El Nido Hotels, Guesthouses and Resorts
Contrary to popular belief, El Nido can be done on the cheap. Sure, island resorts will cost you an exorbitant amount of money but there's a good deal of budget accommodations right in town.
If you wish to save on transportation expenses and be close to bars and restaurants, then choose a place within the town proper. If you wish to stay somewhere more secluded but still just a few minutes away, then Corong-Corong is for you. The same is true for Caalan – best sunset and away from the hubbub. No matter where you decide to set up base, you're never too far away from pristine beaches. Here, we've rounded up a list of accommodations to suit your budget.
Budget
Our number one recommendation for the cash strapped island explorer would have to be the Spin Designer Hostel (Balinsasayaw Road corner Calle Real, Barangay Maligaya) where you can get a dorm bed for about 1,000PHP or a private room for 2,700PHP plus 12% VAT. Very chic, very modern, great location, and the free breakfast was superb! The common lounge area also makes it very easy to meet other people and they have social activities every night. WiFi however is painfully slow but it's the same everywhere else so it hardly matters.
We also love David's Guest House (Recado St.,El Nido) for its location. It's only a couple of minutes walk away from the beach, bars, and restaurants but it is on the quiet side so you kind of get the best of both worlds. WiFi is surprisingly working and the owner and staff are very accommodating. Private rooms can be had from 1,200PHP to 1,300PHP before 12% VAT.
Mid-Range
El Nido Bayview Hotel (Sitio Marimegmeg, Barangay Corong-Corong) is moderately priced relative to El Nido standard with room rates ranging from 6,700PHP to 8,500PHP. However, it is well worth the price for what you get: majestic view and divine sunsets (we booked the Bay View Suite) ovely staff, delectable buffet breakfast, scenic location. The overall atmosphere is very tranquil and relaxing and if you ever you have the need to pop into town, it's only a short tricycle ride away. Please do note that there are a lot of stairs going up to the rooms so it may not be the best choice for someone with mobility issue.
Next up is the Doublegem Beach Resort and Hotel (Sitio Lugadia Brgy. Corong-Corong) which offers a standard triple room for 4,800PHP and a family room good for 6 pax for 10,500PHP plus 12% tax. At the end of the day, we loved dipping in the pool to stare out into the distance. What an amazing view and the sunset is out of this world.
Top End
This chapter is dedicated to the island resorts. For starters, the Vellago Resort (Seven Commando Beach) is simply paradise on earth. At 22,900PHP to 24,900PHP per night, you get breakfast served in your balcony every morning, romantic dinner on the beach each night, massages while enjoying the phenomenal view from your terrace, snorkelling and island hopping tours, and a lot more. In short, the best time of your life just lazing around amidst luxurious facilities and the most beautiful islands ever.
You also cannot go wrong with El Nido Resorts (Miniloc Island) which offers full board for about PHP 17,000 PHP 33,000 plus 12% tax per night. At this rate, you pretty much have everything at your fingertips, 5-star facilities, fantastic snorkelling site right in front of the resort, private tours, excellent assortment of food, and wonderful staff who makes sure your stay is worth every penny.
