If on your trip around the Philippines you’re thinking of surfing somewhere less frequented than Siargao or, simply, spending a few quiet beach days, you might want to head up to northern Luzon. That’s why we’ve put together a selection of the best hotels to stay in La Union, Philippines.
From hostels for backpackers traveling solo or in groups to resorts with pools overlooking the sea, in this article about accommodation in La Union you’ll find all the options you need.
Best areas to stay in La Union
As we tell you in Things to do in La Union, we recommend focusing on the Urbiztondo or San Juan area. This is where you can enjoy the best waves and also a line-up of bars and restaurants along the beaches. Therefore, most hotels in this selection of places to stay in La Union are located here.
Still, if you stay in San Fernando or on other beaches further south or north, don’t worry. You have jeepneys and tricycles that will take you for little money to San Juan or Urbiztondo if you want more atmosphere. It’s very easy to get around this area.
Another thing to keep in mind is that accommodation in La Union is, unfortunately, not cheap. On weekends, when people from Manila come up, it gets even worse. So, if you’re thinking of coming from Friday to Sunday, on national holidays or at Christmas, we suggest booking in advance to avoid paying even more.
Recommended hotels to stay in La Union
Now that you know the best area to stay in La Union, here are the best value-for-money options for every budget.
Backpacker hostels in La Union
Filipinos love traveling in groups (what’s known as a barkada) or meeting other travelers, so there are several hostels to stay in La Union:
Rada Hostel LU
If you’re looking for a hostel in La Union to meet other travelers, this is, thanks to the lovely rooftop they have, the best alternative. Recently opened, everything is spotless and the mattresses are truly wonderful. They have double rooms and 4‑bed dorms, all with air conditioning. Breakfast, Filipino‑style, is included in the price. And something we really like is that they have drinking water dispensers to save money and reduce plastic.
On the other hand, it’s located right in Urbiztondo, so it’s ideal if you’re looking for something convenient. You have the beach for surfing and tons of restaurants and bars just steps away.
© Rada Hostel
Flotsam & Jetsam
It’s the best‑known hostel in La Union and the one with the coolest vibe. Besides dorms, they have double and quadruple rooms with very cool decor. It isn’t cheap, but it’s one of the most cool places in La Union. We recommend it if you want to be in the “scene,” since its terrace is the party spot in Urbiztondo. With plenty of spaces, especially the beanbag area, you won’t lack opportunities to socialize.
The Escape San Juan
It’s one of the recent additions to backpacker hostels in La Union. The Escape San Juan is in Urbiztondo and has direct beach access. Although the rooms (new, colorful, and spacious) are great, the best part is its terrace facing the sea. It’s a great option if you’re traveling as a group and want a spotless place with good prices to stay in La Union.
Book your room at The Escape San Juan by clicking here
© The Escape La Unión
Budget hotels to stay in La Union
Although the supply of decent, affordable places is quite limited, here are some recommendations on where to stay in La Union:
Hotel Mikka
Since we arrived quite late on the first day, we decided to stay right next to where the bus dropped us off in San Fernando. Despite the bad reviews, we didn’t find it that bad. We only recommend it as a stopover; it’s not a pleasant place to spend several days, especially because the rooms have no natural light at all and the staff aren’t very friendly.
Heads up: it’s one of those places that is considerably cheaper if you book online than turning up at the property and booking there.
© Hotel Mikka
Monaliza Surf Resort
Although the double rooms aren’t glamorous at all, Monaliza Surf Resort is a moderately affordable alternative for accommodation in La Union right by the beach, in Urbiztondo. They have double fan rooms with shared bathroom in a wooden building where you can hear everything, or double, triple, and even sextuple rooms in a “concrete” one that offers a bit more privacy. Some of them have direct sea views.
Take a look at Monaliza Surf Resort
Zen Rooms G Hotel La Union
Located right in Urbiztondo, on the main road, Zen Rooms G Hotel is newly built and, although the decor won’t wow you, the furniture is modern and functional. They have double, triple, and single rooms with air conditioning, perfect for all types of travelers.
Click here and book at Zen Rooms G Hotel La Union
© Zen Rooms G Hotel La Union
This Airbnb apartment
If you’re looking for where to stay in La Union and you don’t find much in the traditional search engines, make sure to check Airbnb, as there are several interesting apartments in the area.
We stayed in this one we point out, located in San Juan. The truth is we spent 10 very pleasant days there. It’s two steps from the sea, the internet was fast, and we had a kitchen, which is very welcome after several months traveling.
Book through this link and you’ll get $25 off your first Airbnb booking
Resorts in La Union
If you don’t mind spending a little more, you’ll have access to very cool facilities, including pools with sea views. Here are some resort recommendations in La Union:
Kahuna Beach Resort & Spa
If you’re looking for a touch of luxury but just steps from the beach, this resort in La Union will win you over. It’s right in the center of Urbiztondo and has direct sea views. The pool is the highlight, where a couple of cocktails from the bar will go down a treat. They have double rooms and family suites, all with modern, cozy decor. Plus, it’s one of those places that offers massages in their spa or in your own room so you can relax before bedtime.
Book here at Kahuna Beach Resort
© Kahuna Beach Resort & Spa
Aureo La Union
This La Union resort is located in San Fernando (don’t worry, you can get to Urbiztondo easily), but its facilities are the best and most exclusive in the area. It has an awesome pool right by the beach and rooms with sea views. Perfect for those who want a relaxing getaway and to forget the youthful bustle of Elyu.
Book at Aureo La Union Resort and Spa here
Villas Buenavista
Located on the beach of San Juan, which is not bad at all, this marble resort (yes, you’ll be amazed) has a good pool with sea views. The rooms, with air conditioning and all amenities, are spacious, but not with great decor, and breakfast is included.
Also, if you can’t be bothered to go to Urbiztondo or San Juan for dinner, you don’t need to worry, as they have a restaurant that’s pretty good.
Click here and book at Villas Buenavista
© Villas Buenavista
Map of places to stay in La Union, Philippines
Here you can get an idea of the location of each of these places to stay in La Union:
In the La Union Guide you’ll find much more information to enjoy this area of the Philippines.
What to do, how to get there, and much more!
