this platform is, without a doubt, the one that offers the most variety.
Why book hotels in the Philippines in advance
What we do is compare the different prices available on them and, very importantly, read recent reviews left by other travelers. This way we more or less make sure we’ll be comfortable. Even so, the places we recommend on Viajar por Filipinas—since we make sure to try them and check they’re good—are sure to convince you. Therefore, below you’ll find a list of places to stay in the Philippines organized by the most popular destinations.
Many travelers ask us whether booking hotels in the Philippines in situ—that is, walking up to reception and asking for a room—works out cheaper. The reality is that, unlike in other Asian countries, in most cases it doesn’t. In fact, on many occasions we’ve arrived at a hotel and the prices have been higher. When we’ve told the reception staff, they’ve recommended booking directly through one of the platforms we’ve mentioned. Only in less touristy places or when we’ve wanted to stay longer (7 days or more) has this worked better for us, since haggling isn’t very common in the archipelago.
For all these reasons, our recommendation is that you book your hotel in the Philippines well in advance, especially if you’re thinking of traveling during high-demand dates. These include Holy Week, Chinese New Year, Christmas, and local holidays. In addition, there are destinations like El Nido, Coron, or Siargao that are so popular almost any time of year that, if you don’t want to be left with the worst options and pay over the odds, it’s better to book at least a month ahead.
And if, like us, you prefer to keep your trip a bit more flexible or you’re worried about tying everything down because of the weather, we advise you to always check the accommodation’s cancellation policies. This is increasingly common, so a large part of the hotels in the Philippines already offer free cancellation. It’s common for this to be possible about 48 hours before your arrival at the accommodation, but you’ll need to check case by case.
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Hotels in the Philippines
With the aim of making it very easy to find where to stay in the Philippines, we show you the best options in two different, super-intuitive ways. The first is this map of the Philippines where you can see, at a glance, all the hotels we recommend on the site. If you’ve already been researching the country and some destinations ring a bell, it will help you easily visualize where each one is. You’ll see that we’ve distinguished, using different icons, between luxury hotels, resorts, or budget accommodation in the Philippines.
If, instead of seeing it on a map, you prefer to search by destination name, below we show you a section for each of them. From there you can access a much more extensive article with all our recommendations about each place or, without leaving this page, discover some of the featured hotels we recommend. We’ve focused mainly on giving you budget and mid-range options. If you’re thinking of traveling as a backpacker in the Philippines, you’ll want to take a look at Best hostels in the Philippines. For a special occasion, read Best resorts in the Philippines, Best honeymoon hotels in the Philippines and Overwater bungalows in the Philippines.
This selection of hotels in the Philippines is based on our own experience and that of the website’s readers and the Viajar por Filipinas Facebook group. Travelers’ opinions for travelers.
Hotels in Manila
For many, Manila is the gateway to their trip to the Philippines. Some simply pass through, others stay a night to get over the jet lag, and others give it a chance and are surprised to discover unique places like Intramuros. Be that as it may, everyone looking for accommodation in the capital asks the same thing: Is Manila safe? or which area of Manila to stay in?
In Where to stay in Manila you’ll find detailed information about the best hotels and neighborhoods, such as Makati or Malate. Here we’ll give you a couple of mid-range hotels in Manila that Viajar por Filipinas readers usually like. In addition, we have an article just for those looking for a hotel in Manila near the airport, either because you arrive late to the city or you have an early flight and want to avoid the area’s traffic.
Red Planet Amorsolo Makati: The Red Planet Manila accommodation chain has several mid-range hotels spread throughout the city. Here you can rest in a modern, clean room in a very good area from only €32.
I’M Hotel: If after your long day of sightseeing around Manila you’re looking for accommodation with a pool where you can take a refreshing and relaxing dip, and that also offers one of the best views in the entire city, here you can enjoy all that and more from €76.
