Where to Stay when in El Nido

Another thing to love about El Nido aside from its natural landscapes are the superb accommodations that you can choose from in here.

There are so many choices of where to stay in El Nido and a bad one can put a serious downer on your trip. Which is why finding the one that perfectly suits your needs is the best way to be. (It's like the icing on top of your cake!)

Here are some of the things that you check out in a hotel or resort: well-appointed rooms, complete amenities, enjoyable amenities, and location-wise!  Also considering the season, there are times that El Nido gets too crowded with the flock of tourists so booking ahead of time will not only save you money but also from stress.

To give you an idea of where best to stay, we rounded up below top accommodations that you should check out when visiting the El Nido:

6.

IPIL SUITES

Non-beachfront | Real St, Buena Suerte, El Nido, Palawan

Class: 3* Budget

Recommended: Friends, Family, Couples, Backpackers

Quality accommodation doesn't have to come at a price! Located at El Nido Town, enjoy the sweeping view of the sea and towering limestone cliffs as you stay at Ipil Suites El Nido. 

This four-storey building has twenty-five air-conditioned rooms all equipped with hot/cold showers, a satellite TV, a safety deposit box and free Wifi making your stay vacation worthwhile.

Apart from this, it also houses Ipil Garden Restaurant which offers a laidback ambiance while you munch on their Filipino and International dishes combined with their own original twist. One dines here and they'll surely take your stress away!

Since the place is located at El Nido town, you'll also get the chance to roam around and at the same time get yourself to the beaches in just a few minutes!

POPULAR AMENITIES

Room WIFI: Free | Available in designated areas

Wellness: No

Business Center: No

Dining: 2 | Restaurant/ Bar

CLOSEST LANDMARK

El Nido Ferry Terminal – 350 m | 2 mins drive

Las Cabanas Beach – 4.8 km | 13 mins drive

Lio Airport – 5.5km | 14 mins drive

Nacpan Beach – 20.3km| 38 mins drive

5.

HOTEL COVO

Non-beachfront | Lio Tourism Estate, El Nido, Palawan

Class: 3* Budget

Recommended: Friends, Couples, Backpackers

For travelers who are in the hunt for a hip yet budget-friendly type of accommodation in El Nido, worry no more 'cause Hotel Covo got your back!

Unlike any other accommodations, Hotel Covo definitely stands out because of the youthful and adventurous vibes emanating from its rooms down to its facilities. First, you'll be welcomed by its al-fresco restaurant where you can satisfy your taste buds with the right flavors then, there's the Garden Area where guests can simply chill, read a book, or chat with friends while admiring the relaxing verdant view. Also, never skip leg day with Hotel Covo's fitness and training club which houses world-class equipment.

As for its rooms, they managed to combine modern aesthetics and sustainability from the Palawan inspired headboard, walls with pipes that can be used as a speaker for your phone to other essential amenities.

It's not just a boutique hotel but an idyllic hangout spot that you and your friends will surely enjoy.

POPULAR AMENITIES

Room WIFI: Free | Available in the room & common areas

Wellness: Yes | Fitness and Training Club/Garden

Business Center: Additional Charge | Fax/Photocopying only/Meeting Rooms

Dining: 2 | Restaurant/ Lounge

CLOSEST LANDMARK

Lio Beach – 97m | 1 min walk

Lio Airport – 150m | 3 mins drive

El Nido Ferry Terminal –5.8km | 17 mins drive

Nacpan Beach – 16.5km| 31 mins drive

4.

CASA KALAW

Non-beachfront | Lio Tourism Estate, El Nido, Palawan

Class: 3* Deluxe Budget

Recommended: Friends, Solo Travelers, Couples, Family

Named after an endemic bird in Palawan, this resort offers an eco-friendly yet stylish experience to all its guests.

Casa Kalaw boasts with 42 Filipino-inspired rooms complimenting its green surroundings. Each one has well-appointed amenities, some have its own balcony, and others have direct access to the pool. 

