On one of our latest visits to Alona Beach, in addition to continuing to explore the island to update our guide to Things to do in Panglao, one of the activities we were most eager to do was diving. For that reason—and for the sheer pleasure of stepping out of your room and seeing the sea—we wanted accommodation right by the shore. We opted for La Sirenita Dive Resort, and it was such a great choice that we ended up staying almost two weeks. In this article we share our experience.
Location of La Sirenita Dive Resort: Alona Beach
We had just spent a few days in accommodation a bit removed from the places of interest, and this time we were sure that we wanted everything within easy reach. Plus, since we wanted to dive, an important premise was that it be lodging with access to the beach area and close to the dive centers. On this occasion, we also didn’t want to depend on a motorbike to go out for lunch and dinner. So, after searching around the area, we found exactly what we were looking for: La Sirenita Dive Resort, on Alona Beach.
La Sirenita, a highly recommended hotel in Panglao
La Sirenita Dive Resort has two room types: the Standard Double Room with sea view and the Deluxe Double Room with sea view. Both have a very similar layout and size, and the main difference is that the “Deluxe” rooms are on the lower floor and have a private terrace with a table and chairs where you can relax or have breakfast. We chose the latter.
The first thing that caught our attention when we entered La Sirenita’s room was its huge size. A room that fits two double beds and still has space left over is always a synonym for comfort. Both beds were really very comfortable—ideal for resting after a day of diving in Panglao. The rooms have all the amenities you might need:
- Safe to store money and important documents
- Air conditioning—modern split units that neither smell nor make noise
- Large fanr for those who aren’t big fans of air conditioning
- Fridge to always have something cool on hand to beat the heat
- Set of cups, kettle, coffees, and teas for whenever you fancy
Our second surprise came when we entered the bathroom because it is, without exaggeration, bigger than some rooms we’ve slept in on our travels. The shower has hot water—essential to feel great after a dive—and good pressure. In addition, the small window by the sink comes with a mosquito screen, which is ideal for ventilating the space without relying on air conditioning or fans.
Another plus point of La Sirenita is the possibility of refilling your water bottle for free from the large dispenser they have at reception. As well as saving money, it really helps to reduce single‑use plastic consumption, which is always a big win.
And just as listed in our criteria for picking accommodation on Alona Beach for this trip, La Sirenita Dive Resort has direct access to the beach via a staircase that bridges the drop to the shore and gets you there in under a minute. That is, quite simply, a delight: being able to leave your accommodation in just your swimsuit, spend a while on the beach, and return to your room recharged us during our stay in Panglao.
Of course, we can’t overlook the Wi‑Fi speed at La Sirenita. Used to the country’s typically poor connections, the internet at this accommodation is fantastic. No surprise—it’s fiber optic. Videos, movies, music, websites… everything loads instantly. A 10/10!
Other services at La Sirenita Resort
Although breakfast is not included, the price is really low and affordable. If you stay in the lower rooms, you’ll have the pleasure of enjoying it on your private terrace before setting off to enjoy the island. They offer a vegetarian option as well as classic continental and Filipino breakfasts. You can order breakfast when you wake up, but if you prefer you can also request it the day before and have it served punctually at the time you want, which is ideal if you have to leave early.
In addition to breakfasts, La Sirenita also offers a laundry service. Although it may not be the fastest we’ve found, it is one of the cheapest—especially compared to prices in the Alona Beach area.
La Sirenita is right on the beach
Eating and dining near La Sirenita
In our guide to Where to eat in Panglao we tell you in detail about our favorite places to eat in the area. These are some of the most interesting spots near La Sirenita Dive Resort:
- Isis: Beachfront restaurant with many Thai dishes, but also the classic Filipino and Western options. Fast service and large portions, though slightly pricier than what you usually pay to eat in the Philippines.
- Naty & Henry: A typical Filipino carinderia, also located on Alona Beach’s main street, where—in addition to friendly, super fun waiters—you’ll find a wide variety of dishes.
- Shaka: On Alona’s main street but a bit farther away. Vegetarian menu with many vegan options and a delicious variety of burgers, Mexican food, and smoothie bowls.
Summary video of La Sirenita Dive Resort
We like to show accommodations in a more personal way so you can get a more realistic idea of them. In this video about La Sirenita at Alona Beach you can take a closer look at its features:
Final opinion about this accommodation
Once again, when it comes to giving a final verdict on a place to stay, we ask ourselves the same question: would we go back? And in this case the answer is obvious because, in fact, not only did we go back but we extended our stay a couple of times. When we return to Alona Beach again and look for beachfront lodging, La Sirenita Dive Resort will once more be our home for a few days.
Pros:
- Unbeatable location. Right in front of Alona Beach and perfect for diving
- Being at one end of the beach, it’s away from noise and the nighttime bustle
- Spacious, clean, modern rooms with the main essentials covered
- Super friendly staff
- One of the best Wi‑Fi connections we’ve tried in the Philippines
Cons:
- For our taste, a mosquito screen is missing on the main window
- The laundry service, although super affordable, felt a bit slow. It seems to be due to lack of space in the drying area
- The small bathroom window opens onto the area where breakfasts are prepared. Some mornings we woke up to kitchen noise
Final score: 8/10 Filipino suns.
Check price and book
Check the availability of La Sirenita Dive Resort for your travel dates from here, or take a look at these other hotels in Panglao:
