I have to say, whoever owned this place hired a great photographer! Don't be fooled by the pictures…read moreyou're seeing online. It's not what it seems!! And also, as confusing as this whole place looks, it's equally confusing when you speak to any of the people on the front desk. We got to the airport and there's a guy flashing the hotel sign for a shuttle. Thinking it's free, we got on it for convenience. In all fairness, when we got to the hotel, driver never asked for any payments. Of course, I just tipped him and we went ahead and checked in. It's unpacked road towards the entrance of the hotel. You get there and you're greeted with 2 beagle dogs chained to their dog house. They probably thought this idea is cute but it's NOT. The walkway is narrow so we have to navigate our luggage around the dogs lying around. We have to walk a ways to get to the check-in counter. It's like a maze only it's dark and weird. I don't know how to explain it!! We finally get to the check-in counter and I presented my booking printed booking details. We also got complimentary juice which was kinda nice. Before we got our room keys, I saw flyers about discounted tours. I thought it was a better deal than the ones I've found online. We decided to book the Underground River tour the next day and paid cash for it. I filled up another form for the Honda Bay tour the following day but didn't confirm nor did I pay for it. Then I asked about city transportation and if they have shuttles that go to the city and back to the hotel on schedules, the lady answered no. And that's when she said, "oh, so how did you get here?". I said, "well, you have an airport shuttle didn't you?". Then she goes to say, "well, it's 60 pesos per person and you have to pay us here". I thought, "what the heck?!!! Hotel shuttles are free everywhere else! But this is yet another money-making scheme!" But I dished out the payment anyway as we're all tired and we needed to settle down. We got to our room and it's an interesting sight, to say the least! It was clean so I have no complaint about that. We had a California size king bed and a pullout bed so it's comfortable for our family of 4. We got hungry so we looked at the menu. There's no way I'm gonna pay for US prices here. So, we decided to check out the city and flagged a tricycle to go to the SM mall. The tricycle rates they posted on their gate is pretty much the rates when you leave the hotel premises. You're on your own to negotiate with tricycle drivers on the way back to the hotel! And having a white husband tagging along with me and tisoy kids, it's no easy job arguing and haggling the price of the fare!! They have a pool area where nobody used while we were there. The water is clean so I didn't mind the boys diving in it. The entire landscape of the hotel is very strange. I mean, there's a Buddha statue at the bottom of the pool! And then they have glow-in the dark paint on some cheesy decorations. I guess the objective of those is to create the ambiance of a "forest" (?). That didn't work quite with me though! Our Underground River tour went successful despite the fact that we got rained on before we got in the cave and it looked like it stormed when we left. That evening, we were all so tired and hubby got very sick we decided not to confirm our Honda Bay tour the next day. We had planned on taking him to the Adventist Hospital instead so he can get prescribed some strong antibiotics. We had told front desk about it. The very next day, we got an early morning call telling us our pickup for the Honda Bay tour is already waiting for us. I told the front desk, we didn't confirm any. She said, not to worry and that she will just take care of it. I went to the lobby shortly after to get internet password for the day (yeah, you have to go up the the front desk to get a password PER day!). I overheard the lady talking/arguing to someone on the phone. And they're talking about the tour reservation we cancelled. When she dropped the call, I told her straight up that she was talking about me. I thought she already told me it's taken cared for. The tour agency demanded full payment for the cancelled booking! That's almost 8,000 pesos! Anyway, whoever it was that "booked" us without confirming ended up bearing the cost. It was a nasty ordeal. I realize this has been a lengthy review but as an elite yelper, I feel like I'm obliged to lay it all down so others would think twice about booking this place! And those poor dogs... I don't know how long they've been chained in there... they need to take them out and give them a proper home and a yard where they can roam around free!