Its amenities include a conference room, a game lounge, and an outdoor pool. They also have various dining outlets such as a Cafe, a bar, and an alfresco dining area where you can eat your heart out in paradise!

Plus being perfectly tucked in Lio Tourism Estate, it's surrounded by lush greenery giving out an ambiance that'll surely captivate you!

POPULAR AMENITIES

Room WIFI: Free | Available in the room & common areas

Wellness: Yes | Outdoor Pool/ Game Lounge

Business Center: Additional Charge | Conference Room

Dining: 3 | Café/ Bar/ Alfresco Dining

CLOSEST LANDMARK

Lio Beach – 75m | 1 min walk

Lio Airport – 170m | 3 mins drive

El Nido Ferry Terminal –5.8km | 17 mins drive

Nacpan Beach – 16.5km| 31 mins drive

3.

EL NIDO COVE RESORT

Beachfront | 73 Real Street, Barangay Buena Suerte, El Nido, Palawan

Class: 3* Deluxe

Recommended: Corporate, Friends, Family, Private Events

If you're looking for a beachfront paradise that will give you tranquility and pure delight, then El Nido Cove is the perfect place for you!

This resort boasts a beachfront location that guarantees every guest’s satisfaction. Spend lazy days treating yourself with a soothing massage, a quick dip in the outdoor pool, or simply lounge by the beach. You can also enjoy playing sports activities such as volleyball, badminton, and kayaking.

After a day of exploring El Nido's lagoons, stay at their rooms that are tastefully designed with simple yet charming amenities & facilities giving you comfort, convenience and making your stay more desirable!

POPULAR AMENITIES

Room WIFI: Free | Available in the room & common areas

Wellness: Yes | Outdoor Pool/Private Beach/ Massage Service

Business Center: No

Dining: 2 | Restaurant/ Bar

CLOSEST LANDMARK

Lio Airport – 5.8km | 12 mins drive

Lio Beach – 6km | 13 mins drive

El Nido Ferry Terminal – 9.9km | 22 mins drive

Nacpan Beach – 11km| 25 mins drive

2.

SEDA LIO

Beachfront | Lio Tourism Estate, El Nido, Palawan

Class: 4* Deluxe

Recommended: Family, Friends, Private Events, Corporate

Who says business trips should be boring? Located just five minutes away from Lio Airport, Seda Lio is the next top-notch accommodation that you should look forward to.

Aside from its 150 rooms equipped with plush amenities, this resort proudly caters to leisure tourists, families, destination weddings, and meeting & incentive groups. Seda Lio houses Narra which is a spacious venue that can accommodate 150-300 persons and Ipil which is an individual venue for a smaller group.  

To fill your appetites, dine in the highly-acclaimed Misto or quench your thirst at the pool bar.

Not only you get to enjoy the natural paradise of El Nido but also have your well-deserved stay within the comforts of Seda Lio!

POPULAR AMENITIES

Room WIFI: Free | Available in the room & common areas

Wellness: Yes | Two-level Infinity Pool/Gym/ Massage Service/ Game Room

Business Center: Additional Charge | Conference Rooms

Dining: 2 | Restaurant/ Pool Bar

CLOSEST LANDMARK

Lio Airport – 3km | 5 mins drive

Lio Beach – 7km | 7 mins drive

El Nido Ferry Terminal – 7.1km | 17 mins drive

Nacpan Beach – 13.3km| 23 mins drive

1.

EL NIDO RESORTS – LAGEN ISLAND

Private Island | Lagen Islan, El Nido, Palawan

Class: 5* High-end

Recommended: Couples, Family, Private Events

A resort nestled in a cove surrounded by lush forest and clear waters...El Nido Lagen Island Resorts sure is something worth splurging to!

As one of El Nido Resorts' group of sustainable island resorts, stay and experience an impeccable service only at Lagen Island. 

This eco-luxury island resort offers 51 deluxe accommodations and water cottages built on stilts that that evokes luxury and serendipity. Lagen Island is the best option for every traveler looking for a relaxing, romantic and private vacation. 