© I’M Hotel Manila
Hotels in El Nido
El Nido is one of the big travel dreams for many of those going to the Philippines. Its incredible karst landscapes promise unforgettable days hopping from one paradise island to another. In the article Where to stay in El Nido, Best resorts in El Nido and Best hostels in El Nido everything you need to know to stay there is explained in detail, but these two suggestions are usually very popular with travelers:
Bulskamp Inn: If you’re looking for a good, nice, and reasonably cheap El Nido hotel without too many frills where you can rest after an epic day, this is a good option. From €30 you can get a room in the center of El Nido Town with a private bathroom, air conditioning, free coffee, and a small terrace. We’ve stayed here ourselves on different occasions.
Casa Kalaw: One of the newest places to stay in El Nido and not exactly one of the most expensive. Spacious, clean, modern, and quiet rooms with views of the pool. Includes a very complete breakfast.
Hotels in Coron
“Coron or El Nido”, “El Nido or Coron”—the eternal debate! If you’re looking for your hotel in the Philippines in this other paradise destination, we’re convinced it won’t disappoint you. Incredible islands await you here and crystal-clear beaches to dive into. In our guide to Where to stay in Coron you’ll find plenty of options, but you can start by taking a look at these:
The Funny Lion: Be careful choosing this accommodation in the Philippines, because you might not want to leave. It has a tasty restaurant, an “infinity” pool with sea views, a jacuzzi, and it’s just 3 minutes from Coron town center by trycicle. A great option if you’re looking for a resort in Coron!
Acacia Garden Inn: If it’s not the best hotel in Coron, it’s surely in the top 3. For €36 for a double room, this newly built hotel tends to fill up quickly, as it offers food and touches that are unusual at a price like this. It also includes a very nice breakfast in its garden, under the shade of some imposing acacias.
© Acacia Garden Inn, Coron
Hotels in Port Barton
When we talk about Port Barton, we usually refer to it as “our village in the Philippines.” This destination has something special that captivated us and that hooks hundreds of travelers who come here in search of tranquility, island hopping, waterfalls, and beautiful beaches. In Where to stay in Port Barton you’ll find all our recommendations and tips so you don’t make the classic mistake and end up in San Vicente without meaning to. Here are two hotels in the Philippines in the Port Barton area that we’re sure you’ll like:
V.Villas: One of the newest places to stay in Port Barton, and it won us over at first sight. Its small villas give off a Balinese vibe, and the lovely, cozy décor is the icing on the cake.
Rubin Resort: If you’re looking for good value for money, proximity to the beach (though it’s not beachfront), and a little terrace with access to the pool, take a look at this Port Barton hotel—ideal for families.
Hotels in Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa is, for many, the gateway to the island of Palawan. Whether you need to spend some time here before heading elsewhere or you’ve come to the city to swim with the whale shark, you have different options available for where to stay in Puerto Princesa.
Greenspace Palawan: Located in the city center, and with free airport transfer, this mid-range hotel offers spacious, clean, and bright rooms. Ideal for staying in Puerto Princesa for one or two nights.
Canvas Boutique Hotel: One of the most chic places to stay in the Philippines. With unique décor in its spacious rooms, a good location (near the airport, on the city’s main thoroughfare), and a restaurant that usually wins everyone over. Not as cheap as the previous one, but worth every extra euro.
Hotels in Bohol
Bohol is a classic on any itinerary in the Philippines. Diving in Balicasag, the famous Chocolate Hills, waterfalls, and rice fields… As it’s such a large island, there are different areas to stay in Bohol. Alona Beach is the most touristy area and closest to diving; Loboc and Carmen bring you closer to the Chocolate Hills; and Anda is a booming area with more and more to discover. You’ll find all the details in Where to stay in Bohol, Where to stay in Panglao, Where to stay in Loboc, Best resorts in Bohol and Best hostels in Bohol, but here we recommend one hotel in Bohol for each of the main areas:
– Accommodation in Alona Beach, Panglao > Henann Resort Alona Beach: If your budget allows, this resort awaits with stunning villas, luxury rooms, and impeccable service. It’s an ideal place to treat yourself on your trip to the Philippines and even to celebrate a honeymoon as it deserves. It’s right on Alona Beach, with an amazing pool and loungers on the shore.
