Philippines Hotels

Chosen by Alex Robinson, our Philippines specialist · Updated October 2026

Where to Stay in the Philippines: Hand-Picked Hotels, Mountain Inns and Island Resorts

With more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines has an amazing range of places to stay: a bayside hotel in Manila, a simple wooden lodge looking over the rice terraces of Banaue, a mountain inn full of historic photographs in Sagada, and beach resorts on the islands of Palawan, Bohol and Cebu.

Every hotel we use has been chosen by our Philippines specialist Alex Robinson for its location, comfort and character. Any of them can be combined into a tailor-made Philippines holiday, and our guide to the best things to do in the Philippines shows what you can see from each one.

How We Choose Our Philippines Hotels

• Location: close to the rice terraces, beaches and boat jetties, so you spend more time exploring and less time travelling.
• Character: lodges built in local style, family-run inns and island resorts that feel part of their surroundings.
• Comfort where it matters: good beds, hot water and air conditioning on the coast. In the mountains, nights are cool, so you won’t need it.
• Good for the islands: resorts that employ local staff, cut down on plastic and help protect the reefs around them.

Our Philippines Hotels by Region

1. Manila

Most trips start and end in Manila. We choose hotels that are easy for the airport and close to Manila Bay and the old city of Intramuros.

• The Heritage Hotel Manila: a modern hotel on Roxas Boulevard, overlooking Manila Bay and about 15 to 20 minutes from the international airport. It has an outdoor pool, a spa and comfortable rooms and suites, ideal for your first and last nights.

2. Banaue and the Rice Terraces

• Banaue Hotel: a traditional mountain lodge built in the style of the local Ifugao houses, with wooden rooms, views over the valley, a swimming pool and shops selling Ifugao carvings and weaving. It’s the best base for walking down to the terraces of Batad.

3. Sagada

• Masferré Country Inn: a small inn in the centre of Sagada, named after Eduardo Masferré, often called the father of Philippine photography. His early 20th-century photographs of mountain life hang in the restaurant, and the verandas look over the town and hills. A friendly base for the hanging coffins, caves and waterfalls.

4. Cebu and Bohol

On Cebu, we use Badian Island Wellness Resort, a peaceful island resort close to Kawasan Falls and the Moalboal sardine run. On Bohol, we choose beach resorts on Panglao Island, a short drive from the Chocolate Hills and the tarsier sanctuary.

5. Palawan: El Nido, Coron and Puerto Princesa

In El Nido and Coron, you can stay in town, close to restaurants and the boats, or on a quieter beach or private island, with lagoons and coral reefs on your doorstep. Puerto Princesa is the base for the Underground River. Alex will suggest the right mix for your budget and style.

Philippines Hotels at a Glance

Responsible Stays

We favour hotels and inns that employ local people, buy food from nearby farms and fishermen, and support local crafts, such as Ifugao carving and weaving in Banaue. On the islands, we choose resorts that cut down on plastic and help protect the reefs. Read more about our responsible travel approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I stay in El Nido?

El Nido town is lively and close to the boats, restaurants and bars, but it can be noisy. For a quieter stay, choose a beach just outside town, such as Corong-Corong or Las Cabanas for sunsets, or a resort on one of the private islands of the Bacuit Archipelago. We will suggest the best option for your budget.

What are the hotels like in Banaue and Sagada?

Simpler than on the coast, with comfortable wooden rooms, hot water and restaurants serving local food. The mountains are cool, especially at night, so there’s no need for air conditioning, and you may want a warm layer. What they lack in luxury, they make up for with views and character.

Do island hotels in the Philippines have air conditioning and wifi?

Yes. Our hotels on the coast have air conditioning and wifi, though wifi can be slow on the smaller islands and power cuts sometimes happen, so most resorts have back-up generators.

Are Philippines hotels good for families?

Yes. Filipinos are famously welcoming to children, and many hotels have family rooms and pools, including the Banaue Hotel and The Heritage Hotel Manila. Beach resorts on Bohol, Cebu and Palawan are perfect for families. Let us know your children’s ages and we will suggest the best rooms.

Which Philippines hotels are best for a honeymoon?

The private island resorts and beach villas of El Nido and Coron are the most romantic, with lagoons and sunsets on your doorstep. Badian Island Wellness Resort on Cebu is a peaceful choice for a few days of relaxing. Many couples start with the mountains and finish on the islands.

How far ahead should I book hotels in the Philippines?

For the dry season, from December to May, we recommend booking six to nine months ahead, especially for Christmas, New Year and Holy Week before Easter, when many Filipinos travel. Small island resorts in El Nido and Coron fill up first.

Plan Your Stay

See how these hotels fit together in our 15-day From Highlands to Islands tour or our 15-day island-hopping tour of Cebu, Bohol, Coron and El Nido, or read our Philippines travel guide. To start planning, request a video call with Alex.