Where to stay when exploring Puerto Princesa

Known as one of the country’s crown jewels in tourism, the city of Puerto Princesa in Palawan is an ideal tourist destination for anyone seeking a fun getaway. With its lush rainforests, white sand beaches, and bustling urban center, the city is best enjoyed in the summer months of April to June, when tourists can enjoy calmer seas and comfortable temperatures.

As one of the model cities in the Philippines in terms of cleanliness, environmental protection and conservation, and security, Puerto Princesa is more than worth the visit. To fully enjoy its natural beauty and make the most of your vacation, here are five accommodations worth considering when staying in Puerto Princesa.

Sta. Lucia Land’s SotoGrande Palawan

Located within the Catalina Lake Residences, which is built alongside the beautiful Lake Catalina, the SotoGrande Palawan is a condotel that spans across a 1,000 square meter (sqm.) lot area and has over 147 rooms. Boasting six stories and a striking ivory exterior, the accommodation provides easy access to the city’s business district and leisure hotspots, as well as a beautiful view of the lush greenery that surrounds it.

The SotoGrande offers various amenities, such as a swimming pool, a clubhouse with a multi-purpose hall, and a play area. This condotel features 23 sqm. standard and deluxe rooms that can house up to three individuals, as well as 34 sqm. one-bedroom suites that can accommodate four adults. Each room comes with a flat screen TV, unlimited wi-fi access, a safety deposit box, complete bathroom amenities, and a mini fridge, among others.

Crown Hotel Palawan at Harbour Springs

Only a few minutes away from Honda Bay and the city center, the Crown Hotel Palawan at Harbour Springs, managed by Enderun Hotel, is a must-visit for both tourists and Puerto Princesa locals. Aside from its four stories and 82 rooms, the hotel also offers the Palawan Paradise Escape, a two-night instant island getaway complete with a tour of the famous underground river and a lunch buffet. Also nearby is the popular Cowrie Island, which is only 3.7 kilometers (km) or 10 minutes away from the hotel by car.

The hotel’s amenities include a swimming pool with vibrant green surroundings and a function room with a sleek, contemporary design. The modern and stylish standard room spans 34 sqm and can accommodate up to two adults in two double beds, also housing an en suite bathroom. Similar features are found in the deluxe room, along with a beautiful veranda. Available accommodations go all the way up to the grand penthouse, which offers a living room and dining area, three bedrooms with king beds, three en suite bathrooms, and a veranda, accommodating up to six adults in 197 sqm.

Citystate Asturias Hotel Palawan

Described as “a respite for the hectic executive[s] or entrepreneur[s] and a portal to nature’s wonders for the adventurous tourist,” the Citystate Asturias Hotel Palawan is a beautiful and convenient accommodation, located only 10 minutes away from the city proper and five minutes from the airport. Its lavish exterior boasts lush palm trees and a clear outdoor pool, allowing guests to take in the skies above. Top attractions such as the Immaculate Conception Cathedral and the Plaza Cuartel are also located around 3.2 to 3.3 km away from the accommodation.

The hotel offers adaptable banquet facilities that can house up to 350 guests for events such as parties or formal or informal forums. Its other facilities include airport transfer, conference rooms, valet parking, an on-site travel agency, laundry services, massage services, and three restaurants where guests can enjoy delicious meals: the Lounge Bar, Pacardos Restaurant, and Scenario Bar. Its rooms are classified from deluxe to superior, complete with flat screen TVs, free wi-fi, and refrigerators, as well as free parking.

Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa

Earlier this month, Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel guidance platform, named the Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa as the “best value resort” in Puerto Princesa. The accommodation was also given the Traveler’s Choice Award by Tripadvisor in 2023.

With its organic materials and Palaweño arts and crafts, the Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa gives off a uniquely Filipino feel while also providing a luxurious, comfortable experience. Located only 15 minutes away from the Puerto Princesa International Airport, the hotel is a premium getaway from the busy streets of the city, catering to guests with over 78 rooms and villas.

Among its offerings is the Water Villa, a private little hut built atop the sparkling ocean waters. The Water Villa features a romantic 180-degree view of the natural scenery from a wrap-around terrace overlooking the sea, and comes with a jacuzzi and area for lounging under the sun.

Its other accommodations are split into three categories: the Signature Collection, the Pool Collection, and the Luxury Collection, which the Water Villa falls under. The Signature Collection offers comfortable and visually pleasing rooms ranging from the Princesa Classic at 45 to 50 sqm for two adults and two children (11 years and below), to the Family Room with an ocean view at 152 sqm for four adults and two children (11 years and below), and a master bedroom facing the ocean.

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Meanwhile, as its name suggests, the Pool Collection provides easy access to the pool and a view of the ocean, and the Luxury Collection features the lustrous Water Villa and bungalow-type rooms.

Astoria Palawan

This hotel is an eco-friendly, 8-ha resort that kisses the shores of the Sulu Sea. From here, guests can enjoy luxurious modern architecture as well as emerald forests, grasslands, and mountain ranges, surrounded by lofty trees. It is also the recipient of several awards, such as the Quality Seal from the Department of Tourism, the Certificate of Excellence from Tripadvisor in 2019, and the Traveler’s Choice award from Tripadvisor in 2021, 2020, and 2019.

Though it is located 90 minutes away from the airport, the hotel offers exclusive transfer services for only P3,500 per way per van (7-8 pax). It is also 2.9 km from one of Puerto Princesa’s most popular landmarks, the Puerto Princesa City Baywalk Park.

Among its accommodations are the bright and colorful Alcove Superior Room, which measures up to 32 sqm and can house up to two queen-sized beds; separate villas ranging from the 38 sqm villa deluxe rooms to 56 sqm villa one-bedroom suites with separate ensuite living and bedroom, and the vibrant and sleek 91 sqm villa two-bedroom suites with up to four queen-sized beds and two bathrooms; and the nest superior plus rooms, which span 36 sqm and boast a clean, ivory interior. It also offers 32 sqm premier rooms, exclusive to all members and featuring walls adorned with colorful artwork, as well as one king-sized or two queen-sized beds.

The hotel also hosts the Palawan Waterpark By Astoria, the first and only waterpark in Puerto Princesa. It features water slides, a 5-ft pool, a marine sanctuary with large sea creature statues, a river ride, and a photo-op area. -ERIN ALCALA

Sources: Inquirer archives, astoriapalawan.com, avlci.com, tripadvisor.com.ph, princesagardenisland.com, simplyphilippines.net, instagram.com/princesagarden, facebook.com/princesagarden, booking.com, asturiashotel.ph, facebook.com/citystateasturias, crownhotelpalawan.com, stalucialand.com.ph, sotograndehotels.com, puertoprincesa.ph, the-crown-residences-at-harbour-springs.hotels-puertoprincesa.com, google.com.pk/travel/hotels