For selfish reasons, I really don't want to write this review, but it would be a grave injustice to…read morethe owners and staff if I didn't. Deep Forest Garden Hotel is one of the best travel values in Puerto Princesa, and I dread the idea of more folks catching on to it. THE ROSES: DFGH is located away from the main town in a delightfully quiet and wooded location. The rooms and grounds are decorated in a manner that can best be described as quirky, eclectic, and delightful. Around the hotel grounds you'll find unusual statuary and wooden carvings, and the rooms all have these nifty carvings as well, giving each room it's own unique appeal. The rooms are very clean, quiet, and the beds are comfortable. There is a pool and a large jacuzzi and a swim-up bar, all of which are kept very clean. Don't be afraid of being assigned a room by the pool; they close it around 10pm, and it is very quiet even before that. The hotel also features a very nice restaurant and bar. While some reviews have noted what they thought were high-ish prices, I honestly found them to be right in line with other restaurants in town. The food is actually very good, with a menu that features both Filipino, European and Asian cuisine, all of which were executed very well. I particularly liked the Bulalo (slow-braised beef shank) served over mashed potatoes. The staff is very pleasant and friendly, and the hotel is quick to correct any room deficiencies. We had a valve on our toilet break while we were there, and it was fixed in literally minutes. THE THORNS: Wi-fi in the rooms is rather poor. One has to go out to the pool area or the lobby/restaurant to get a decent signal. Water pressure in the rooms can also be a bit on the weak side. While they offer snorkeling gear for rent, the selection isn't that great, and some of gear is in so-so condition. If you're going on an organized snorkeling tour, you're better off renting at the shop the tour operator stops at on the way to the boat. Otherwise, check your gear carefully before you go to the beach. For those not used to travel in third-world countries, the surrounding neighborhood does look a little sketchy, with dusty streets and ramshackle homes and streetside market stalls. As the hotel-provided shuttle van was taking us to the hotel, I was starting to wonder what the heck I had gotten my family into. But fear not; while the area is modest, it is very safe, and the hotel itself is like a hidden Shangri-La within this area. THE VERDICT: Owned by a European fellow, Deep Forest Garden Hotel combines Swiss efficiency with Filipino warmth, offering vacationers the best of both worlds. They give you very good value for money, and as more people discover this hidden gem, it could be a very hard room to book. I heartily recommend this hotel!

This place was a great find from Pacific Cruise Travel agency. Very good place to relax and get…read moreaway from everyday life. Rooms are equipped with heaters so you don't freeze on those early morning showers. Wifi wifi wifi wifi is fast 46mbps fast and oh yea the rooms have great ac.

Very beautiful hotel with great staff . Continental breakfast is nice but could be better . Not a…read morelot of selection . Some rooms have beautiful forest views and some are horrible. Very clean and spacious rooms . And they have comp airport shuttle . Now my complaints,,,,, they need to upgrade their door locks because you can literally open the room door from the hallway using a credit card. Their doors do not have the guard which would prevent this so be careful until they remedy this security problem ! Management was notified . I changed my room because of this and new room had same problem. And with staff we tried other door and credit card popped open the door . Now my only other problem was the cold swimming pool . Nothing more I hate is when I can't go swimming in a beautiful pool because it's cold !!!!!! One of the reasons I booked this hotel besides I am a rewards member . And there's really no property grounds to walk around on. But we had a very 3 night stay .

So excited with our stay here. All staff is very friendly and accommodating! Pool, gym, and spa are…read moredone very well. Utilized their massage services, they did not disappoint! All food is delicious! Their breakfast buffet is bomb! They have an omelette station. So much good good.... hot food and of course juices and coffee to drink. So happy with out stay here!!! Will come again!

We enjoyed our short stay at Princesa Garden Island. TJ helped us every step of the wah during the…read morecheck in process. There are a lot of hidden amenities that make this place a five star. First, they have beach access during the day where you can chill at the sandbar after canoeing about 10 minutes. It is quite beautiful there, and you'll enjoy it any time for. 8-9 am or after 4pm. Second, the breakfast is legit with both Filipino and Western items. They have lots of condensed milk for coffee or your bread / desserts. Definitely do not miss the noodle station. You can get the glass noodles or egg based noodles. For lunch you can check out the restaurant that serves Italian / Filipino cuisine. The four seasons pizza is to die for, and so is the seafood plate. Try out the Filipino desserts, or top off your meal with a chill pina colada. Last but not least, the pool is by far the greatest amenity. They do an excellent job keeping it clean, and it's extremely beautiful day or night. I highly recommend trying to procure a room with direct pool access! Thank you awesome service members !

