The best accommodations Philippines

Budget & Tips

The range of accommodation available in the Philippines is extensive, with something to suit every budget. Most accommodations can be booked and paid for online in advance by credit card. Some of the more basic accommodations only offer cash payment on arrival (please allow for this). For mid-range and top-of-the-range hotels, you can also pay by credit card on the spot, but this is not always the case - check in advance.

Hostels/Youth hostels. Hostels are everywhere. For a bed in a dormitory, expect to pay less than 10 euros a night (500-800 PHP). For a private room (with or without bathroom), expect to pay around 15-20 euros (1,000-1,300 PHP). These hostels are aimed at backpackers on a budget. Comfort is often minimal, and wifi and hot water are often absent. But the atmosphere is often friendly, and they're ideal for solo travelers looking to meet new people.

Guesthouse/Homestay. This type of accommodation, somewhere between a bed & breakfast and a small family-run hotel, is very common in the Philippines. It generally consists of just a few rooms (with or without private bathroom) and includes breakfast. They are ideal for travelers looking for a little privacy on a limited budget. Expect to pay between 20 and 40 euros per room (1,300 - 2,300 PHP).

Hotels. When it comes to regular hotels, it all depends on the standard you're looking for. For a hotel with limited comfort and services, prices start at 20 euros. If you're looking for the standard of Western hotels (comfortable bedding, available wifi, hot water), you'll have to pay a little more, from 40 euros up to 150 euros a night (2,300 - 9,000 PHP).

Resorts. For travellers who don't count and who want to live the dream of a resort on a remote island, you'll have to pay between 8,000 and 15,000 PHP (or even more) per room (130-250 euros, rising to over 1,000 euros for palaces). Add to this the cost of transfers, catering and activities, and the bill quickly climbs.

Good deals. By using booking platforms such as Booking.com or Agoda.com (which work very well in Asia), you'll often get discounts on your reservations, plus other advantages (customer service, free cancellation, etc.).

To be booked

It's generally possible to book accommodation at the last minute, or even during your trip. However, you should be aware that this option will take time (during your vacation) and in the more touristy areas, you may not have much choice.
During the high season, from December to April, it's best to book in advance. In very touristy areas (El Nido, Coron, Boracay...), book in advance too, and if you're traveling there during the off-peak season (June to September), don't hesitate to negotiate prices, even though they usually drop automatically. If you're going to a destination for a festival (in Kalibo in January, for example) or during Holy Week, it's imperative to take your precautions well in advance, as accommodation is taken by storm.

What's very local

Power cuts (and therefore air-conditioning and electrical outlets), lack of hot water, faulty wifi... Staying in the Philippines on a limited budget can sometimes be quite a surprise. In some low-cost accommodation, there is no shower, just a basin, a tap and a bowl to pour water over... quite an adventure (part of a trip to the Philippines)!

If you're traveling for work and need a working internet connection, write to your establishment beforehand, as they often display "wifi available" and in reality it doesn't work. To recharge your devices (phone, camera, computer, headphones), remember to carry at least one portable battery.

Bed linen and towels are provided, and triple and even quadruple rooms are not uncommon.

There is often a 12% tax, which is not always clearly indicated when booking a room.

When you check out, it's common for someone to go and check your room before letting you leave the hotel. Expect to wait 5 to 10 minutes.

For food lovers

Most accommodations offer breakfast, either included or for a fee (around 200 PHP). Invariably, you'll find the Filipino breakfast, more or less good depending on the standard of the hotel: rice, eggs and meat + tea or coffee. Some hotels offer a more extensive and varied menu (pancakes, toast, fruit, yoghurt, etc.).

Smokers

Legislation on smoking is quite strict in the Philippines, especially in big cities like Manila, Legazpi and Cebu, where tolerance is close to zero. As far as accommodation is concerned, they all have a smoking area, and this is generally the only place where you can smoke. Smoking is forbidden in the room and in other common outdoor areas. But each hotel has its own policy, so don't hesitate to ask.