Hotels in The Philippines

Accommodation Choices in the Philippines: Living Among the Pinoy

The Philippines is an archipelago of islands whose economy depends heavily on tourism.  Depending on which of the islands you’re on, you’ll find a variety of accommodation choices to suit your budget.  The major cities of Intramuros and Makati City in Manila are home to several big name international hotel chains.  Many visitors tend to congregate in Chocolate Hills or the beautiful sandy white beaches of Boracay Island, Honda Bay, Malapascua Island, Puraran Beach, and Alona Beach.  Accommodation here is cheap and easy to find.  You should, however, book in advance for Christmas and Easter as these periods bring in heavier demand than usual.  Adventurers looking to stay in deserted areas or close to mountain hiking trails might have difficulty locating a hotel.  The best option would be to speak to the local mayor and arrange a stay with one of the locals in the area (this happens more often than you think).  Making a contribution towards your expenses is highly recommended.  

Types of Hotels

Hotels range from budget accommodations to major five-star hotels.  Even the larger hotels are quite reasonably priced compared to similar properties in the West.  While looking for accommodations, decide what the most important factor is: location or services & amenities. If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll often have to decide on one or the other.  That being said, good hotels are generally within easy reach of the other islands.  Many hotels offer special water adventure packages for the more active guest, including kayaking, windsurfing, knee-boarding, diving, and more.  More upscale facilities like spas and business centers are also available at the larger hotels.   

Booking a Room

Most hotels advertise their rates on the Internet through sites or through online travel agents.  Use a reputable travel agent and be sure to read several hotel reviews from prior guests before you select one.  Bookings can usually be made online with a credit card.