And since they are known as an Eco-sanctuary resort, they also offer sustainable tours such as bird watching and kayaking thru mangroves. This private island resort is truly is a slice of paradise!

POPULAR AMENITIES

Room WIFI: Free | Available in the room & common areas

Wellness: Yes | Private Beach/ Outdoor Pool/Fitness centre/ Massage Service

Business Center: No

Dining: 4 | Restaurant/Beach Sala Bar/ Private Dinners/ Picnics

CLOSEST LANDMARK

Lio Airport to El Nido Resorts Jetty Lounge – 15mins drive

El Nido Resorts Jetty Lounge to Pangulasian Island – 30-45mins boat ride

El Nido Town – 46mins drive (from El Nido Resorts Jetty Lounge )

So what do you think? Did we give you a good set of list to choose from? If you’re still having doubt then feel free to let us know what’s bugging you. Maybe we could help! But we’re sure these hotels and resort are definitely worth trying.

Wanna know how to easily get to El Nido? Read more here: HOW TO GO TO EL NIDO VIA PHILIPPINE AIRLINES

Doesn’t have any idea what’s your itinerary should be? Fret no more we got you cover, check our blog:  EL NIDO TRAVEL GUIDE: 4 DAYS AND 3 NIGHTS

To give you an idea of which tours should you opt for, read our blogs here: TOUR A: LAGOONS AND BEACHES, TOUR C: HIDDEN BEACHES AND SHRINES, LAS CABANAS AND NACPAN BEACH

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Was our recommendation helpful enough? Let us know by commenting below or send us an email at tours.ph@raksotravel.com. If you'd rather talk to one of our travel representatives call us at +63 (2) 8651-9000.

For other tours and travel needs, check out our website at www.islastory.com.

Don’t forget to follow & subscribe to get updated with Philippines travels!

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Eats More Fun in Manila!

Known for having a vivacious food scene, Metro Manila offers a dime a dozen of restaurants which is why finding one isn't hard, however,  the real challenge here is to dine somewhere that is worth the time of day.

Lucky for those visiting the Chief City of the Philippines -Metro Manila, this place has a handful of restaurants that are difficult to miss. So whether you're in pursuit of settling down for a delightful lunch with friends, a dinner meeting with business partners or simply looking for a new kind of dining experience, this premier urban jungle sure got something for you to try.

And since we know hunting down a good dining spot can be hard especially if you're not yet familiar with the city, we now took the liberty of scouring the Metro for you and listed down below the best places to satisfy your cravings!

 5 .

ISLAS PINAS

G/F DoubleDragon Plaza, DD Meridian Park, EDSA Ext cor, Diosdado Macapagal Blvd, Bay Area, Pasay, Metro Manila

Type:  Filipino | Buffet

Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM

Must Taste: Lechon Cebu Belly, Kare-kare, Inihaw na Manok, Pansit, Tusok-tusok (streetfoods)

This isn't your run-of-the-mill local restaurant. Here at Islas Pinas, be part of a gastronomic voyage while celebrating the richness of the Filipino culture!

As a result of the collaboration between DoubleDragon group and chef Margarita Forés, this food hall has been recently taking over the spotlight with its unique offerings. Aside from the palatable lutong bahay and elevated street foods, your whole dining experience will not be complete without exploring its interiors imitating significant landmarks all over the Philippines. 

It's divided into themed sections that showcase top destinations in the country such as Walls of Intramuros in Manila, Rice Terraces in Benguet, Calle Crisologo in Vigan, and the distinctive Vinta (boat) from Mindanao. There are also interactive displays such as a sari-sari store (neighborhood sundry store), a vegetable cart, and a jeepney! 

So if you're stumped about where to enjoy your lunch, you can never go wrong with the great Filipino food and culture here at Islas Pinas!

 4 .

