Filipinos who prefer not to spend loads of money just to have a fantastic vacation will be delighted to know that there are many great hotels around the country to choose from depending on their budget.
Based on Tripadvisor reviews, here are the 10 best staycation hotels in the Philippines for 2017.
1. Amanpulo
This idyllic secluded paradise resort with a pristine beach and rich foliage tops the list of the best staycation hotels of 2017. Amanpulo is located at Pamalican Island in northeast Palawan province. Guests reach the island through a private plane. They can choose to stay at either a villa (four-bedroom townhouse type with living room and dining area) or the casita (bahay kubo type unit with sky view and direct access to the beach). Visitors can avail of scuba diving, windsurfing, sailing, bird watching, sightseeing at nearby islands, and simply chilling out at the spa.
2. El Nido
Another topnotcher on the Tripadvisor list, El Nido is actually a chain of sustainable island resorts in Palawan. Each resort offers unique and beautiful experiences amidst natural landscapes and idyllic settings. Apulit Island is made just for adventurers who want the experience of climbing a 60 meter cliff, discovering sunken treasures on the beach, spelunking in the island’s many cave, or encountering myriads of marine species underwater. Miniloc Island offers back-to-basics experiences in staying at a coastal native village, and yet have the chance to explore various marine fish around the lagoons of the area. Lagen Island offers a dense forest sanctuary setting to enable visitors to encounter local species of fauna in their natural habitats. Finally, Pangulasian Island offers a combination of a pristine beach against a tropical forest backdrop and breathtaking sunrise and sunset views, along with luxurious green-concept accommodations.
3. Raffles Makati
This is practically the best staycation hotel in Metro Manila, and is conveniently located amidst the busy Makati Central Business District and the Ayala Malls. The hotel is legendary in terms of service quality, charming and sophisticated ambience, and gastronomic delights. Each of the 32 stylish suites are designed to provide a sense of comfort for a totally relaxing staycation in the city. The hotel is a short walk to various world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment establishments in exciting Makati.
4. The Peacock Garden
Just a few minutes away from the historic Baclayon Church and 15 minutes away from Tagbilaran, Bohol, this luxury boutique resort offers a great, expansive view of the sea along with its many amenities. Guests will enjoy the hotel’s comfortable and luxurious rooms, the Roman-inspired spa with all kind of massage and treatments, fitness center, infinity pool, and four dining options. From the hotel, guests can easily go sightseeing to key scenic spots like the tarsier sanctuary, Bohol Bee Farm, the Loboc River, Bohol National Museum, and Panglao Island.
5. Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa
The name Shangri-la has always been associated with tranquility, and that’s what visitors will expect to find at this resort located on the bustling island of Boracay in Aklan. A private speedboat at Caticlan will take guests to the resort in less than 30 minutes, better than having to lease a boat at one of the stations. In fact, Shangri-la Boracay boasts of being the first luxury hotel on the island. The hotel is far away from the noisy nightclubs and crowds that abound in Boracay, so this gives its guests a feeling of privacy and peace, truly a relaxing staycation hotel experience! And while at the hotel, guests can engage in fitness and sports activities at the gym, tennis court, or swimming pool. Or they can book special tours to other parts of the island, such as Puka Beach for the sumptuous freshly cooked seafood, the D Mall area for souvenir shopping, and the main beach area for other activities like parasailing and banana boating.
6. Henry Hotel Manila
People who just want a nice pleasant staycation hotel with a unique ambience will be delighted by this hotel, conveniently located in a secluded spot in Pasay City. Being in any of the rooms feels like being taken back to a past era of simplicity and tranquility. The impressive garden surrounding the hotel is an ideal spot for photography aficionados, and has been used numerously for prenuptial videos. From the hotel, guests can easily go to the nearby Mall of Asia for shopping, dining, or entertainment.
7. Discovery Shores Boracay
Here’s another Boracay-based resort ranked among the 2017 staycation destinations, and for a good reason. The five-star luxury resort boasts of 87 guestrooms with the finest amenities including a world-famous spa. In fact, Discovery Shores received commendations as being one of 500 top-rated hotels in the world, and voted twice as best hotel in the Philippines in recent years. It has been included in TripAdvisor’s 2015 Hall of Fame. The hotel resort offers a breathtaking view of the sunset, powdery and silky white sand, and bluish pristine waters, making it a total tropical paradise. Guests enjoy the view of the sea while dining at Discovery’s Indigo or Sands Restaurants. The Terra Wellness Spa provides a unique pampering experience. Other facilities include a beach bar, children’s room, library, meeting room, and gym. Guests can also arrange for tours to other parts of the island.
8. Atmosphere Resort
This luxury resort is located in Dauin, Negros Oriental near Dumaguete City. Visitors can choose from 14 suites that look out to the beautiful gardens and the hotel’s Sanctuary Spa. Or they can stay at family rooms which can house four people, complete with extensive outdoor bathrooms, double sinks, rain shower, and pocket garden. From the hotel, guests can visit nearby Oslob in Cebu for an encounter with whale sharks, Tanon Strait for dolphin watching, Manjuyod Sandbar for a picnic lunch with a panoramic view of surrounding islands, Valencia for a refreshing dip at the waterfalls or a fruit farm for a healthy food trip, or key spots in Dumaguete City like the Bell Tower and stone church. Atmosphere also sponsors a local soup kitchen providing meals to impoverished children, and guests are welcome to join in this fulfilling experience for free. The hotel also provides arrangements for scuba diving aficionados, snorkeling programs, and private swimming lessons to guests.
9. Villa Caemilla Beach Boutique Hotel
Located at a quiet and peaceful part of Boracay (Station 3) on the White Beach, this luxury hotel resort has what it takes to be a boutique hotel perfect for couples and families. The hotel is situated along a four-kilometer strip of beachfront property, so you can enjoy the sand and sun without noise and crowds, yet have easy access to clubs, restos and the D’Mall with just a few minutes of walking. Hotel rooms are stylish with a tropical getaway ambience. The hotel is also close enough for guests to avail of water activities, such as banana boating, water skiing, parasailing, and island hopping.
10. Discovery Primea
Another great hotel of the prestigious Preferred Hotels and Resorts LVX Collection, Discovery Primea is located right in the heart of the Makati Central Business District. One-bedroom lofts have a lot of space averaging 72 square meters excluding the balcony, and overlook either Ayala Avenue or Urdaneta Village. These units feature many desirable amenities such as high speed Internet for multiple devices, a Nespresso machine, a full-sized refrigerator, hair dryer, 46” LED TV, rain shower, fully furnished kitchen with an induction cooking range, mini bar, Pressreader access, and even a weighing scale. Smaller but equally comfortable business suites feature the same luxurious amenities except for the kitchen. Guests who spend staycation at the hotel can easily walk to the nearby Ayala Malls to enjoy shopping, dining, and movie watching.
For these hotels, prices do vary and depend on the season, so it’s best to look for great staycation deals in 2017 through Agoda or other reliable hotel booking websites.
