I'm a kind of traveler who wants adventure and comfort at the same time. So when it comes to my travels, I make sure that I like the place where I will have my rest after a long day of adventure. Although I also believe that you shouldn't spend too much on your accommodation as you will spend most of your time outside of your room, it doesn't mean that you will deprive yourself of a good bed, a good comfort room and a peaceful place to stay. If comfort comes with a price and you think you can afford it, then better. And if comfy and budget came at the same time, then you are lucky. Thanks to the internet, everything is easier for choosing and comparing of the places to stay.
El Nido is a small town but a lot of places to offer. There were houses to rent, apartments, hostels, from expensive to budget hotels. And also, if you particularly want a sleeping place by the sea, there were a lot to choose since just meters away from the shores were lines of houses for rent and hotels. Restaurants also dominated the area. I saw Bill Tourist Inn at Agoda where I used to book most of my hotels. It was a new place at that time, just started operating for less that 5 years. I got our accommodation for P3,300.00 per night with breakfast. The amount was a little higher if you're on a budget but as I've said, it's good to indulge yourself once in a while. ;)
L O C A T I O N
Bill Tourist Inn is located at Amboy St., Brgy. Buena Suerte, El Nido, Palawan. From Puerto Princesa, a 6 hour drive will get you to El Nido thru a shuttle van. We were directly delivered to the gate of the hotel. I'm not sure if it was a kind gesture on the side of our driver or the hotel was just along the way.
You will know immediately that the hotel was new from it's physical appearance. The paint was all intact and in good condition. Everything seems new even inside the room. This was one of the reasons why I chose the hotel. It's nice to know that the place was not yet too exposed from a lot of people.
The room was not that big, not more than 20 sq.m but can accommodate 2 to 3 persons. I loved the way it was. Simple but cozy. There was a cabinet for the clothes, the lighting's were all good, the bed was big and comfy, there was a light board on the bed. The restroom was also good including the size and the shower. And of course, the winner of all was the balcony. We had a great view of the surroundings and I just loved the color combination of the paint and the small table and chair that completed the look. No need for anything since the place itself was wonderful.
My most favorite part of the room. Even from here, you will feel the magic of El Nido.
Waking up to these views. Amazing!
The hotel was surrounded by residential houses (no worries, not that close to the hotel). But since we were at the 4th floor (the hotel consists of 5 floors), the roof of the houses around were part of the everyday scene. You can also find an Elementary School in front of the hotel, just across the street. There were some noise but it didn't bothered us. I had fun watching the kids activities on the ground.
You cannot go out without taking photos from the balcony, I swear!
The buffet meal during our stay was included on our accommodation. There was a limited choices of food but it was fine since we were more excited on our daily activities. The dining area, which also serves as the lobby of the hotel was a little small. I hope they can find a way to expand it or separate the two areas to make the guests more comfortable.
There was a mini pond just below the stairs of the hotel where they put live lobsters and other fishes. So you know that sea foods on their menu was fresh. :)
We went out for dinner on our first night. Though the hotel is not on a beach front, everything was just a walk away.
There was a night market in front of the Municipal Hall with a lot of food choices and loud background music that kept the surroundings alive. But we chose to have our dinner beside the beach. Night life at El Nido was not as loud as you can experience from Boracay or Puerto Galera. There were no fire dancers or any performers in the shore. I really appreciate the calmness that the town made me experienced.
El Nido Municipal Hall
Going to the main beach was just a walking distance, around 150 meters away. From the hotel, you will see the El Nido Municipal Hall before you reach the beach. You will also pass by a lot of travel agencies where you can book your island hopping. Just a good location for everything.
Church that we saw while walking around.
The staffs were all courteous and friendly. They were always willing to help us with our questions and concerns.
Overall, we had a great stay at Bill Tourist Inn. I'm giving it a score of 7 out of 10 for the comfort, location and service. Not bad for a newly opened hotel. Sorry if I didn't have a lot of photos to show because I was not aware that after almost 2 years, I will write about it on my blog. If only I know, I should have documented it better. ;)
Calle Amboy, Brgy. Maligaya,
El Nido, Palawan,
Philippines
For activities in El Nido, you can check this on the blog:
x o x o
Faith