– Accommodation in Loboc > Fox & The Firefly Cottages: If you’re looking for accommodation in the Philippines with river views, surrounded by tranquility and nature, in beautifully decorated cabins with a good restaurant, keep an eye on this one. From here you can rent a motorbike to explore Bohol island on your own or join one of the tours that are organized. You can read more about it in our article Staying at Fox & The Firefly Cottages.
– Accommodation in Anda > Three Little Birds: Without a doubt, the best value-for-money hotel in Anda. Located a stone’s throw from the beach, in a super-quiet area, the rooms are perfectly equipped and decorated with local products. In addition, they surround a pleasant pool and it has a restaurant. They rent motorbikes so you can head out to discover the area’s impressive waterfalls and rice fields.
Hotels in Malapascua
It wouldn’t be surprising if, one day, on this small Philippine island, you bump into us. We’re in love with it! The unique vibe, diving with the thresher shark, or the excursion to Kalanggaman Island are just some of the many reasons. In the article Where to stay in Malapascua you have a good list with some of the best places to stay, but these are two of our favorites:
Ocean Vida: Modern, clean, and spacious rooms with sea views; a top-notch staff; one of the best dive centers on the island; and the terrace where every evening we see the day out while having a drink—these are some of the reasons that make Ocean Vida one of the resorts in the Philippines where we feel most at home. That said, if you want to stay in Malapascua at this property, you’ll need to book ahead—it’s in high demand.
Evolution Dive and Beach Resort: Another great place to stay in Malapascua. It also has a dive center, is located right on the seafront, and has rooms with modern décor. We fell in love with its restaurant from the first time we went.
Hotels in Boracay
Heads up! Since October 2018 the Boracay hotel list has been notably reduced to comply with the new ordinance. Therefore, before checking other outdated websites, we recommend that you read our guide to Where to stay in Boracay or Best resorts in Boracay to know which are authorized and in which areas of the island to look for accommodation.
357 Boracay Resort: This Boracay accommodation is located in the quietest area of the famous White Beach, the island’s main beach. The service is excellent, the beautiful décor is made with native products, and its location is beachfront. A great choice if you want to include a stay on what used to be the country’s most famous beach among your accommodations in the Philippines.
Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa: One of the most coveted resorts in Boracay and in the Philippines in general. This luxurious hotel has the island’s only private beach, as well as private pools, bungalows with sea views, impeccable décor… If you’re going on a honeymoon to the Philippines, it has to be on your list.
© Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa
Hotels in Siquijor
Siquijor has a special magic that captivates you and, on top of that, offers a wide variety of plans. Snorkeling, cliff jumping, unique sunsets, historic buildings, waterfalls, healers… There are different recommended accommodation areas in Siquijor, and you have them all detailed in Where to stay in Siquijor.
Coco Grove Beach Resort: This large resort is not as expensive as it might seem for everything it offers, and that’s why we always recommend it. We loved its rooms, spa, restaurants with varied menus, the service, and, of course, the fact that it has direct access to the best snorkeling sanctuary on the entire island. A very good choice of accommodation in the Philippines if your route takes you through Siquijor.
White Villas Resort: Our favorite place to stay in the Solangon area. It has a pool, large and clean rooms, free kayaks for guests, it’s right on the beach, and it’s in a central area without being in the thick of the bustle. In fact, you have a full review of our stay here.
Hotels in Romblon
Romblon is one of the crown’s “new gems,” and little by little it offers more and more options for staying overnight. In Where to stay in Romblon you can find more information, but for now you can take a look and see what you think of these two options:
Romblon Fun Divers & Inn: Recently built, it has quickly earned a place among the best value-for-money hotels in Romblon. Close to the city center and just 3 kilometers from the famous Bonbon Beach, it also has a dive center.