You will get transported the moment you step foot in this hidden gem in Puerto Princessa. You are…read morewelcome by a world class staff that ensures every inquiry or every need is met. Every staff greets you with a smile on their face along with a hand in their heart. It was uniform everywhere. The hotel room in 5316 overlooked the view of the resort in general. The amenities are taken care of even if you forgot your toothbrush. The cuisine in house has a nice selection of Italian meals for western tastes or traditional Filipino meals to get that local flavor. Make sure to go to their breakfast buffet. But the highlight of the trip is the amazing pool that envelops a good portion of the resort that interconnects to the kids section that includes slides and activities for your ones. Princessa Garden Island is a gem hidden in one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines. If you want to escape, this is a must in Palawan Philippines.

Service: 1/5 Cleanliness: 3/5…read moreLocation: 3/5 The staff and service were something left to be desired at the Microtel. From the front desk to the restaurant, everyone seemed to hate their job which gave such a poor impression of this island of Palawan. The shared areas were well kept and clean, but the bathroom had mildew and signs of the previous occupant. I'm typically not so critical about things like this, but in combination with the service level, I'm concluding that this is not a well managed establishment. The location is gorgeous, but pretty far from anything walkable. If visiting Puerto Princesa, I recommend staying elsewhere, or come in with the bar set pretty low

Stayed here for two nights during my last Philippine vacation, going to the Underground River…read more Staff is friendly and attentive. They are also helpful in giving recommendations around Puerto Princesa, if you decide to leave the hotel. The rooms are basic, but very clean. The best part of the room was the sliding door that opens up to the ocean. Just steps away, there were beach loungers, a few picnic tables, and hammocks. And a few meters away, was the water. Our serene "backyard" was the perfect hangout, day and night. It's low tide during the day, giving guests an opportunity to walk around the seafloor and maybe discover some marine invertebrates. At night, the high tide is just as beautiful with the sound of the waves coming in. The picnic tables by their beach can also be used for dining. Their restaurant can serve food to those tables for a more intimate and colorful experience. A very nice touch indeed. Their restaurant is tucked in the left far side of the hotel, right next to the pool. They do have a decent menu with all the Filipino favorites. At dinner time, I enjoyed their Lechon Kawali and Pancit Canton. And with live soft music, good friends, and San Miguel beer on repeat ...no complaints at all! They also offer an inexpensive breakfast buffet ...with an omelet station and simple items like sausage, garlic rice, fruit, bread and pastries. Wi-Fi is terrible in the rooms and in most places around the hotel. Funny how people would stand in the hallways and hang out in the lobby for internet reception. Might be a good getaway ...away from using the internet (if you're into that). Their minimal, or lack of Wi-Fi service allows you to separate yourself from the rest of the world, enjoy the attractive surroundings, sleep, meditate, or swim. I noticed that there were jet skis and canoes nearby. And I heard you can also get a massage. Aside from having difficulty posting on social media, there are a few good reasons to come back... -It is a charming hideaway spot a few miles away from any main paved street. I actually enjoyed the bumpy ride! -They offer shuttle service to and from the airport and also Robinsons Mall -After a long day out gallivanting in high humidity, this place makes it really easy to relax and decompress.

I was quite impressed by the Astoria Palawan Resort. The resort is beautifully situated very close…read moreto the water. We were here for three nights. But what impressed me most was the front desk, restaurant, accommodations, tour plans and water park. The front desk was prompt to our needs. They made every effort to ensure that my girl friend and I were satisfied and having a great experience. We were upgraded immediately when our landline phone was not working. The restaurant's breakfast and dinners were delicious. A taco night, who would have known. For breakfast, main dishes were changed daily giving you an opportunity to taste something new. Each night, a fire show capped off a wonderful evening. The accommodations were very good. The pillows and bed were vey comfortable. I liked that the shower and toilet area being separated giving us privacy. The tour plan was convenient and prompt. The tour vans were on time and they was no waiting. Tour plans were for many wonderful locations. We went island hopping one day. It included snorkeling in many locations over coral reefs and a lunch on one small island. Our other tour was to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. This is something I will never forget. We also did a Mangrove tour by indigenous locals and zip lining nearby. What a wonderful trip created by the tour planners for us. The water park was amazing. Many slides and lots of water. Additionally, the water was very clean and there were many life guards on duty. I will go back or visit one of their other resorts.

This is like a secret resort hidden in nature. The place is beautiful while the amenities are first…read moreclass. The food is varied and delicious. Best of all, the staff is courteous and accommodating. They prioritize the guest experience at the top. I would come back again and again. Thank you to the people and management that keep this gem a gem.

