Best Hotels in Puerto Princesa: Complete Accommodation Guide

Puerto Princesa is where most Palawan adventures begin. As the provincial capital and home to Palawan's main airport, it is the gateway to El Nido, Coron, and the underground river. But Puerto Princesa is not just a transit stop — it is a city worth exploring in its own right, with excellent seafood restaurants, the famous Honda Bay islands, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere that feels nothing like Manila.

Whether you are spending one night before flying north to El Nido or using Puerto Princesa as a base for several days of exploration, this guide covers the best accommodation options from budget guesthouses to business hotels and beachfront resorts.

Best Areas to Stay in Puerto Princesa

Rizal Avenue & City Proper

Rizal Avenue is the main commercial strip of Puerto Princesa, lined with restaurants, souvenir shops, and tour operators. Staying here means you are within walking distance of most city attractions and have easy access to transport to the airport and bus stations. Most mid-range hotels are clustered in this area.

San Jose Road (Airport Area)

San Jose Road runs near the airport and is ideal for travellers with early morning departures or late-night arrivals. Several hotels offer airport pickup and have their own shuttle services. The area is quieter than the city centre but has fewer dining options within walking distance.

Honda Bay & Coastal Areas

Honda Bay is a 30-minute drive from the city centre and offers a more relaxed, beach-focused experience. A small number of resorts dot the coastline here, ideal for travellers who want to pair city exploration with genuine beach time. Isla Pandan and Cowrie Island are the most popular day-trip islands from Honda Bay.

Best Luxury Hotels in Puerto Princesa

Princesa Garden Island Resort & Spa

Set on a private beach near Honda Bay, Princesa Garden is Puerto Princesa's most prestigious address. Lush tropical gardens surround a large pool, and the beachfront restaurant serves some of the best fresh seafood in Palawan. Rooms start at 7,000 PHP per night, with villas and cottages available at higher rates. The resort offers island-hopping tours to Honda Bay, snorkelling gear rental, and a full spa menu.

Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa

Sheridan Beach Resort sits on a quieter stretch of coast about 15 minutes from the city centre. The rooms are well-appointed, the beachfront pool is a highlight, and the resort has a strong reputation for organised tours to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. Rates start around 5,500 PHP per night including breakfast.

Best Mid-Range Hotels in Puerto Princesa

Astoria Palawan

One of the most popular mid-range hotels in the city, Astoria Palawan offers spacious rooms, a rooftop pool, and a restaurant serving good Filipino cuisine. The location on Rizal Avenue puts you within walking distance of the city's best restaurants. Rooms range from 3,500 to 6,000 PHP per night.

Hue Hotels & Resorts Puerto Princesa

Hue Hotels is a boutique mid-range chain with a property in Puerto Princesa that punches above its price point. The rooms are stylishly designed, the beds are comfortable, and the free airport shuttle saves time and money. Expect to pay 3,000 to 5,000 PHP per night for a standard room.

Subterranean Inn

Located in the city centre, Subterranean Inn is a no-frills but well-maintained option for budget-conscious mid-range travellers. Clean rooms, air conditioning, reliable WiFi, and a helpful front desk that can book tours — it covers all the bases at 2,000 to 3,500 PHP per night.

Best Budget Guesthouses in Puerto Princesa

Badjao Inn

Badjao Inn is a longtime backpacker favourite in Puerto Princesa, offering clean fan rooms and air-conditioned rooms at prices that leave room in your budget for tours and food. The staff are knowledgeable about tours to the underground river and Honda Bay. Fan rooms from 800 PHP, air-conditioned rooms from 1,400 PHP per night.

Casa Linda Inn

Casa Linda is a popular guesthouse in the city centre with a small pool, a restaurant serving local dishes, and bike rental available. It is a sociable place where travellers tend to gather in the evenings to swap stories. Rooms from 1,200 to 2,500 PHP per night depending on room type and season.

Must-Do Activities Near Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River

The UNESCO-listed underground river is the biggest reason most tourists visit Puerto Princesa. You travel by banca to Sabang and then paddle through the cave on a small boat, guided by headlamps and the sounds of the river. Permits must be booked in advance — your hotel or a local tour operator can handle this for 1,500 to 2,500 PHP per person including transport.

Honda Bay Island Hopping

Honda Bay's islands — Cowrie, Pandan, Starfish, and Luli — offer good snorkelling and white sand beaches within easy reach of the city. Half-day tours cost around 800 to 1,200 PHP per person. Most hotels can arrange pickup from your accommodation.

Palawan Wildlife Rescue & Conservation Centre

This government-run crocodile farm and conservation centre is an educational and surprisingly entertaining visit, especially for families. It is located near the airport and makes a good stop before or after a flight. Entrance is minimal.

Getting Around Puerto Princesa

Tricycles are the main mode of urban transport and are cheap — most short rides within the city cost 10 to 20 PHP. Multicabs (small open-sided jeepney-style vehicles) cover longer routes. Taxis exist but are less common; agree on a price before getting in. For trips to the underground river or Sabang, join a group tour or hire a private van for the day.

Explore top tours in Palawan or browse our complete Philippines hotel guide for accommodation across all islands.

Tips for Visiting Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa is one of the cleanest cities in the Philippines — littering carries a fine, and residents take real pride in their environment. The city has excellent seafood — do not leave without eating at one of the restaurants along Rizal Avenue. If you plan to continue to El Nido, book your van or bus ticket in advance, especially during peak season, as they sell out fast.