Subic Bay Hotels, Guesthouses and Resorts

Located just about 2.5 hours from Manila, Subic Bay is a welcome respite for many city dwellers. Thus, if your vacation falls on a holiday or a weekend, make sure to book your accommodation several months in advance. Budget wise, options are neither too cheap nor too expensive so it's ideal for a short holiday.

Budget

Backpackers and solo travellers on a budget may be disappointed by the lack of hostels and dormitory option. Your best bet is to go with value for money places like the Cherry Midtown Hotel (2 Afable Corner 18th Street, Barangay East Bajac-Bajac) where you can score a private room for only PHP1,288. Even better if you're a party of two since these rooms can accommodate up to 2 people. For its price, we actually got more than what we were expecting. The rooms are spacious and clean, there's an onsite parking, the location is quite central and close to the bus terminal, the staff from the guards to receptionists are all polite and professional. Overall, there's nothing to dislike.

Rainbowland Hotel (1090 Rizal Avenue, East Tapinac) is another competitive option with their standard double room at just PHP1,200 per night. Location is probably its best asset with malls such as SM and Harbor Point close by. Public transport is very accessible and restaurants are within a few minutes’ walk. Rooms are clean and cosy and beds are very comfortable. Best of all, their WiFi is quite strong so we were able to check some work emails. Parking could be a problem but you can try and ask if they can reserve a space for you. Also, they had very few cable channels but it was no issue considering we spent most of our time outdoor.

Mid-Range

Not only is Ichi No Beddo Hometel (13C 6th street gordon avenue) strategically located, it has a modern, apartment style design that we absolutely love. The layout is more like an apartment with a living room and kitchen and furnished with a mini fridge and a microwave. Public transport, malls, restaurants, and shops are all very accessible. The only downside with being right at the centre of everything is the occasional karaoke sessions that could go on well into the night. The other thing is that they do not have an elevator so it might be a problem for someone with a mobility issue. A deluxe queen room here is available for approximately PHP2,500 per night.

If you want something mid-priced on the beach then get a room at Treasure Island Resort for about PHP 2,400 (Baloy Long Beach Rd, Barrio Barreto). While the beach itself may not be too pristine, the resort does have a nice pool complete with a tiki bar. The food is consistently good and the staff are all accommodating. They also have a dive shop if that's your thing.

Top End

For something a bit fancier, you can't go wrong with Best Western Plus Hotel Subic (Lot C-5B Block C, Dewey Avenue). Room rates inclusive of breakfast and environment fee range from PHP4,200 to PHP10,600. There's plenty to love here, the infinity pool, the view, the free breakfast, our lovely room, the staff. Facilities and amenities are also top notch and well-maintained. The rain shower was an absolute delight to use. Overall, we loved every minute of our stay and will recommend to friends and family.

Last but not least, you will find the ultimate luxury at Kamana Sanctuary Resort & Spa (Nabasan Beach, Ilanin Forest, West District). Room rates are between PHP2,700 to PHP12,800 per night inclusive of breakfast. First off, the beach is not exactly ideal for a dip but the infinity pool more than makes up for it. The rooms on stilts are quite a sight to see and the view from the resort is really something. We also loved the buffet breakfast as well as our elegant and spacious room. The only downside is that there is no separate spa facility and you have to check in from the hotel's restaurant, which is a bit strange to say the least. Other than that, our stay was definitely something to remember.