Located on a remote private island between Palawan and Mindoro islands, Huma Island is an upscale resort with a relaxing vibe and stunning tropical setting. The property features 81 upscale villas and suites, many of which are built on stilts above the water and feature outdoor hot tubs with panoramic sea views. There are five restaurants serving up a variety of world cuisines -- from Lebanese to Italian -- but most are seasonal, and the property’s isolation means some menu items are often unavailable. The hotel has the potential to be a top luxury resort, but repairs after extensive damage caused by a typhoon are slow, and there seem to be maintenance issues throughout. For the same price, El Nido Resorts Apulit Island offers a similar but more reliable experience.
Located on a remote private island between Palawan and Mindoro islands, Huma Island is an upscale resort with a relaxing vibe and stunning tropical setting. The property features 81 upscale villas and suites, many of which are built on stilts above the water and feature outdoor hot tubs with panoramic sea views. There are five restaurants serving up a variety of world cuisines -- from Lebanese to Italian -- but most are seasonal, and the property’s isolation means some menu items are often unavailable. The hotel has the potential to be a top luxury resort, but repairs after extensive damage caused by a typhoon are slow, and there seem to be maintenance issues throughout. For the same price, El Nido Resorts Apulit Island offers a similar but more reliable experience.
Set on beachfront grounds overlooking Tayabas Bay in Batangas, the mid-range La Luz Beach Resort is a rustic property that mainly attracts families and groups looking for an affordable getaway, as all0inclusive rates cover food. The 40-room resort has a selection of simple rooms, including dorms with bunk beds ideal for groups. They’re fairly basic, with not much by way of amenities (no TVs here), but air-conditioning and (spotty) Wi-Fi are included. Maintenance issues have been reported. The beautiful white-sand beach is one of the main attractions here, lined with loungers and cabanas, plus there are a number of water sports and other activities on offer, like snorkeling, diving, boat trips, guided hikes, and more. Beyond this, there’s not much in the way of features (no pool), but meals are included in rates and served buffet-style. However, food is reportedly mediocre. For an alternative with more features, check out Matabungkay Beach Resort in Lian.
Set on beachfront grounds overlooking Tayabas Bay in Batangas, the mid-range La Luz Beach Resort is a rustic property that mainly attracts families and groups looking for an affordable getaway, as all0inclusive rates cover food. The 40-room resort has a selection of simple rooms, including dorms with bunk beds ideal for groups. They’re fairly basic, with not much by way of amenities (no TVs here), but air-conditioning and (spotty) Wi-Fi are included. Maintenance issues have been reported. The beautiful white-sand beach is one of the main attractions here, lined with loungers and cabanas, plus there are a number of water sports and other activities on offer, like snorkeling, diving, boat trips, guided hikes, and more. Beyond this, there’s not much in the way of features (no pool), but meals are included in rates and served buffet-style. However, food is reportedly mediocre. For an alternative with more features, check out Matabungkay Beach Resort in Lian.
Set overlooking Lake Taal and its famous volcano, the mid-range Club Balai Isabel is a decent option for families and groups who prioritize access to activities over luxury. Three pleasant pools -- two of which offer views of the lake -- extensive (if basic) sports facilities, a playground, and a water park keep guests of all ages busy. A basic spa has indoor massage rooms and outdoor water areas. Both the main restaurant and the pizzeria have pleasant outdoor spaces that draw guests and non-guests alike, especially in the evening, though food gets mixed reviews. The resort’s 288 rooms range from simple standard units with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges, to comfortable 12-person villas with patios and full kitchens. Many, however, are showing wear and have drab bathrooms and spotty Wi-Fi. Travelers wanting an oceanfront stay may like Club Punta Fuego.
Set overlooking Lake Taal and its famous volcano, the mid-range Club Balai Isabel is a decent option for families and groups who prioritize access to activities over luxury. Three pleasant pools -- two of which offer views of the lake -- extensive (if basic) sports facilities, a playground, and a water park keep guests of all ages busy. A basic spa has indoor massage rooms and outdoor water areas. Both the main restaurant and the pizzeria have pleasant outdoor spaces that draw guests and non-guests alike, especially in the evening, though food gets mixed reviews. The resort’s 288 rooms range from simple standard units with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges, to comfortable 12-person villas with patios and full kitchens. Many, however, are showing wear and have drab bathrooms and spotty Wi-Fi. Travelers wanting an oceanfront stay may like Club Punta Fuego.