LUGANG CAFÉ

Skypark, Level 5, SM Aura Premier, 26th Street corner Mckinley Parkway, Taguig City

Type: Chinese | A la Carte

Hours: 11 AM to 10:30 PM daily

Must Taste: Xiao Long Bao, Three-Cup Chicken, Red Beans, Candied Pineapple & Condensed Milk on Shaved Ice, Pineapple Fried Rice

Whether you're dining with your family, friends, or even colleagues, Lugang Cafe is sure to give you your much needed Chinese cuisine fix. 

This Taiwanese Restaurant has been overshadowing other restaurants when it comes to authentic Chinese meals. From the dim sum, fresh seafood and vegetable entrees, to soups, stews, and sweet desserts,  there's nothing not to love from their menu variety! And as a country who's forever in love with rice, Lugang Cafe features its own take on fried rice which comes in different versions that you must not miss. 

Reservations are also highly recommended as they’re usually packed!

 3 .

FLAME RESTAURANT

16th Floor, Discovery Primea, Ayala Ave, Makati, Metro Manila

Type: Filipino | A la Carte

Hours: 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM & 6 PM to 10 PM Mondays to Saturdays

Must Taste: Tuna Yukhoe Tacos, Foie Gras Chawanmushi, Seared Wagyu Beef Cubes, Take-Out Lobster Fried Rice, Take-Out Lobster Fried Rice

Looking for a fine-casual hangout spot? Then head to Discovery Primea Hotel's 16th floor where you'll find FLAME Restaurant! 

This modern European restaurant is known for its burning passion to create and innovate which is also their philosophy. Although European cuisines are always associated with fine dining, this restaurant managed to incorporate playfulness with sophistication in their menu as well as Asian flavors. Their interiors also add up to the whole exquisite dining experience -marble countertops, a majestic chandelier,  and ceiling-to-floor glass windows. 

The cityscape’s view from up here is just a bonus.

 2 .

SPIRAL

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard Pasay City, Metro Manila

Type: International | Buffet

Hours: 12 PM to 2:30 PM & 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM daily

Must Taste: Asian noodles, Cheese, Peking Duck, Wines, Korean BBQ, Japanese Fresh Seafoods

Located at Sofitel Philippines Plaza, indulge the great tastes of the world at Spiral! 

This world-class and multi-awarded culinary destination is known to be the most interactive gourmet dining buffet in Manila as it houses over 21 dining ateliers and the best artisans in the country. Diners also get to have a piece of the action as they watch the chefs prepare meals right before their eyes. 

With its classy interiors and wide array of top-notch mals, Spiral is definitely worth the trip to Metro Manila. So, whatever you're craving for, this buffet is indeed an ultimate feast you won't get enough of!  

 1 .

BARBARA’S HERITAGE RESTAURANT

Plaza San Luis, General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila

Type: Filipino | A la Carte

Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM daily

Must Taste: Lumpia (Spring roll), Salad, Soup, Roasted Chicken, Filipino desserts

Dine back in time! Fill your appetite at the same time as learning more about Philippine’s Spanish colonial times when you dine in Barbara's Heritage Restaurant. 

Barbara's Heritage Restaurant offers an awesome cultural experience with its ambiance, service and especially the food. The dishes served are made from fresh and quality ingredients inspired by the colonial time giving your taste buds delighting flavors. Another great thing about this restaurant is that they change their menu everyday, now that’s something you won’t get fed up to, right?

While dining, have a glimpse of the Philippine culture as one of the highlights of this resto is their Cultural Show. Different traditional dances and folk songs from the northern part of the island up to the south are being showcased and even inviting the guests to join them! 

Imagine, not only you get your tummy filled with great food but also your mind with te rich culture of the Philippines!  

Don’t have a hotel yet? Check out our recommended hotels & resorts: TOP HOTELS IN METRO MANILA FOR YOUR NEXT STAYCATION

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Was our recommendation helpful enough? Let us know by commenting below or send us an email at tours.ph@raksotravel.com. If you'd rather talk to one of our travel representatives call us at +63 (2) 651-9003.

For other tours and travel needs, check out our website at www.islastory.com.

Don’t forget to follow & subscribe to get updated with Philippines travels!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/islastoryph/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/IslaStory

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+IslaStory