Palawan
This exclusive resort has rows of deluxe cabanas built directly over the water, which at night is illuminated by spotlights, turning it a translucent…
Must-see hotels in Philippines
Siquijor
It’s a lovely walk down a trellis-covered pathway from the simple, clean hillside rooms to this long-running resort's beach and lounge area. It's a…
Negros
Close to Malatapay and Zamboanguita, Thalatta delivers fine food and excellent lodging in mustard-coloured bungalows set around a lovely infinity pool…
Negros
This 1930s resort is famous for having hidden President Quezon from the Japanese during WWII. The large (5 hectare) hacienda-style property is nicely…
Sabang
This place, 200m northwest of Sabang pier, is an appealing haven. There’s no beach here, only a rocky shoreline, but the seven hardwood cottages, equipped…
Coron Town
The 13 whitewashed rooms are snug to the pool – indeed, you could dive right in from the ground-floor rooms. The pool-access rooms are tiny and lack…
El Nido
Two dozen cottages, each with its own porch, are set around a landscaped garden with towering palms. It has no beach and a rocky shore; however, stunning…
Port Barton
If Port Barton is too buzzing for you, then this somewhat isolated hostel 2km north of the centre might suit. It consists of a large concrete house and a…
Southeast Luzon
This attractive resort is the best on the east coast with its own private, pristine beach 2km north of Poctoy. Spacious oceanfront rooms and one cottage…
Manila
A shot in the arm for Malate's hopeful revival, Amélie's grey-stone minimalism is the perfect antidote to the sweaty, steamy metropolis. The throwback art…
Manila
The dorms are the highlight here. Picture beds (capsules) with roll-up privacy blinds, personal charging stations, private safety boxes, bright reading…
Puerto Princesa
Double rooms in this contemporary hotel sport tile floors, little 'lanai' courtyards and high-end bathrooms. The gym, which overlooks the pool (nonguests…
Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort
Cebu
Located on remote Sumilon Island, Bluewater fringes an idyllic white-sandbar beach and its rooms have Japanese touches, such as sliding screen doors…
Camiguin
Attached to the renowned restaurant, the rooms here are equally tasteful, decorated with hardwood furniture and Vietnamese–style antique lamps. Three…
Mindoro
A cheap dorm on a private island? Count us in. It's rote basic – just some mattresses squashed into a musty cottage – but you might have it to yourself…
Camiguin
If sea views aren't a priority, the tranquil garden ones at this meticulously maintained property 500m inland from the highway are an alternative. Each of…
Baguio
Consisting of just four rooms, named after the owner's children, this boutique spot is faux-rustic without getting tacky and offers either mountain or…
Manila
Down a side street near Remedios Circle, this is your best bet for a quiet yet central midranger in Malate. There's a brand-new wing with snazzy doubles…
Manila
The slightly less swanky sister of the Raffles Makati, the Fairmont nonetheless impresses with downy-soft bathrobes, futuristic bedside control panels and…
Busuanga & the Calamian Islands
This rustic place just off the highway has four simple fan-cooled rooms with shared bathrooms, a six-bed dorm and a kitchen for self-caterers. Walk up a…
Puerto Galera
The westernmost place on Big La Laguna beach, right at the water’s edge, is its best all-rounder. The standard rooms are nothing special, but upgrade to…
Mike & Diose's Aabana Beach Resort
Malapascua Island
This friendly, rambling place fringing the boat-building barangay of Pasil, at the eastern end of Bounty Beach, has a range of accommodation, from budget…
El Nido
On the headland between El Nido Beach and Caalan Beach, French–run Makulay offers convenience, privacy and wonderful views from the hilltop apartments…
Around Manila
This beautifully located 1970s relic alongside the Sky Ranch has been smartly renovated and boasts king-sized beds, downy linens and fancy bath products…
Bicol
Super-central on a noisy street, JJ Midcity makes for a perfectly comfortable stay, and reduced 12-hour rates make it even more affordable if you're just…
El Nido
On a particularly desirable slice of Corong Corong's beach, Last Frontier is flanked by casual beach bars and has outstanding views of Bacuit Bay. Rooms…
Coron Town
Coron has a dearth of quality at the midrange, but Sunz en Coron fills that void with its collection of compact but efficient rooms set around an elegant…
Bicol
In the thick of the Magsaysay Ave action, swanky Avenue Plaza has wonderfully accommodating staff to match the top-notch facilities. Rooms are suitably…
Banaue
These lovely Ifugao huts, situated 9km out of town, offer incomparable views of Banaue and the surrounding rice terraces. Each hut sits on its own plateau…
Manila
Helpful owners and homey if busy common spaces are the hallmarks of this popular Malate crash pad. The downstairs common area, open to the street, lends…
North Luzon
With its swimming pools, manicured grounds and hammocks strung between palm trees, this waterfront hotel is Baler's fanciest. Gigantic white tiled rooms…
Busuanga & the Calamian Islands
This friendly little place near the pier in Concepcion has a simple nipa hut with shared bathroom, and a newer duplex with two mural-splashed air-con…
Villa Verde Safari & Pagi Dive Center
El Nido
Villa Verde Safari & Pagi Dive Center occupies lonely Dagmay Beach on El Nido's northern peninsula, about 2km north of Duli Beach the way the crow flies …
Busuanga & the Calamian Islands
Back-to-nature types will love this peaceful jungle hideaway, perched on a ridge with views of nearby mangroves and several islands beyond. A steep stone…
Iloilo
This high-rise towers over its competition for value. Rates are low for the amenities such as robes, 46in flat-screen TVs and a 21st-floor restaurant …
Volcan Beach Eco Retreat & Dive Resort
Camiguin
A line of well-constructed thatch-roofed cottages with sliding glass doors ends on a rocky shore battered by waves – there's a neat bamboo platform for…
North Luzon
Evangeline's feels more like a B&B than a hotel. The multi-storied house is built like a heritage home, with heavy wood floors. The bedrooms, furnished…
North Luzon
This original, colourful backpacker and surfer hostel in Liw-liwa is a great place to connect with a young crowd of fellow wave riders and make friends…
Manila
Manila's number-one party address for backpackers thanks to its rocking rooftop bar and chic ground-floor cafe. It's a huge space, with 130 beds over…
Siargao
Intimate and cool, this small spot with only four rooms is especially good for groups of surfing friends. Minimally designed concrete rooms have modern…