Came here on a Wednesday morning bc our ship docked early and there didn't seem to be much to do at…read more9am. I asked if they had any rooms available so we could check in early (the charge for early check-in is around 25USD). I checked in early with the hopes we could hit the beach but didn't realize it would be low tide allllll morning... booo. The beach looked pretty sad so I paid 100 bucks total to hang out in a pool, gahhhh. We did get two complimentary drinks and given a room right next to the pool. Sadly, I did not take any photos. The pool was clean though and didn't give off a strong chlorine smell. They had a lifeguard on duty, which was nice, however I believe the deepest part of the pool was 5 feet. The room smelled like mold, which I've encountered before at a decently rated resort next to a beach, and I'm unsure if that's normal. The resort is about a 15 min ride to the mall. The front desk will call you a tuk tuk/tricycle when needed- ours came pretty quick.

I wasn't too sure what to expect when we checked in to the Costa Palawan Resort during our visit to…read morePalawan. The resort, itself, sits on a very large property, and the resort had a bit of a drive over a bumpy dirt road as there was a lot of construction happening when we visited. It seems that they were in the process of building another building for the resort. The resort itself was very nice. We were greeted and given a delicious and refreshing drink upon check-in. It seems that there had been an issue with our reservation and we ended up getting upgraded into a bigger room which had the ocean view that we were looking for. When we got to our room, we saw that it was huge, with a giant beautiful sliding glass door out to the balcony overlooking the ocean. We were a bit disappointed, however, that when it is not high tide, the ocean disappears very far away and a large amount of land is visible. Many people go out and gather fish and other ocean life that gets left behind by the changing tide. The bathroom was huge as well with a shower that could fit an entire football team inside. I was thoroughly impressed with the room. I'd surely stay at this resort again if we visit Palawan in the future.

Whoa...This is a true island paradise…read more I found this resort by using Yelp. Thanks again Yelpers for leading me in the right direction. I guess I hadn't really done my complete research on this place because I didn't know that we were going to a totally secluded island resort. We took a plane, then a 40 minute van ride, then a 1 hour boat ride. The journey there is part of the fun. Here are some things you might want to know when you are traveling to Dos Palmas Isand Resort and Spa: *There is an older man on the boat ride to the island who will make things out of palm fronds and he will give them to you. He will not ask for money or tips but just know that he is doing this for tips. This is probably the only payment he will receive for being on the boat, helping you get on and off the boat and helping you with your life jacket. Please tip him! *There are no outside amenities on this island. No shops to purchase resort wear, no vendors selling outside food or trinkets, no stores selling food or drinks. (There is a VERY small gift shop that sells a couple of things.) I would recommend bringing a few snack items to have in your room. *If I came here again, I would bring a few inflatable pool tubes. I thought they might sell them here, but they don't. *The only wifi is in the restaurant. It is terrible! I wouldn't plan on using your phone or ipad while you are here. I couldn't get a wifi connection the entire time we were here. *The one and only restaurant has a rather limited menu but we found the food to be quite good. Aside from the pizza, everything else we ordered surpassed our expectations. The breakfast buffet is included in the price of your room...this was also quite good. *They have free coffee and tea available all day. *The rooms are nice and quiet. We could not hear any of our neighbors. we enjoyed our stay at Dos Palmas and we would not hesitate to stay here again. We were here at the end of March and it wasn't tourist season yet. The weather was perfect and the resort wasn't crowded.

Wow, an island of fun, good food, beach and sun. A very good place to escape from the grid (no TV…read moreor internet). Slow internet is not considered on the grid IMO. They have tons of options in activities: island hopping, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding. They also have lap pool and a regular swimming pool. The water in their pool is seawater. They have a full size basketball court where you can play with the staff who stays in the island. They have karaoke rooms, pool table, foosball, table tennis, and a tennis court. Food is also without a question, enjoyable. But we find Sheridan's food better in terms of flavor. Everyone here is nice, service is excellent. Highly recommend this place if you want to get away from technology. My only gripe is the unnecessary island orientation when you first arrive. They'll hand out the schedule of activities. Unless you're really that dumb, the orientation wasn't needed, it was rather time consuming coz they wont start unless every guest are present.