The mid-range Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is a charming reconstruction of an 18th-century village in Bagac. Sprawling, beachfront grounds feature quaint Spanish colonial-style architecture, cute cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and balsa boats ferrying people along the river that runs through this “living museum.” The property also comprises a 217-room hotel and 16 private casas that sleep from two to 16 people. The spaces hark back to another era, but still have modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and large bathrooms with separate tubs and showers. However, like much of the resort, they’re showing wear and have some maintenance issues. Additionally, there are no elevators, so guests with mobility issues should request a ground-floor unit. Dining options include five restaurants serving local and international fare, plus free breakfast, but food receives mixed reviews. Other features include cultural shows, water sports, an outdoor pool, and a spa for massages. Walking tours and balsa river cruises are included in room rates, or they can be booked as a day tour. Travelers wanting an affordable beach hotel may prefer Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort, which has overwater villas.
The mid-range Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is a charming reconstruction of an 18th-century village in Bagac. Sprawling, beachfront grounds feature quaint Spanish colonial-style architecture, cute cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and balsa boats ferrying people along the river that runs through this “living museum.” The property also comprises a 217-room hotel and 16 private casas that sleep from two to 16 people. The spaces hark back to another era, but still have modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and large bathrooms with separate tubs and showers. However, like much of the resort, they’re showing wear and have some maintenance issues. Additionally, there are no elevators, so guests with mobility issues should request a ground-floor unit. Dining options include five restaurants serving local and international fare, plus free breakfast, but food receives mixed reviews. Other features include cultural shows, water sports, an outdoor pool, and a spa for massages. Walking tours and balsa river cruises are included in room rates, or they can be booked as a day tour. Travelers wanting an affordable beach hotel may prefer Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort, which has overwater villas.
With a remote location in Busuanga Island, limited Wi-Fi access, spotty mobile service, and no TVs in rooms, El Rio y Mar Resort is a good upper-middle-range pick for those looking to get away from it all. Its 31 units come in a variety of styles and layouts, from stand-alone huts full of traditional details to more standard hotel guest rooms. All have furnished balconies overlooking the ocean, as well as minibars stocked with sodas and water, safes, and thermoses with purified water. Although secluded and tranquil, the property offers a lot to do on-site, including free non-motorized water sports, hiking, and island-hopping tours. For something a bit more luxurious and less remote, the Busuanga Bay Lodge is a good alternative.
With a remote location in Busuanga Island, limited Wi-Fi access, spotty mobile service, and no TVs in rooms, El Rio y Mar Resort is a good upper-middle-range pick for those looking to get away from it all. Its 31 units come in a variety of styles and layouts, from stand-alone huts full of traditional details to more standard hotel guest rooms. All have furnished balconies overlooking the ocean, as well as minibars stocked with sodas and water, safes, and thermoses with purified water. Although secluded and tranquil, the property offers a lot to do on-site, including free non-motorized water sports, hiking, and island-hopping tours. For something a bit more luxurious and less remote, the Busuanga Bay Lodge is a good alternative.
Carlito's Way Hotel and Hostel is a budget property just a few blocks from Termini train station in the center of Rome. The neighborhood is convenient for metro options, but a 30-minute walk from some of Rome's iconic landmarks. People stay at Carlito's Way for a clean and quiet place to sleep and store their belongings, but not much else. Reception services are located next door at Hotel Des Artistes.
Carlito's Way Hotel and Hostel is a budget property just a few blocks from Termini train station in the center of Rome. The neighborhood is convenient for metro options, but a 30-minute walk from some of Rome's iconic landmarks. People stay at Carlito's Way for a clean and quiet place to sleep and store their belongings, but not much else. Reception services are located next door at Hotel Des Artistes.
In an historic home on 155th Street, in Harlem's storied Sugar Hill neighborhood, the Saint Nicholas Inn is a cozy, four-room bed and breakfast run by friendly, knowledgeable, and unobtrusive hosts who cater especially to international visitors. The large and clean rooms, which feel more like those in a friend's house than a hotel, are well-maintained despite the building's age, but both the decor and the building understandably show some wear and tear. The communal breakfast table, too, feels like it's in a friend's kitchen. The C subway line stops just down the block, dropping you in Midtown in 20 minutes, and other subway stops are within walking distance. Despite the distance to major sights, the rates make it quite a deal.
In an historic home on 155th Street, in Harlem's storied Sugar Hill neighborhood, the Saint Nicholas Inn is a cozy, four-room bed and breakfast run by friendly, knowledgeable, and unobtrusive hosts who cater especially to international visitors. The large and clean rooms, which feel more like those in a friend's house than a hotel, are well-maintained despite the building's age, but both the decor and the building understandably show some wear and tear. The communal breakfast table, too, feels like it's in a friend's kitchen. The C subway line stops just down the block, dropping you in Midtown in 20 minutes, and other subway stops are within walking distance. Despite the distance to major sights, the rates make it quite a deal.