Stone Creek House: A wonderful apartment right in the center of Romblon. When we arrived, we booked for 3 days and ended up spending more than a week. A place where you’ll feel at home. Carlos, the owner, is lovely and will make your visit much easier. An accommodation in the Philippines to keep in mind if you’re passing through this island.
Hotels in Cebu
Cebu is the country’s second city, and you’ll likely pass through here on your way to another destination. In Where to stay in Cebu you’ll find options near the port, the airport, and the center, but these are the two we use most often.
Big Dreams Residences: We’ve lost count of how many times this has been our accommodation in the Philippines. The rooms have beds for 2 and 3 people, air conditioning, a fridge, and a TV, and its location is ideal both for discovering the city and for being close to the port. The staff is super friendly, and there’s a shopping mall nearby where you can have a tasty pizza for dinner.
Quest Hotel & Conference Center: If you’re looking for something more upscale, more central, with a pool and a good restaurant—but without breaking the bank—this is an excellent choice.
Hotels in Moalboal
Moalboal is the perfect excuse to explore Cebu island in depth. Great diving awaits you there, beautiful snorkeling, and the most famous waterfalls in the Philippines. Here you have our guide to Where to stay in Moalboal, but first take a look at these suggestions:
Tongo Hill Cottages: When this accommodation opened in August 2018, Instagram went wild. Its pretty bamboo cabins look good in any photo and are super cozy. Located on a hill with views, the room includes breakfast, and its spectacular open-air bathroom has views of the stars.
Quo Vadis Dive Resort: A solid accommodation choice in Moalboal, especially if you plan to dive. The rooms are spacious and clean, and it has its own dive center.
Hotels in Bantayan
If you’re going to enjoy a few beach days on this island, it’s best to have a good place to stay in Bantayan at the end of the day. Let’s see what you think of these two options:
Jelly’s Haven Resort: Spacious rooms next to a very good stretch of beach make this accommodation one of the most recommended for spending a few days in Bantayan.
Anika Island Resort: This pretty hotel with a pool, large rooms, and gardens where you can relax is a very good choice. Just keep in mind that it’s a bit far from the restaurant area, and you’ll need to use some means of transport to go out for dinner.
Hotels in Siargao
Siargao is one of those places where, when choosing your accommodation in the Philippines, you should do it in advance because the best ones tend to fill up. In the guide to Where to stay in Siargao and Best resorts in Siargao you have all the details. Here are two you might like:
Villa Pagoda Resort: Don’t put too much stock in the photos on its website; it seems the photographer wasn’t very inspired that day. For Siargao, it offers very good value for money. It’s located in the island’s main hub and has direct beach access.
Sandy Feet Siargao: A beautiful resort in Siargao that doesn’t reach the eye-watering prices of the competition. Its décor is simple but pretty, and its architecture is modern, bright, and spacious. Very well located on the seafront.
Hotels in Camiguin
The volcanic island of Camiguin has accommodation for every taste. In the guide to Where to stay in Camiguin we tell you about the best areas, but for now here are a couple of hotels to get you started.
Balai sa Baibai: if what you’re after is an infinity pool with sea views and décor with a pure Balinese vibe, this is your place. To really splurge, book one of its villas with a private pool.
Mountain View Cottages: Henry and his wife are two charming hosts at this cluster of bungalows overlooking Camiguin’s mountains. They’re super spacious and have two rooms: a living room/kitchen and a bedroom with air conditioning. Besides being a super pleasant place, they rent motorbikes at a very good price. We couldn’t help but extend our stay again and again.
© Balai sa Baibai
Have you stayed at any accommodation in the Philippines that we haven’t mentioned and want to recommend it? Do you have questions about how to book or about hotels in a specific destination? Tell us in the comments—we’re all ears!
